United and Divided

“And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon and will give you ten tribes (but he shall have one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel),” ~ 1 Kings 11:31–32

It was the “Golden Age” of Israel. King David, taking over after Saul, had fought the necessary battles to bring a sense of peace to Israel. Borders had been secured and enemies defeated. David’s military prowess paved the way for the reign of Solomon, his son. Solomon would build on the military victories by creating alliances and trade agreements with the nations around Israel. Building projects such as the temple and the palace were shining examples of what could happen in peace time. Political and economic strength brought security to the land where God’s people lived. This “Golden Age” is called the United Kingdom. But it would not live one generation beyond Solomon.

When Rehoboam took the throne, his foolish actions would forever change the landscape of the Promised Land. Denying the wise counsel of his father’s advisors, Rehoboam angered the people of Israel. The result was civil war and division. Ten tribes followed Jeroboam and became Israel, also called the Northern Kingdom. Two tribes remained with Rehoboam, the son of Solomon. These two tribes were called Judah or the Southern Kingdom.

One nation, two eras. One era marked by unity, peace, and prosperity. One era marked by division, mistrust, and sin. What does it all mean? Look closely at 1 Kings and you will see that unity or division are heart matters. When our hearts are united with God, we experience the blessings of nearness and kinship. When our hearts are divided between God and anything else, we experience the pain of sin and separation. The kingdom once again teaches us how to walk with God.