Biblical Prophets - Bible Study Online
Jeroboam had heard all that Ahijah the prophet had to say when it came to the House of David and they departed from each other. Something tells me that Jeroboam might have started bragging about the prophecy he had just received? I type the word "bragging" because somehow Solomon had found out that Jeroboam had found favor with the Lord; and so therefore, tried to have him killed. Because of this, Jeroboam would have to flee Jerusalem and seek refuge from within the land of Egypt: which was now under the rule of Shishak the King of Egypt. When it comes to Shishak? Egyptologists have identified him to be Shishaq; and if this is the case, this means he would be officially known as Shoshenq I. Now, when it comes to Shoshenq I; he was the ruler over Egypt just as the Scriptures point out, but he also came from a Meshwesh Libyan descent. I find this to be important, for he was also the son Nimlot A the Great Chief over the tribe of Meshwesh. Shoshenq I would advance to the Egyptian throne after his predecessor Psusennes II; and at the start of his reign would mark the beginning of the Twenty-second Egyptian Dynasty and he reigned between the years of (943 - 922 BC.) Now, as we move back towards Jeroboam: I find it very interesting when it comes to the events that followed? That Jeroboam had just received Word from the Lord that he will rule over ten tribes when it comes to the House of David; and next, Jeroboam finds himself fleeing from that very same house. Interesting on how the Lord works? Be as it may, Jeroboam was now on the run. Shortly after though, the Scriptures would confirm thatSolomon who had ruled Israel for forty years, would passaway: "As for other events of Solomon's reign: all that he did and the wisdom he displayed; are they not written in the book of the annals of Solomon? For Solomon reigned for forty years. Then he rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king." (1 Kings 11:41-43) Now, when it comes to the "Book of The Annals of Solomon" -- which is also known as "The Acts of Solomon" This is basically a political public record that dealt with the life and actions that were recorded during the reign of the current king. This record was probably kept by a historiographer, or chronologist. Some of these records are found in the sacred books of 1 & 2 Chronicles. The Scriptures now turn our attention to Solomon's successor, which was his son Rehoboam. Now, it's interesting to note, that the Scriptures immediately points out that Rehoboam was on his way to Shechem, for the Israelites of the ten tribes were going to hold a public inauguration for the start of his kingship. Why Shechem was chosen for this event and not the city of Jerusalem could be for a number of reasons? For we could assume, that Solomon had told Rehoboam about how the House of David was going to be divided after he passes; and because of this, Rehoboam tries to hold off this judgment by going to meet personally with the ten tribes? But the Book of Joshua would point out that Shechem was the place in which Joshua had renewed the covenant with all the tribes: "Then Joshua assembled all the tribes of Israel at Shechem. He summoned the elders, leaders, judges and officials of Israel, and they presented themselves to God." (Joshua 24:1) Perhaps from that point on, Shechem was used for these purposes; and just like Joshua used that place to make a new covenant with all of Israel; perhaps the ten tribes were going to use the same place to usher in a new era when it comes to the nation as a whole? Be as it my, Rehoboam was now headed to Shechem for his inauguration. But as we read farther along, we will now learn that the Israelites had also invited Jeroboam to come and speak for them at the inauguration. Now things become clearer when it comes to why they chose Shechem, for Jeroboam wasn't going to go into the city of David: for the mere fact that he still had a bounty on his head from when Solomon had reigned. How do he not know, that Rehoboam won't honor that same bounty out of respect for his father Solomon? He doesn't, so it would be best for Jeroboam if they spoke in a place that was neutral and safe for him. For Jeroboam knew, that the Israelites that had invited him to speak for them, would protect him if Rehoboam had tried to seize him. Now that Shechem had been chosen as the place that the inauguration for Rehoboam will be held, what now? With Jeroboam knowing that the Lord will hand him power over the ten tribes, will he use this event to announce the start of his own kingship? What about the ten tribes, are they ready for the nation of Israel to be divided?
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