2 Chronicles 10:15
“So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.”
This verse is part of the account of the divided kingdom of Israel after the death of King Solomon. Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, had become king, but faced opposition from the northern tribes of Israel. The people requested that he lighten the heavy yoke that Solomon had placed on them.
In this verse, we see that Rehoboam did not listen to the people’s request. Instead, he rejected their appeal and decided to exert even more control and authority over them. The verse explains that the reason Rehoboam did not heed the people’s advice was because it was a divine purpose or “cause of God.”
This verse reveals an important principle found throughout the Bible: that God can work through the actions and decisions of human beings to fulfill His purposes. In this case, the division of the kingdom and the rise of Jeroboam as king over the ten northern tribes was part of God’s plan.
The phrase “that the LORD might perform his word” indicates that God had already spoken through the prophet Ahijah concerning the division of the kingdom. God’s word was to bring judgment upon Solomon’s disobedience and the idolatry that had crept into the nation. This division would serve as a consequence of their actions.
The division of the kingdom had long-term consequences for Israel. The northern kingdom, also known as Israel or Samaria, went on to experience a series of wicked and idolatrous kings, leading to its eventual destruction by the Assyrians in 722 BC. The southern kingdom, known as Judah, continued for several centuries until it was conquered by Babylon in 586 BC.
This verse serves as a reminder that even when human decisions seem to go against the will of God or the desires of the people, God’s purposes can still be accomplished. It also highlights the importance of heeding God’s warnings and obeying His commands, as the consequences of disobedience can be severe.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 10:15 emphasizes God’s sovereignty, His ability to work through human actions, and the importance of obedience to His word.
