March 8, 2021- 2 Chronicles 8-12

In 2 Chronicles 8, we read of the climax of the “good times” during the reign of Solomon. King David has pushed back the hordes of the enemies of God and now Solomon in all his wisdom is ruling. It is interesting that we still see the echo of the deed undone. The Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites are still living in the land and Israel is putting them to forced labor. We’ll see how long this lasts.

In chapter 9, the Queen of Sheba comes for a visit. As any powerful lady does, she brings gifts. Not only does she bring gifts, but she apparently talks… a lot. She challenges and asks Solomon every question she has. The text tells us that Solomon was able to answer her in every way. Solomon was truly wise, and the promise of David seems to continue through his son. Verse 22 says Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom.

Now in Chapter 10, I can hear King Rehoboam, the son of Solomon singing that great one hit wonder by The Cars, “let the good times roll.” But those good times did not roll. We know this story, the story of Rehoboam listening to the two groups of counselors and he listens to the wrong counsel and makes the wrong decision the God uses this to take the kingdom from his hand. Rehoboam flees under the consternation of not understanding what happened to the promise God made to his grandfather David about this kingdom that would last forever.

King Rehoboam is really the beginning of the end. From here on out the Kingdom of Israel is going to divide, we will see bad king followed by bad king followed by a lukewarm good king followed by bad kings. During all of this, there is still hope. There is always a remnant of faithful believers to trust in God and do not follow the spirit of the age. This remnant, the ever-watchful ones looking for the promised one. The one like David the King, the one like Moses the Prophet, and the one like the mysterious Melchizedek. This Prophet/Priest/King will come but not yet.