King Jehoshaphat-True Confession

by Mary Vee
II Chronicles 20 and I Kings 22

From King Jehoshaphat's Scroll

We won the war. 

Judah had the victory. 

We didn't do anything other than to march to the battlefield. In truth, God took care of everything else. 

We were so happy gathering all the plunder, sharing the goods with our families. 

God's power amazed us.




And then I did something stupid.

Sigh

The king of Israel, Ahaziah asked me to make an alliance with him. I knew better, I know and I knew. 

I don't know what came over me. What caused me to make such a bad choice. 

I had already forgotten the alliance I made with his father, king Ahab. Well, that turned out to be a disaster. Did I learn my lesson? 

Sigh. I guess not.

King Ahaziah asked me to construct a fleet of trading ships to go to Ophir and collect gold. Once the workers finished building the ships I received a visit from Eliezer. Eliezer the prophet.

I knew. The moment I saw him, his message would not be good.

Eliezer said, "Because you have made an alliance with Ahaziah, the Lord will destroy what you have made."

Sure enough, and I knew never to doubt a message from the Lord, the ships were wrecked and to able to set sail to gather trade. 

I wish I made the right choice the first time. King Ahaziah sent a messenger requesting to allow his men to sail with my men."

I made a bad choice the first time, but I would not the second. "Messenger, return to your master with this word: No, your men may not sail with my men."

Oh, Lord, help me to obey your commands the first time.

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photo courtesy of http://www.morguefile.com

1.  What good recently happened for Judah and their king, Jehoshaphat?
2.  What did Ahaziah, king of Israel ask king Jehoshaphat to do?
3.  What did Jehoshaphat answer?
4.  What did Jehoshaphat make?
5.  After the project ended, who visited Jehoshaphat?
6.  What message did the visitor bring?
7.  King Ahaziah asked for more help. What did Jehoshaphat say this time?

Jehoshaphat-Taught the People

By Mary Vee
I Kings 22 and II Chronicles 17

From A Priest's Journal

So much can be said about a person's actions.

Especially a leader.

Jehoshaphat, king of Judah not only had a heart devoted to God, but he also wanted the people living in Judah to live as God commanded. Of course the men and women saw his example. They needed more, though. 

In the third year of Jehoshaphat's reign he sent his officials: Ben-Hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Michaiah, also certain Levites: Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-Adonijah with these priests: Elishama and Jehoram throughout the country. 

Their job? Teach the Book of the Law of the Lord to all the people in every town of Judah.

In time all the countries around Judah became fearful of the Lord. They saw what the Lord did for Judah while Jehoshaphat's example drew the people close to God. Not one country threatened war against Judah during this time.

Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts including silver to show their respect for Jehoshaphat and Judah's dedication to God. Even the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams, and seven thousand seven hundred goats. 

Our king, Jehoshaphat became powerful. He used the gifts to build forts and store cities in Judah keeping large supplies in the towns of Judah. No one needed anything. He also paid for experienced fighting men in Jerusalem. Those who protected the king numbered one million, one hundred sixty thousand men!  

One day, Ahab, the king of Israel, asked Jehoshaphat, "Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?"

Jehoshaphat answered, "I am as you are, my people are your people, my horses are your horses. First, before I agree to help, you must ask God if we should."

Before I can continue this story, I need to tell you about Ahab, the king of Israel.

Ahab did not love God. He didn't worship Him. And ... wait, this is a big story to tell. Come back next time to read how God sent a starving prophet using a raven, and find out what happened to a king who listened the queen who did not love God.

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1.  Jehoshaphat knew showing the people of Judah how to obey God was important, but not enough. What did Jehoshaphat do?
2.  Jehoshaphat sent his officials, the __________, and the _______ to every town in Judah.
3.  What were these men suppose to teach the people?
4. What happened to Judah while Jehoshaphat ruled?
5. Who brought Judah gifts?
6. Who asked Jehoshaphat to help him?
7. What did Jehoshaphat say Ahab had to do first?

Jehoshaphat-Proved His Devoted Heart to God

By Mary Vee
I Kings 15, II Chronicles 20

From a Priest's Journal

It doesn't take much to be able to tell a dedicated heart for God, for me anyway. As a priest I get to see what many people do when others aren't looking. The proof is in their daily actions and goals.

King Asa died a sad death. He could have asked God to heal his feet, but he didn't. I'm not saying that I know for sure if God's plan included Asa's healing at that time. He simply didn't even ask, and so the infection spread and he died.

His son, Jehoshaphat, bless his heart, loved God and wanted with all his heart to finish the job his father started. 

