“Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the Lord, and returned to depart, according to the word of the Lord.”
Context:1 Kings 12 records the division of the kingdom of Israel after the reign of King Solomon. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, becomes the king of Judah, while Jeroboam becomes the king of the ten northern tribes of Israel. The verse in focus, 1 Kings 12:24, contains a message from God through the prophet Shemaiah to King Rehoboam.
- Understanding the verse:
- Divine instruction:God speaks through the prophet Shemaiah to deliver a message to King Rehoboam. The phrase “Thus saith the Lord” indicates the authority and source of the message.
- Prohibition against war:God commands Rehoboam not to go up and fight against his brethren, the children of Israel. This is a directive to avoid engaging in a military conflict with the northern tribes.
- Acceptance of God’s word:The verse states that Rehoboam and his officials hearkened (listened) to the word of the Lord and obeyed His command. They returned to their homes, refraining from going to battle against the northern tribes.
- Key lessons from 1 Kings 12:24:
- God’s sovereignty:The verse highlights God’s control over political and military events. The division of the kingdom was part of God’s plan, and He communicated His will through the prophet.
- Unity and reconciliation:The instruction not to fight against their brethren emphasizes the importance of unity and avoiding unnecessary conflict among God’s people. Instead of pursuing violence, Rehoboam and his officials chose to return home, promoting peace and reconciliation.
- Trusting and obeying God:Rehoboam’s response to God’s command demonstrates his willingness to listen and submit to God’s authority. It serves as a reminder for us to trust in God’s wisdom and follow His instructions, even when they may go against our own desires or instincts.
Application:
- Seek unity:As believers, we are called to promote unity and peace within the body of Christ and in our relationships with others. We should strive to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and reconciliatory manner, following the example set by Rehoboam when he chose not to fight against his brethren.
- Trust God’s guidance:Just as Rehoboam hearkened to the word of the Lord, we should develop a habit of seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives. We can do this through reading and studying His Word, prayer, and listening to the counsel of godly individuals who are aligned with His principles.
- Accept God’s sovereignty:Remember that God is in control of all things, including the circumstances and events in our lives. Even when situations seem uncertain or challenging, we can trust that God’s plan is unfolding and seek to align ourselves with His purposes.
