2 Chronicles 11
Meaning of 2 Chronicles 11
The book of 2 Chronicles is part of the Biblical canon of the Old Testament in the Bible and the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in the historical books. Chapter 11 of 2 Chronicles discusses the reign of King Rehoboam, who was the son of Solomon.
At the beginning of the chapter, Rehoboam is about to launch a war to reunite his kingdom, which had been split into the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. However, a prophet named Shemaiah comes to him with a message from God, telling him not to fight against his brethren. Rehoboam listens to this message and calls off the fight.
The chapter then discusses how Rehoboam strengthens his kingdom. He builds up cities for defense, encourages his subjects to worship God, and appoints his sons to rule different regions.
An important thing to note in this chapter is Rehoboam’s obedience to God’s instruction as delivered by the prophet. On receiving the divine message, he desists from going against his brethren, indicating the sovereignty and authority of God’s word.
Please note, interpretations and understanding may vary among different religious groups and scholars. It’s often best to read with the guidance of spiritual advisers or scholars in your tradition.
2 Chronicles 11 kjv
2 Chronicles Chapter 11 in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible primarily focuses on Rehoboam’s early reign as king of Judah after the split of the Kingdom of Israel. The kingdom was divided into two after Solomon’s death: the Northern Kingdom, called Israel, and the Southern Kingdom, called Judah.
The first four verses depict God’s intervention in preventing civil war. Rehoboam had prepared to wage war on the ten tribes that had rebelled to bring them back under his rule. However, a prophet named Shemaiah delivered God’s message that they should not go to war against their brethren. God’s command was obeyed and the Israelites dispersed, going to their homes.
Verses 5-12 describe Rehoboam’s actions in strengthening Judah’s defenses. He built several strong and fortified cities including Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, Beth-zur, among others. He strengthened these cities with supplies and commanders to guard Judah and Benjamin’s land against Israel.
In verses 13-17, we are informed that the Levites from all Israel’s regions and other faithful Israelites migrated to Judah because King Jeroboam of Israel had expelled them from their positions as priests and consecrated his own non-Levite priests. These individuals strenthened the Kingdom of Judah and supported Rehoboam for three years, adhering to the ways of King David.
The last part of the chapter, verses 18-23 gives an account of Rehoboam’s family. He married Mahalath, followed by Maacah (who was his favourite wife), and had several sons. He wisely dispersed his sons throughout the fortified cities of Judah and gave them plenty of provisions. He showed wisdom as he sought to avoid conflict among his sons over his succession, and also made sure that they adhered to the ways of the Lord.
In summary, 2 Chronicles 11 documents the early reign of King Rehoboam, God’s intervention to avert war, strengthening of Judah’s defenses, influx of people faithful to God to Judah, and Rehoboam’s family and his wise management.
2 Chronicles 11 nkjv
2 Chronicles 11 is part of the Second Book of Chronicles in the Old Testament of the Bible. This chapter, in the New King James Version of the Bible (NKJV), tells the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, after he became king of Judah.
The chapter begins with Rehoboam preparing to go to war with the northern tribes of Israel, which had rebelled against his rule. However, a prophet named Shemaiah comes to him with a message from God that this war is not His will and that every Israelite should go home. Rehoboam and his soldiers obey this command.
Rehoboam then strengthens the cities in Judah and makes defensive preparations. He removed the priests and Levites from their duties who haven’t pledge their loyalty to him, replacing them with his own religious leaders. He encouraged the Levites and other faithful worshippers of God to move to Jerusalem, the city under his control. This led to a religious revival in Judah.
The chapter concludes with a mention of Rehoboam’s family life, highlighting his eighteen wives, sixty concubines, twenty-eight sons, and sixty daughters. His favorite wife was Maachah, the granddaughter of David.
Overall, this chapter showcases Rehoboam’s consolidation of power in Judah and how he steered its religious and political affairs. He ruled for 17 years, and the faithfulness to God’s law among his people gave strength to his rule.
2 Chronicles 11 niv
2 Chronicles 11 is from the Old Testament of the Bible in the book of Chronicles. It recounts the events after the death of Solomon, when his son Rehoboam assumes the throne of Israel.
When Solomon died, the ten northern tribes of Israel rebelled against Rehoboam’s harsh policies (this is described in the previous chapter, 2 Chronicles 10). However, in 2 Chronicles 11, God sends a prophet named Shemaiah to Rehoboam and to those of Judah and Benjamin who were with him, instructing them not to war against their fellow Israelites, to which Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah obediently complied.