After Jehoshaphat became king, he went throughout the country to removed any new gods put up by the people, the high places where the people worshipped other gods, and the Asherah poles in all Judah.

He followed the teachings of his father Asa: how to do what was right in the eyes of the Lord and to keep God's commands. He became a great example to the people of Judah, showing them how a devoted heart to God should act. 

Unfortunately in the area of Edom, there was no king at the time. If only the Edomites could have had Jehoshaphat to teach them. They worshipped false gods rather than the Almighty God of their fathers before them, the God who loved them.

I am in wonder how the Edomites could not see the good Jehoshaphat has brought to Judah. 

Jehoshaphat stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and in Ephraim and built forts for them.

This is a man whom the Lord clearly was with because in his early years, Jehoshaphat walked in the ways of his great, great, great grandfather, David, had followed.

Unlike the king of Israel, Jehoshaphat did not talk to the Baal gods but asked the Almighty God his questions. After hearing the answer, he followed God's instructions exactly as God said. 

The people of Judah loved their king and showed it by bringing him rich gifts. He had great wealth and was given honor from his people. 

Yes, this was the kind of king I wish could forever reign in Judah. A man whose heart was devoted to the ways of the Lord and proved it by removing all the false gods.

What else did Jehoshaphat do during his reign to prove his devoted heart to God? Come back next time and see.

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Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1.  What didn't Asa, king of Judah do?
2.  What happened to him?
3.  Who is Jehoshaphat?
4.  How did Jehoshaphat prove his devoted heart to God?
5. Who didn't have a king at this time?
6.  What happened different in that country?
7.  While Jehoshaphat was king, Judah would have been a great place or scary place to live.

Asa-Did Not Ask God For Help

By Mary Vee
I Kings 15, II Chronicles 16

From the Royal Physician's Records

The kingdom of Judah has continued to be ruled by a son of David on the throne. I don't mean a real son of David. This is the way we say a son or grandson or great grandson. It saves time and words to use this short way of speaking.

Years ago ten tribes of Israel broke away from us. They chose their own king to rule them. I guess I could see their reason for doing this, a tiny bit. At the time, Solomon's son Rehoboam did some mean things. But he was young and didn't know any better. As he grew older he became a much better king. Unfortunately the ten tribes had already left us. 

Rehoboam's son, Abijah became king when his father died and Asa became king when his father, Abijah died. 

Those of us living in Judah saw how Asa pleased the Lord when he first became king. As time went by he made some bad choices. When the prophet Hanani spoke with Asa about the bad choice Asa became angry. Life became pretty hard here in Judah after that conversation.

I think Asa knew he did wrong but couldn't admit it. He treated the people in our kingdom cruelly. We all tried to stay away from him as much as possible. 

But one day he became ill. A disease attacked his feet. It was so bad he couldn't walk.

His officials called me in to examine his feet. I tried. I really did. I used every method I knew to ease his pain and to cure the disease.

I heard someone mention to him to ask for God's help. Asa, shook his head. I saw his squinty angry eyes and the determination in his heart not to ask for God's help. 

His feet became worse, sending the disease deeper into his body. For two long years, we physicians worked to save his life, but failed.

Asa had prepared a tomb for himself ahead of time. It had been carved in the City of David. Despite his cruel behavior at the end, the people mourned for him. So many tears shed and weeping throughout Judah for a king who showed his dedication to God when he first reigned.

We placed Asa's body on a special stand and covered it with the best spices and various blended perfumes.

During the funeral a huge fire blazed in Asa's honor. 

I wiped away tears myself, because even though Asa had some bad times where he didn't ask God for help, he had good times in the beginning when he did. He took away idols and helped us worship God.

Our relatives in the tribes living in Israel haven't had this. The kings of Israel have led their people away from God and toward idol worship.

God, please help us to remember you. Help our new king to ask you for help.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1.  Asa knew he did wrong but _____________
2.  One day Asa had a disease affect his ____________
3.  Asa chose to call for _____________ to help.
4.  Could the physician's help Asa?
5.  What did someone ask Asa to do?
6.  Did Asa follow the instructions?
7.  How did the people respond when Asa died?

author's note...have you noticed that for many of the kings, the Bible simply tells us a new king was crowned. We don't hear about the honor given to them at a funeral. But we did for Asa.

Asa- A Good King Who Made a Bad Choice

By Mary Vee
I Kings 15, II Chronicles 15

From Asa's Scrolls

I had reigned over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and those from the tribes of Simeon, Manasseh, and Ephraim who joined with us for fifteen years. 

During this time my grandmother, Maacah, served as queen mother. She made a repulsive Asherah pole. Why she went against my wishes I don't understand. She knew my feelings on the subject. To prevent her from leading others astray I took away her title and cut the pole down, broke it up and burned it in the Kidron Valley.

