9 February 2024
He then said to Jeroboam: Take for yourself ten pieces; for thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘See, I am about to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon, and will give you ten tribes. One tribe will remain his, 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. Yet for the sake of your father David I will not do it in your lifetime; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. I will not, however, tear away the entire kingdom; I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.’
From 1 Kings 11:29-32, 12-19, NRSV
In today’s reading we hear hear about the beginning of the separation of the tribes of Israel as a consequence of King Solomon’s idolatrous actions. Jeroboam was one of Solomon’s officials and a trusted leader in Solomon’s kingdom. One day as he was leaving Jerusalem he met the prophet Ahijah who symbolically tore the garment he was wearing into twelve pieces giving ten to Jeroboam to represent the ten tribes that would become his. The prophet then repeated the words that had been spoken to Solomon about the division of his kingdom that would happen during the reign of his son. Acting under the influence of the prophet’s words, Jeroboam started to form alliances with the northern tribes where there was already resentment towards Solomon because of the inequity of the forced labour to which they were subjected when the southern tribes were not. Following the death of Solomon, Ahijah’s prophecy was fulfilled and Jeroboam became king of the northern tribes. His reign was marked by constant conflict with Judah including one very severe defeat in battle.
- Was Jeroboam’s kingship a destiny or a choice?
- What is your experience of having your loyalty tested and what helped you with your decision?
Pray for discernment to make the right choices about the decisions that affect you and those who depend on you .