Following God’s command, Rehoboam strengthens his position by building fortified cities throughout Judah. The chapter describes how Rehoboam equipped these cities for defense and supplied them with food, water, and arms.
In this time, priests and Levites throughout Israel sided with Rehoboam because Jeroboam, the rebel leader of the northern tribes, had rejected them from serving as priests. Jeroboam had instated his own worship system with non-Levitical priests. This led to a strengthening of the kingdom of Judah as those who sought to faithfully worship God moved there from Israel.
The chapter concludes with an account of Rehoboam’s family. It highlights his multiple wives and children, including Abijah, whom Rehoboam chose as his successor above his other sons to firm up his dynasty.
Overall, 2 Chronicles 11 chronicles a significant turning point in Israel’s history, marking the official separation of the kingdom into Israel (the northern kingdom under Jeroboam) and Judah (the southern kingdom under Rehoboam).
What is 2 Chronicles 11 all about?
2 Chronicles Chapter 11 is a part of the Old Testament in the Christian Bible or the Hebrew Bible. It tells the story of Rehoboam, who was the son of Solomon and the grandchild of David.
At the beginning of the chapter, Rehoboam assembled his army with plans to wage war against the Israelites who caused the division from Judah. However, he was warned by a man of God named Shemaiah not to go to war with his brethren, the children of Israel, as it was God’s will for the kingdom to be divided. Recognizing this message as God’s instruction, Rehoboam and his troops obediently disbanded and returned home.
The chapter then goes on to describe the fortifications that Rehoboam built for the protection of Judah and how he carefully placed his best warriors in these cities to defend it. The cities became Judah’s strongholds.
The latter part of the chapter provides details on Rehoboam’s family. It mentions that he had eighteen wives, sixty concubines, and many children. Among his sons, he chose Abijah as his successor.
Throughout his story, Rehoboam tried to steer his people back towards following God’s teachings. Despite having moments of faith, the people’s overall disobedience to God’s commandments resulted in the ongoing tension between Judah and Israel.
What does 2 Chronicles 11 teaches?
2 Chronicles 11 is a part of the Old Testament in the Bible. Specifically, it is a part of the books of Chronicles which are a historical narrative about the kingdom of Israel and Judah.
The chapter 11 primarily details the reign of King Rehoboam after his kingdom, the kingdom of Judah, seceded from the rest of Israel. At God’s command, Rehoboam refrained from waging war to reunite the kingdom and instead fortified several cities in Judah.
From the chapter, several lessons can be learned:
1. Obedience to God’s Word: Despite the natural desire to wage war and reclaim his kingdom, Rehoboam listened and obeyed God’s command signaling the importance of obedience.
2. Prudence and Wisdom: Instead of reacting impulsively to the situation, Rehoboam prudently reinforces and fortifies his own cities illustrating the lesson of acting with wisdom.
3. Consequences of Sin: The chapter also highlights how the Israelites, due to their disobedience and idolatry, were left vulnerable and divided. Hence, showcasing that sin has consequences.
4. God’s Sovereignty: Despite the rebellion and division, God’s will continued to unfold unimpeded showing God’s sovereignty.
However, the interpretation might slightly differ based on different theological perspectives. It’s advisable to read the chapter personally and discern its message.
A Sermon on 2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 11 is a fascinating chapter found in the Old Testament of the Bible that chronicles the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, over Judah, and the schism that develops between the tribes of Israel leading to the formation of the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.
A sermon based on this chapter might have the following main points:
1. **Understanding Your Calling**: Verse 1 tells us that Rehoboam started his reign wanting to wage war, but God clearly told him and his people not to fight against their brethren the Israelites. This reminds us that even if we are in positions of power or influence, we need to listen to God’s plans instead of trying to impose our own will.
2. **The Consequences of Disobeying God**: Rehoboam’s father Solomon had deviated from God’s command by worshiping other gods, which led to the division of the kingdom. Rehoboam’s leadership led to further division rather than restoration. This is a reminder that there are consequences when we disregard God’s guidance.
3. **The Importance of fortifying oneself spiritually**: In verse 11, Rehoboam strengthens the fortresses in Judah, which can be related metaphorically to the need for Christians to fortify their spiritual life.
4. **Be careful of the company you keep**: Verses 13-17 show us that those priests and Levites who remained faithful to God left their homes in Israel to join Rehoboam in Judah. They didn’t want to be a part of a kingdom that refused to acknowledge God’s decrees. This underscores the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who motivate us to stay faithful to God’s Word.