The people living in Judah needed to know my serious commitment to God and his commandments.

I had reigned for thirty-five years before war came.

Baasha, king of the other tribes in Israel, continually stirred up battles between us. He became quite angry when men from the tribes he ruled left and came to live in Judah under my rule. Baasha sent an army to fortify Ramah to prevent anyone else from coming or going to Judah.

I knew we could not defeat him by ourselves. His army was so big.. 

I took all the silver and gold from the treasuries of the Lord's temple and from my own palace treasuries and sent it all with a few of my officials to Ben-Hadad who was ruling in Damascus.  I sent this message with my gift: "I have sent this great gift of silver and gold for you. Let's make a treaty between us. Break off your treaty with Baasha, king of Israel and join with Judah."

Ben-Hadad agreed and sent his armies to fight against the towns of Israel. He conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maacah and all Kinnereth, in addition to Naphtali.

When Baasha heard the news, he stopped building his forces against Judah and retreated.

Once a messenger reported to me that Baasha had fled, I commanded everyone from Judah, no one would be exempt, to go the the site where Baasha set up a fortress and to knock down the structure. I ordered all the building supplies taken from the fortress to be used to build up the cities of Geba and Mizpah.

Everything seemed to go well. I thought I had done a good job as king of Judah. My plan stopped Baasha.

But....a visitor came to see me after the work had finished. Hanani the prophet asked to speak with me. I of course allowed him in to my court. Surely he came to congratulate me.

He said, "Because you relied on help from Ben-Hadad, king of Aram and not on the Lord your God, the army of Aram has escaped from your hands. Didn't you fight the mighty armies of Cushites and Libyans with the help of the Lord and win? The eyes of the Lord go throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. You have done a foolish thing, and from now on you will be at war."

His message angered me. How dare he say I did wrong? How dare he blame me for future wars. I ordered my guards to throw him in prison. And I must admit, my anger continued to rage so that I put citizens in prison too. 

I had to, didn't I? If I didn't punish the people severely they would think the prophet was right.

author's note....no...he should not have punished the people for his wrong choice.

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1. All seemed to go well for Asa. He first took away the title of queen mother from __________ because she _________.
2. He welcomed men from these tribes who wanted to leave the rule of Israel: ______________, ________________, and ______________.
3. Baasha, king of Israel became angry and decided to __________.
4. Asa, king of Judah made a quick decision. He gathered all the ________ and ________ from the temple and his palace and sent it to _________.
5. King Asa wanted Hadad to help him _______________
6. Did Hadad agree? If so what did he do?
7. Who visited Asa after the battle? What message did he bring?

Asa-God Rewards Obedience

By Mary Vee
II Chronicles 15, I Kings 15

From Asa's Journals

One day after the battle, the prophet Azariah came to me with a special message from God. I didn't know whether to be afraid of expect exciting news. The battle against Zerah the Cushinte and his men had been won solely by the hand of God. 

Now, I want to seek His will because ruling a nation, even if it is small is not an easy task.

He said, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.

"For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and sought him, and he was foud by them. In those days it was not safe to travel about, for all the inhabitants of the lands were in great turmoil. One nation was being crushed by another and one city by another, because God was troubling them with every kind of distress. 

"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for yor work will be rewarded."

He couldn't have said more encouraging words. The Lord is with us! He is pleased!

I'm going to get back to work removing all the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns we captured in the hills of Ephraim, too. 

I'm so excited. After the idols are removed I will have the altar of the Lord repaired, the one that is in front of the portico of the Lord's temple. The silver and gold and the articles that my father and I have dedicated will also be brought into the temple.

I have not been able to remove the high places of false worship in Israel, but my heart is fully committed to the Lord for the rest of my life. And as I know he sees what is in my heart, He will continue to be pleased.

I can't tell you what an energizing feeling this brings to my soul.

Following the war with Zerah the Cushite, we had peace in Judah and Benjamin. 

Here is the most exciting news. In my grandfather Rehoboam's time, many of the people split away from us. During my life time I have seen families from the trive of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon come to live with us in Judah. 

They especially returned to offer sacrifices to the Lord, God of Israel at His temple, with His appointed priests.

Praise the Lord God of Israel for His love to His people.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. Who was Asa's grandfather?
2. Asa was a king of Judah who did/did not obey God? _____________
3. What message did the prophet Azariah bring Asa?
4. What did Asa do after hearing this message?
5. Who joined the people of Judah because they saw God blessed that tribe?
6. What did the new people do that please God? 

