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In 1 Kings chapters 11 and 12, we witness the tragic fulfillment of God's judgment on Solomon's disobedience. Chapter 11 reveals Solomon's unfaithfulness through his many foreign wives who led him to worship other gods. Because of this, God declared that the kingdom would be torn from his hand, though not during his lifetime for the sake of his father David. Chapter 12 details how this prophecy comes to pass. After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam takes the throne. When the people ask for lighter burdens, Rehoboam, swayed by his young advisors, responds harshly. This leads to the ten northern tribes rebelling and forming their own kingdom under Jeroboam, leaving only two tribes (Judah and Benjamin) loyal to Rehoboam. Thus, the unified kingdom of Israel, established under Saul, David, and Solomon, is tragically divided.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What was the primary reason God decided to tear the kingdom away from Solomon's family?
  2. How did Rehoboam respond to the people's request for lighter burdens? What advice did he reject, and whose advice did he follow?
  3. What was the immediate consequence of Rehoboam's harsh response? How did the people react?
  4. Who became king over the ten northern tribes? What was his name, and what did he do to try and keep the people from returning to Jerusalem to worship?
  5. What were the long-term spiritual consequences of Jeroboam's actions for the northern kingdom?
  6. This story shows how pride, a refusal to listen to wise counsel, and disobedience to God can lead to devastating consequences, even for an entire nation. What lessons can we learn about seeking and accepting good advice?
  7. How can we avoid making choices that create division in our own families or communities?
  8. What does this passage teach us about God's justice and His faithfulness to His word, even when it means judgment?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we see in this story the sad consequences of turning away from Your commands and refusing wise counsel. We pray for unity in our families, our church, and our nation. Help us to humble ourselves, to listen to Your wisdom, and to follow Your ways so that we do not bring division. Forgive us when we have been disobedient or proud. We trust in Your justice and Your enduring faithfulness. Amen.

This discussion is based on The One Year Bible Storybook by Virginia Muir.

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