RIPS AND TEARS



Image result for clipart of torn pieces of clothing


 Very interesting political intrigue!  One of the adversaries that God raises up against Solomon is Jeroboam.  Jeroboam is a valiant warrior and Solomon is so impressed with him that he is appointed over the forced labor of the house of Joseph.  

While out of Jerusalem one day, Jeroboam is met by the prophet Ahijah on the road.  Ahijah takes off his own cloak and rips the clothing tearing it into ten pieces.  He instructs Jeroboam to take ten pieces of the cloak, and then announces to him that the kingdom will be torn from Solomon's son. Jeroboam will be given ten tribes and crowned as king over Israel.  Solomon hears of the announcement and then decides to have Jeroboam murdered.  Jeroboam escapes into Egypt and remains there until the death of Solomon.  He will appear on the scene again when Rehoboam is to be crowned as king. 

 Ahijah has explained to Jeroboam the reasoning that the kingdom will be torn from Rehoboam: the people have been lead to the idol worship of Ashtoreth, Chemosh, and Milcom.  The people have forsaken the ways of God, His statutes, and His ordinances.  Note: Promise made to Solomon...no threat!  "For it was a turn of events from the Lord, that He might establish His word, which the Lord spoke through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam .." 1 Kings 12:15 b.

 Sure enough, Jeroboam is sent a message and is asked to return to Jerusalem.He is asked to be the spokesman to present the grievances to Rehoboam.  When Rehoboam hears the grievances , he is counseled by his peers to ignore the grievances, and the people of Israel leave from the confrontation angry and willing to rebel from Rehoboam.  

Like a faithful and loving parent, God has explained His expectations and His boundaries to Solomon who may or may not have taught his son, Rehoboam.  In  further readings, we will see that Rehoboam and Jeroboam will ignore the expectations of God.  The kingdoms will be in war with one another and there will be no peace for either kingdom.   In my years, I have noticed that God does not threaten or stand and count, "1...2...3, etc."  He has given us His completed word and it does not change because it is 2017.  Psalm 199:89, "Forever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven."  I am speaking specifically of that which is right and that which is wrong.  God is faithful to His promises for good and He is faithful to His promises for correction. NO IDLE THREATS!  Forever learning!  In process! #IHAVETHREESONS

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