Asa - Attacked by Zerah the Cushite

By Mary Vee
II Chronicles 14

From Asa's Journals

The end of our peaceful time came.

Zerah the Cushite drove his massive army and three hundred chariots all the way to Mareshah. Any man in his right mind knew we did not stand a chance against such a vast army.

I called my army to arms and marched to Mareshah. Knowing the size of his army frightened me, seeing the army terrified me even more. I led my army in a call to the Lord our God. "Lord, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the might. Help us, O lord our God for we rely on you, and in your name we have come against this vast army. O lord, you are our God. Do not let man prevail against you."

As I finished the words I felt the peace I longed for. I knew God would care for us. 

And so He did. We barely had to fight. 

Zerah's army stood frightened for a short while then turned and fled. I and my army chased after them as far as Gerar. Zerah's soldiers fell dead all along the way, littering the road with their bodies. The number of surviving soldiers decreased rapidly, cutting off their defenses.

We carried off the plunder from the soldiers. Remember, we did not start this war.

The cities all around Gerar were destroyed. My soldiers took the plunder from there as well. The villages had great wealth. We could hardly carry it all. 

We went out to the pastureland where Zerah's shepherds took the sheep and attacked them as well. We took droves of sheep, goats, and camels and returned to our homes in Jerusalem with the riches from the battle.

Overwhelmed with the victory God gave, us we sang praises to Him and worshiped our Lord.

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1.  Who is king of Judah at this time.
2.  The kingdom of Judah had ten years of ____________ (peace or war)
3.  Who started this battle? _________________
4.  Who had the bigger army?
5.  What did Asa do after he arrived at the battlefield?
6.  What happened to Zerah's army?
7.  What happened to Zerah's villages?
8.  What happened in the fields where Zerah's shepherds cared for the sheep?
9.  What did Asa do after the battle?

Asa - Abijah's Son is Crowned King

By Mary Vee
I Kings 15 and II Chronicles 14

From Asa's Journal

My father reigned in Jerusalem only three years. This hardly provided me the training I needed to take his place. But he died suddenly and I was crowned king.

The kingdom rested in peace for ten years. I can't tell you how good it felt not to have to deal with battles. After all, I needed time to learn my job!

During this time, I learned to listen to the advisors and priests. I ordered the immediate removal of all foreign altars and the high places, then commanded my men to smash the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. The incense altars in every town in Judah also were removed.

I commanded everyone in Judah to seek the Lord, the God of our fathers, and to obey his laws and commands. And as we sought the Lord together, He gave us peace.

During the time of peace, I continued the work started by my grandfather, king Rehoboam. I ordered the cities in Judah to be fortified. We put walls around them with towers, gates, and bars. 

This great land of Judah is ours because we sought the Lord our God. He gave us rest on every side. This became a time of prosperity for Judah.

My army had three hundred thousand men from Judah. Each man equipped with large shields and with spears. We also had two hundred and eight thousand soldiers from the tribe of Benjamin. Each man armed with small shields and with bows. All of the soldiers were brave fighting men.

One year after I became king, Jeroboam, the evil man who stole the hearts of the other ten tribes and steered them away from worshiping our great God, died. His son, Nadab succeeded him as king of Israel.

Nadab continued to lead the people away from God. I thought Jeroboam was evil, but his son Nadab committed greater crimes. Apparently the people of Israel agreed. From the tribe of Issachar a man named Baasha devised a plan to kill Nadab.

Nadab led his army to attack a Philistine city. During the battle, Baasha murdered Nadab and crowned himself king of Israel. The same day he began to reign he killed all of Nadab's family, even his cousins, anyone related to his father, Jeroboam.

The prophets said Jeroboam suffered this punishment because of the great and many sins he committed.

Unfortunately, Baasha followed in Jeroboam and Nadab's footsteps. He continued to lead the ten tribes of Israel away from worshiping and obeying God. 

This will not go well for them. I am reminded by their example of the importance to worship and obey God.

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1. The kings of Judah have been Rehoboam, his son Abijah, and his son _________.
2. The kings of Israel have been Jeroboam, his son Nadab, and the new king ________.
3. Asa got rid of all the ___________
4. He ordered the people to _________________
5. Nadab was an evil king. So much so, a man from the tribe of Issachar planned to ______.
6. Was Baasha, king of Israel, a good or bad king?
7. Was Asa, king of Judah, a good or bad king?

Abijah - First Battle

By Mary Vee
II Chronicles 13

From Abijah's Journal

Last time I wrote, I told you of my new position as king of Judah. After father's passing, I deeply wanted to reunite the kingdom, all twelve tribes.