5. **The Danger of Complacency**: In verses 22-23, it’s stated that Rehoboam intentionally chose to elevate his younger son above his older brothers to keep the kingdom secure. He consolidated power without necessarily insuring righteousness. This can be likened to spiritual complacency which can lead to spiritual downfall.
A sermon based on this chapter, therefore, would emphasize listening to God’s guidance, understanding that there are consequences for disobedience, fortifying one’s spiritual life, the importance of good company and the dangers of spiritual complacency. It calls for the self-awareness, humility, and obedience that are critical to maintaining a strong relationship with God.
Key people in 2 Chronicles 11
There are three key figures in 2 Chronicles 11:
1. Rehoboam: He is the central character in this chapter. He was the son of Solomon and the King of Judah. This chapter recounts the early years of his 17-year reign. Rehoboam fortified numerous cities in Judah and, despite his initial, disastrous act of disobedience to God’s words, he, in contrast, obeyed the message delivered by prophet Shemaiah in this chapter and eventually grew stronger.
2. Jeroboam: The leader of the Northern tribes of Israel. Although he is not directly mentioned in this chapter (he appears prominently in earlier and later sections of the book), his existence contributes to the political and religious conflict.
3. Shemaiah the prophet: Though not as prominent as the two kings, Shemaiah played a crucial role in God’s communication with Rehoboam. God spoke to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah through Shemaiah, commanding them not to war against their Israelite brothers, and they obeyed. His obedience led to the stabilisation and development of Judah under Rehoboam’s subsequent leadership.
These persons are pivotal to understand how the Israelite monarchy split into two separate entities, Israel in the North and Judah in the South, after Solomon’s death.
Real world examples on 2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 11 in the Bible details the decisions made by Rehoboam (King Solomon’s son) after the division of the kingdom of Israel. This chapter can be applied to real-world situations in various ways; let’s explore a couple of examples:
1. **Leadership Conflict and Division**:
In 2 Chronicles 11, the kingdom of Israel splits into two — the northern kingdom known as Israel and the southern kingdom known as Judah. Rehoboam remains king of Judah. Similarly, in our modern world, conflicts and differences in perspective can lead to divisions within nations or organizations. A current example could be the aftermath of political elections where divisions along party lines are often seen.
2. **Fortification and Defense Strategies**:
Rehoboam strengthens his kingdom by fortifying major cities and creating defense strategies. This parallels real-world steps nations take in terms of national security and defense. For instance, countries increase their security by safeguarding borders, creating strong military bases, and setting up advanced defense systems much like Rehoboam’s strategy of strengthening defenses and security around cities.
3. **Religious Intolerance/Persecution**:
In the chapter, Rehoboam uses religious doctrine to solidify his rule by accepting priests and Levites who were being persecuted in Israel for not supporting King Jeroboam’s heretical practices. Today, we can find parallels in situations where people who face religious intolerance or persecution in their home country seek refuge in nations that respect and protect their religious rights.
4. **Leadership Desire and Loyalty**:
The Levites and other Israelites loyal to David’s dynasty left their belongings in Israel to support Rehoboam in Judah, showing their devotion to their chosen leader over material possession. This kind of dedication is observable in real-world politics, business, sports, or any other situation where strong leadership inspires people to sacrifice personal gain for a common goal.
These are just a few examples that show how the principles in 2 Chronicles 11 relate to today’s world. The text can be applied to many more contexts depending on interpretation.
Brief Explanation of 2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 11 tells the story of Rehoboam, son of Solomon, solidifying his rule after the kingdom of Israel split.
When Rehoboam initially plans to wage war against the Israelites who made Jeroboam their king, a prophet by the name of Shemaiah intervenes. God, through Shemaiah, instructs Rehoboam not to fight his Israelite brothers. Rehoboam and his leadership obey, averting the conflict.
Rehoboam then strengthens his kingdom by building up cities for defense in Judah. He also ensured loyal and capable leaders were in charge in these cities for their protection.
The chapter also details Rehoboam’s family life, including his wives and sons. To prevent power struggles among his sons, he strategically dispersed them throughout the fortified cities and made them all leaders, but he made Abijah, son of his favorite wife, his chief assistant and the designated successor to the throne.
2 Chronicles 11 generally represents wise decisions by King Rehoboam to obey God, fortify his kingdom, and carefully manage his household to prevent future conflicts.