As my foe, Jeroboam, king of Israel, he drew the battle line with an army twice the size of mine. I spoke to them, warning the soldiers of our deep desire to worship the Lord. I welcomed them to join us and to walk away from Jeroboam as their leader.

Not one came to our side. 

I raised my sword signaling my army to attack. But, it was then that a noise from behind my army captured my attention. I looked and found an ambush of Jeroboam's soldiers waiting to attack. They crept around behind us while I offered their army one last chance to join us. Crafty.

Surrounded on all sides by an army twice the size of us, I knew we were doomed unless we had help from God. I and my men cried out to the Lord. The priests with us, ones appointed by God, blew their trumpets signaling all the men of Judah to raise the battle cry.

At the same moment our cry rang toward the heavens, God routed Jeroboam and all of his army before us. Jeroboam and his army tried to flee, but God delivered them into our hands. Their army suffered five hundred thousand casualties from our swords. A heavy loss for Jeroboam's army.

My army chased Jeroboam, forcing him to retreat quite a ways. We took from him the towns of Bethel, Jeshanah and Ephron, with their surrounding villages. What a glorious victory for Judah. Jeroboam did not regain power at any time during my reign.

After the battle we celebrated the Lord's victory over Jeroboam's army. We had relied on the Lord the God of our fathers for help, and he provided.

Life became easier afterwards.

I married fourteen times and had twenty-two sons and sixteen daughters. I must admit I didn't keep all the commands of the Lord after the day of the battle. The priests warned my father against doing many of the things he did. They warned me too. My heart was not fully devoted to the Lord any longer.

Not like David, the great king that everyone talks about. The priest once told me I should feel blessed because, although I had sinned, for David's sake, the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and by making Jerusalem strong. 

The priest also said David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord's commands all the days of his life--except in the case of Uriah the Hittite.

I don't know that I could live up to such a standard. It seemed easier to follow my father's footsteps, even though it did not please God.

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1. Who is king of Israel at this time?  Who is king of Judah at this time?
2. Why did Abijah fight Jeroboam's army?
3. What sneaky plan did Jeroboam's army have?
4. What did Abijah and his army do when they saw Jeroboam's attack? They cried to _____
5. What happened next?
6. After the battle what kind of life did Abijah choose to live? Why?
7. Did Abijah choose to continue following God?

Rehoboam-Death and Life

By Mary Vee
I Kings 14, 15 and II Chronicles 12

From Abijah's Journal, New King of Judah

My father, Rehoboam, son of Solomon, grandson of King David reigned Judah for seventeen years. He assigned my living quarters in Jerusalem with him to give me the training necessary to reign in his place. Recently, my father died.

His passing troubled me, for although he prepared me to take over his throne, I still felt unprepared. In my heart, I knew what I had to do first. I wanted to reunite the kingdom as one Israel. I could only do this with God's help.

Jeroboam had reigned over Israel for eighteen years. He ripped the heart and soul of our people, pulling them away from worshipping God to praise evil false gods.

I rallied an army of four hundred thousand able fighting men to fight against Jeroboam. He drew up a battle line, commanding eight hundred thousand able troops. This did not frighten me. The Lord can win battles with only a few soldiers.

I brought my men to the top of Mount Zemaraim in the hill country of Ephraim. We stood facing Jeroboam's army. His men needed another chance to leave their leader and join forces with throne God appointed for Israel. Jeroboam could join us as well, if he wanted.

I called out to Jeroboam's army with this message:

"Jeroboam and all Israel, listen to me! Don't you know that the Lord, the God of Israel, has given kingship of Israel to David and his descendants forever by a covenant of salt? Yet your leader, Jeroboam, son of Nebat, an official of Solomon, son of David, rebelled against his master.

"Some worthless scoundrels gathered around him and opposed Rehoboam, my father, son of Solomon, when he was young and indecisive and not strong enough to resist them. And now you plan to resist the kingdom of the Lord, which is in the hands of David's descendants.

"You are indeed a vast army and have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made to be your gods. But didn't you drive out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and make priests of your own as the peoples of other lands do? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams may become a priest of what are not gods.

"As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the Lord are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them. Every morning and evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the Lord. They set out the bread on ceremonially clean table and light the lamps on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you. Men of Israel, do not fight against the Lord, the God of your fathers, for you will not succeed."

I gave them a few moments to consider my words. Stop by next time when I will have their decision to tell.

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1. What happened to Rehoboam, king of Judah?
2. Who is Abijah?
3. What did Abijah want to do first?
4. Why did Abijah take his army to the mountain?
5. What did Abijah want to tell Jeroboam's army?
6. What do you think the Jeroboam's soldiers will decide to do?

Jeroboam-Consequences

By Mary Vee
I Kings 13

From A Man of God's Notes

God spoke to me today, telling me to go to the city of Bethel. There I would find an altar that Jeroboam, the king of Israel, built. 

I put on my sandals, took my walking stick, and journeyed from Judah the few miles to Bethel. Jeroboam made the altar easy to find, it was huge. Many Israelites stood in line, waiting to offer their sacrifices. 

Why they didn't go the short distance to Jerusalem and offer their sacrifice at the temple as they should have, I don't know. But these are the disobedient ones. They followed Jeroboam and made him their king instead of staying loyal to Rehoboam, the grandson of David.

I walked past the line, confident in my steps, right up to the altar where Jeroboam stood offering his sacrifice. The words God gave me flowed from my mouth, "O altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: 'A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who now make offerings here, and human bones will be burned on you.'"

Jeroboam's brows furrowed, his eyes squinted, and his face turned angry red. He knew he had done wrong by appointing anyone he pleased to serve as a priest. Not one Levite was chosen. The people would have priests who didn't truly worship God.

I refused to be afraid. I had to continue saying the words God gave, no matter what Jeroboam did or said. "This is the sign the Lord has declared: the altar will be split apart and the ashes on it will be poured out."

Jeroboam drew in a deep breath and lunged his arm toward me and screamed, "Seize him!"

Before our eyes, Jeroboam's hand shriveled up. He couldn't move it at all. A loud rumble came from the altar. The rocks split apart and the ashes from the sacrifice poured out.  Exactly as the Word given to me by the Lord said.

Jeroboam's eyes grew wide. He stared at his hand then looked at the altar and back at his hand. His body shook with fear and anger. "You, man of God. Intercede with the Lord your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored."

I did as he asked. The Lord chose to restore the king's hand as it was moments later.

Jeroboam seemed quite concerned and still a bit frightened. He invited me to go with him to his home and to eat a meal. He also promised to give me a gift in return for helping him.

"No," I said. "Even if you were to give me half of all your possessions I would not go with you. Nor would I eat bread or drink water here. I was commanded by the word of the Lord not to eat bread or drink water or return on the same road. And I will do as the Lord says."

I walked away from Jeroboam, using a different path as the Lord commanded. After traveling a short ways I took a break and sat under an oak tree. While sitting there an old prophet from Bethel approached me, riding a donkey. He said, "Are you the man of God who came from Judah?"

"I am."

"Please come home with me and eat."

I shook my head and said, "I cannot go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. I have been told by the word of the Lord not to do these things."

He smiled and held a hand out to me. "I, too, am a prophet, as you are. An angel said to me by the word of the Lord: 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water."

I didn't feel well at the time and thought God had given new instructions to this man for me. I went with him to his home and ate a wonderful meal.

But while we sat at the table, God spoke to the old prophet sitting across from me. He suddenly cried out, "This is what the Lord says: 'You have defied my word and have not kept my command. You came back and ate bread and drank water in the place where I told you not to do those things.'" He leaned forward and said, "Therefore you will die and not be buried with your fathers."

After the meal, the old prophet saddled his donkey for me. I thanked him for the food and rode away, thinking about the words he said at the meal. He was right. I had gone back, but I believed his words the first time when he said God told him to invite me.

As I rode, a lion suddenly burst from the bushes....

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1. What do you think happened next?
2. Let's look at the beginning of the story. What did God ask this prophet to do?
3. What did Jeroboam do when he heard the message from the prophet?
4. What happened to Jeroboam and to the altar?
5. Jeroboam invited the prophet to stay for a meal, did he? Why or why not?
6. Who else invited the prophet to stay for a meal. Did the prophet go or not?
7. What did the prophet do wrong?

Jeroboam-The Evil Deceiver

By Mary Vee
I Kings 12 and II Chronicles 11

From A Levite's Journal

These words I am about to write can cost me my life. If you find this, please think of God's commands to His people before you are tempted to turn it over to King Jeroboam.

Jeroboam seemed to be a man after God's heart. He won our sympathy when Solomon's son, King Rehoboam, ordered an increase in labor demands. The people walked away from Rehoboam, even though he was the blessed King David's grandson. We/they were wrong.

David's descendants were to rule over Israel. No matter if good or bad, God said David's descendants would rule...end of discussion.

And now, Rehoboam, David's grandson is hiding in Jerusalem where the only tribe, Judah, has honored God's commands and remain under his rule.

As for Jeroboam, that wicked king deceived the rest of the tribes into making him king over them. I heard him talking to one of his advisors yesterday. He said, "The people will want to go to the temple in Jerusalem to offer their sacrifices to God. If they go to there, the will be in the territory of that King Rehoboam. I simply can't have that."