Frequently asked questions for 2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 11 is part of the Old Testament in the Bible, which focuses on the reign of Rehoboam after the death of Solomon. Here are some frequently asked questions related to this chapter:
1. Who was Rehoboam?
Rehoboam was the son of Solomon and the grandson of David. When Solomon died, Rehoboam became the king of Judah. His reign is characterized by a rebellion which led to the division of the kingdom into two: Israel, the northern kingdom and Judah, the southern kingdom.
2. What prompted the ten tribes to rebel against Rehoboam?
Rehoboam’s decision to continue his father Solomon’s harsh labor practices angered the ten tribes, prompting them to rebel and set up their own kingdom under Jeroboam.
3. What happened when Rehoboam wanted to fight the northern kingdom?
When Rehoboam prepared to wage war on the rebellious tribes, he was stopped by God, who sent a prophet named Shemaiah to say that this event was from him.
4. Why did Rehoboam fortify the cities?
Assuming that the northern kingdom would come to attack them, Rehoboam fortified cities to protect the kingdom of Judah.
5. What changes did Rehoboam make to the religious practices?
Rehoboam appointed priests for the high places, the demons, and the calves which Jeroboam had made. The Levites had left their suburbs and their possessions and came to Judah and Jerusalem, because Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest’s office unto God.
Please feel free to let me know if you have any further questions!
Possible References for 2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 11 is a chapter in the Old Testament of the Christian Bible, which mostly narrates the story of the reign of Rehoboam. The following are the potential references contained within this chapter:
1. Verses 1-4: A revolt against Rehoboam – It mentions that when Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mustered the house of Judah and Benjamin, and the remaining parts of the tribes, to recover the kingdom for himself. But the Lord told Shemaiah, a man of God, to tell Rehoboam not to carry out the mission because the revolt was from Him.
2. Verses 5-12: Rehoboam’s fortifications – These verses tell of the cities that Rehoboam built for defense in Judah. He strengthened the fortresses and put commanders in them, as well as supplies of food, oil, and wine.
3. Verses 13-17: The Levites’ support for Rehoboam – It discusses how the priests and Levites in Israel sided with Rehoboam because Jeroboam and his sons had expelled them from serving as priests to the Lord. The Levites abandoned their common lands and property and came to Judah and Jerusalem because Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them as priests of the Lord.
4. Verse 18-23: Rehoboam’s family – This verse explains Rehoboam’s wives and children. He married Mahalath, daughter of Jerimoth, and Abihail. His son, Jeush, Shemariah, and Zaham were born to him. Later he married Maakah, Absalom’s daughter, and she bore him Abijah, Attai, Ziza, and Shelomith.
These references give an account of Rehoboam’s rule, highlighting not only his military and strategic action but also his religious and personal life – specifically, his complex relationship with God’s commandments and his family dynamics.
Conclusion on 2 Chronicles 11
2 Chronicles 11 recounts the story of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, after the division of the Kingdom of Israel. The chapter focuses on Rehoboam’s actions during his reign over the southern kingdom, known as Judah.
At the onset, Rehoboam is planning to wage war against the northern kingdom (Israel), for they had rebelled against his rule. However, God through the prophet Shemaiah tells Rehoboam and Judah not to fight against their brethren, the Israelites. This is obeyed, and it averts a civil war.
Rehoboam then strengthens his kingdom by building fortified cities and implementing defensive strategies. He also appoints Levites and priests throughout his cities, ensuring adherence to Jahweh’s laws.
Later, the Israelites forsake the Levites, causing them to abandon their suburbs and fields, compelling them to align with Rehoboam. Moreover, every Israelite who set his heart to seek the Lord God also moved to Judah to worship God, strengthening Rehoboam’s rule.
The culmination of 2 Chronicles 11 shows Rehoboam’s family life with his many wives and sons. He had eighteen wives and sixty concubines who bore him twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters. Rehoboam appointed Abijah, his son by Maachah, as the chief leader among his brothers, preparing him for the kingship.
In conclusion, 2 Chronicles 11 is a description of Rehoboam’s reign after the split of Israel into two kingdoms. It illustrates how Rehoboam fortified Judah, how he was bolstered by the Levites and faithful Israelites, and reveals his plans for succession through his son, Abijah. It’s notable that despite the division, adherence to God’s commands and the worship of Jahweh formed an important part of the narrative, underlining the spiritual complexities of this time.