His advisor said, "I agree. What do you want to do?"

"We'll construct a god. We'll make two and put one in each corner of the country. We can point out how convenient it is for the people to offer their sacrifices. Yes. That should solve the problem. Have the laborers craft me two golden calfs. Quickly! Let's get this done, now."

The advisor hurried out of the king's chambers and put a rush on king Jeroboam's request. By the end of the afternoon, two golden calves were present to king Jeroboam. He smiled a wicked smile and called a meeting of all the Israelites.

"My people. Going to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices is such a long journey for you. I have made these two golden calves. One will be placed in Bethel, in the south and the other in Dan, in the north.  Go to these places to offer your sacrifices and worship your god."

The people gladly did as he said. They said it was much easier to go a short distance to offer their sacrifices. As a Levite, it didn't take any thinking at all to know this displeased God. My anger burned.

Jeroboam them built shrines in high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people even though they were not Levites! To insure the people would not go to Jerusalem for feasts and festivals, he created new ones. He offered the first sacrifices on these new altars.

Enough was enough. I refuse to give my allegiance to Jeroboam. Solomon's son, Rehoboam may be wicked, but at least he is from the line of David. I joined the other Levites, leaving our pastureland and property behind to journey to Jerusalem and live under the rule of Rehoboam.

We were not the only ones to see the truth. There were many from each tribe of Israel who decided to stay true to seeking the will of the Lord, the God of Israel. They journeyed with us to Jerusalem and offered their sacrifices to the Lord, the God of their fathers where God told us to. 

They joined us in supporting king Rehoboam, Solomon's son and lived in Jerusalem under Rehoboam's rule.

There simply is a time to stand up and do what is right, no matter what. 

I am proud to be among those who left Jeroboam and set my allegiance to king Rehoboam, the grandson of David, blessed by God.

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picture courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. Who is the evil king?
2. What did he do that was wrong?
3. Who was the blessed king of Israel?
4. Who is Rehoboam?
5. Why were the Levites angry?
6. What did they do?
7. What kind of people joined them?

Rehoboam-My Father's Enemy Has Returned

By Mary Vee
I kings 12, II Chronicles 10

From Jeroboam's Journal

A messenger pounded on my door and asked for permission to deliver a message right away. Living in Egypt where I escaped King Solomon, I rarely received messages. This news intrigued me. I allowed the messenger into my chamber.  "King Solomon has died. His son, Rehoboam has been crowned king."

"What interesting news. You may go." 

Once the messenger left, I called for my servants. "Pack everything, we will journey to Israel."

I couldn't wait to return. Perhaps Solomon's son will reason with my men and me. We settled into our new homes and requested to go before the newly crowned king, Rehoboam. He allowed us to bring our concerns to his throne, which seemed like a good sign.

My men and I stood before his throne and when given permission to speak, I said, "Your father put a heavy burden on us. The labor is more than we can endure. If you will but lighten the harsh labor and the heavy burden he placed on us, we will serve you."

King Rehoboam sat silent for a moment then said, "Go away for three days and then come back to me." This made sense. Although we'd hope for his compassion right away, we respected his choice to consider what he would do. So we left, as he asked.

We had a friend who worked in King's Rehoboam's house. He brought us news whenever he heard anything. King Rehoboam consulted the elders who served his father, Solomon. He asked for their advise regarding our situation.

They answered him, "If you will ease these people's burden as they have asked, they will always be your servants."

Apparently Rehoboam didn't like their advice. He called together a group of friends who grew up with him and served in his court. At their meeting he asked them for their advice regarding our situation.

They answered him, "Tell these people who have asked to have their burden eased, your father may have given them a heavy burden, but you will make it even heavier. My father beat you with whips to make you work, I will beat you with scorpions.

Three days later my men and I returned to Rehoboam's chambers for his answer. The king said he made his decision. He said, "My father beat you with whips to make you work, I will beat you with scorpions."

Imagine that. He didn't listen to us. We would have been willing to serve him, we only wanted to suffer less torment. I rallied the people and turned everyone against King Rehoboam, son of Solomon since he only wanted to be a cruel tyrant. Only Judah remained loyal to David's throne and his grandson, Rehoboam.

King Rehoboam sent out his captain in charge of forced labor. The people of Israel stoned him to death. When news of the rioting reached the palace, King Rehoboam climbed into his chariot and escaped to Jerusalem, which is in Judah. This was the only place he found safety.

The people of Israel gathered together and asked me, Jeroboam, son of Nebat, to be king. King of Israel. I accepted. Rehoboam remained king of Judah.

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photo courtesy of visualbibleslive.com

1. Why was Jeroboam in Egypt?
2. Why did he come back to Israel?
3. What did he ask King Rehoboam?
4. Who did Rehoboam first ask advice? 
5. Who did Rehoboam ask advice next?
6. What did Rehoboam decide to do?
7. What happened afterwards?

Solomon-The Death of the Wisest Man

By Mary Vee
I Kings 11 and II Chronicles 9

From Rehoboam's Journals

My father, king Solomon, has been called the wisest man who ever lived. He understood scientific and historical facts, could out-reason any philosopher from his day, and well, he knew more than I think he knew. Fortunately for us, he wrote many of his thoughts and kept them in the official library.

As a child, I wanted for nothing. We must have been the richest nation in all the world. Dignitaries from everywhere came to visit, leaving expensive gifts of gold, spices, and perfumes. My father did not keep this wealth to himself or our family, he shared it with the entire nation. The spender of our streets caused visitors to marvel.

When the Queen of Sheba arrived, I ran to the window and watched a long caravan, filled with gifts, stop at the palace. I had never seen such an important person. But then I didn't realize my own father, king Solomon, ranked even higher in the queen's mind. 

Tutors and wealth surrounded me. 

Father brought many wives and concubines to the palace. It became a small city by itself. He honored their wishes by raising statues to their idols. Services were held to worship each. I hardly knew which one to truly worship. I rarely spoke with my father, his duties kept him quite busy.

After forty years of service to the country, the mournful day came when wise king Solomon, my dad, breathed his last . . . and I was next in line to become king.

We cared for my father's body honoring him as a king should be with a grand ceremony. Many attended the funeral service, and the lamenting, oh, the sound that carried throughout the land. It was then that I felt the pressure of my new position. How could I ever match what my father did, or what his father did? The people loved them both.

The council felt the importance of crowning me king right away to keep the peace and provide leadership. 

As is customary for men who are to be crowned king in Israel, I traveled to Shechem to join all the Israelites who went ahead of me to the coronation. The prophets, dignitaries, and other official prepared for the ceremony. 

I looked in their eyes and saw sadness and concern. I felt the same way. How could I ever rule Israel. I didn't know what to do. My father had once prayed and sincerely worshiped the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but over the years spent so much time with his wives and their gods that I became confused who to worship. Who do I pray to? Who do I ask for help?

I, Rehoboam, son of Solomon, am king of Israel and am overwhelmed with my new job.

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photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

1. What had Solomon been called?
2.  Who is Rehoboam?
3. What was Rehoboam's childhood like?
4. What happened to Solomon?
5. Why was Rehoboam afraid?

Solomon-Celebrating God's Blessings

By Mary Vee
Psalms 71:1-19

photo taken by Mary Vee

Following a visit from the Queen of Sheba, Solomon broke out in praise to God. He understood the blessings God had given him. When you are in a time of awe, think of this passage so you too can praise God.

Psalm 72 
Solomon's Psalm

 Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God,
    the gift of just rule to the crown prince.
May he judge your people rightly,
    be honorable to your meek and lowly.
Let the mountains give exuberant witness;
    shape the hills with the contours of right living.
Please stand up for the poor,
    help the children of the needy,
    come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
Outlast the sun, outlive the moon—
    age after age after age.
Be rainfall on cut grass,
    earth-refreshing rain showers.
Let righteousness burst into blossom
    and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
Rule from sea to sea,
    from the River to the Rim. 

Foes will fall on their knees before God,
    his enemies lick the dust.
Kings remote and legendary will pay homage,
    kings rich and resplendent will turn over their wealth.
All kings will fall down and worship,
    and godless nations sign up to serve him,
Because he rescues the poor at the first sign of need,
    the destitute who have run out of luck.
He opens a place in his heart for the down-and-out,
    he restores the wretched of the earth.
He frees them from tyranny and torture—
    when they bleed, he bleeds;
    when they die, he dies. 

And live! Oh, let him live!
    Deck him out in Sheba gold.
Offer prayers unceasing to him,
    bless him from morning to night.
Fields of golden grain in the land,
    cresting the mountains in wild exuberance,
Cornucopias of praise, praises
    springing from the city like grass from the earth.
May he never be forgotten,
    his fame shine on like sunshine.
May all godless people enter his circle of blessing
    and bless the One who blessed them. 

Blessed God, Israel’s God,
    the one and only wonder-working God!
Blessed always his blazing glory!
    All earth brims with his glory.

Amen and Amen

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from the Message paraphrase

1. Why are Psalms are included in the Bible? Give as many reasons as you can, at least three.