Podcasts about Rehoboam

In this episode, we explore the significance of the moment when God raises up a rebel from within Israel's own ranks—Jeroboam, a man from the tribe of Ephraim—to challenge the power and legacy of Solomon. Through the prophetic word of Ahijah the Shilonite, God announces the tearing away of ten tribes from Solomon's son, Rehoboam, marking the beginning of Israel's divided kingdom. But this is no ordinary political split—it is a divinely sanctioned act of judgment and redirection.We dive into the historical and theological layers behind this story. Why does God choose Jeroboam? Could tribal tension between Ephraim (the house of Joseph) and Judah already have been simmering beneath the surface, setting the stage for division? We examine how pre-existing rivalries may have been part of God's providential orchestration, allowing Him to work through real human tensions to fulfill His purposes.Even more fascinating is the prophet God uses: Ahijah. His name means “brother of the Lord,” and he hails from Shiloh—the former resting place of the Tabernacle, and the town that produced Samuel. There's a deep irony in this. God uses a prophet from the once-sacred place of national unity to announce a rebellion that will split the kingdom apart. The symbolism intensifies when Ahijah tears his own garment into twelve pieces to represent the tribes of Israel—a prophetic act that sets a precedent for clothing representing kingdoms, a motif that shows up previously when David cuts the corner of Saul's robe.Finally, we trace this garment symbolism into the New Testament. At the crucifixion of Jesus, the soldiers tearing and dividing his garments point to something even greater—the kingdom of Christ being distributed among the nations. As the Roman centurion declares, “Truly this was the Son of God,” we witness the first eveidence that through the death of Christ, his kingship would advance beyond tribal lines or national borders.Key Passages:1 Kings 11:26-40Matthew 27:35Explainer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Video⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on how to use ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.biblehub.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.blueletterbible.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave us a question or comment at our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website podcast page⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.* Intro Music: "Admirable" Carlos Herrera Music

Title: Keeping on the straight and narrowSpeaker: Pastor Denis MurphyDate: 19th January 2025Location: Liverpool, UK In this episode, the speaker uses a chili con-carne analogy to show how spiritual life needs balance—too much zeal or legalism makes it unpalatable. Drawing on Matthew 11:28–30 and various Old Testament passages, he explains that, like an experienced ox guiding a younger one, the Holy Spirit helps us stay steady, avoiding extremes of overcompensation or stubbornness. Through Peter’s great catch (John 21) and the division under Rehoboam (1 Kings 12), we see that small adjustments—stepping a little closer to God’s pace—produce far greater fruit than erratic swings. The episode closes by highlighting the power of simple fellowship—breaking bread and serving one another—as the healthy rhythm for sustained spiritual growth. Key Takeaways A balanced walk with Christ avoids extremes by staying yoked to the Spirit. Small, timely adjustments in obedience yield abundant spiritual fruit. Consistent fellowship and service (“breaking bread”) reinforce growth and unity. Listen to the entire Podcast Revival library by visiting https://podcastrevival.com The Revival Fellowship is a Bible-directed, Spirit-filled Church and we welcome visitors to our meetings at any of our locations worldwide. To find your nearest venue visit https://therevivalfellowship.com © 2025 The Revival Fellowship. All Rights Reserved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Chairs, spiritual compromise, Christian parenting, legacy, lukewarm faith, men's ministry, discipleship, generational impact, what chair are you really sitting in, and who's watching you?What if your quiet compromises today are shaping your kids' faith tomorrow?This message hits hard because it matters. Jesse walks us through the story of David, Solomon, and Rehoboam, three generations, three chairs, and one undeniable truth: the posture of your faith today becomes your child's foundation tomorrow. Whether you're committed, coasting, or checked out, this message holds a mirror to your spiritual life and calls you to something deeper, realer, better.David was committed. Solomon compromised. Rehoboam was complacent. That decline didn't happen overnight. It started with one generation easing off the gas. Jesse unpacks how “The Three Chairs” explains not just their story, but ours. It's not about perfection—it's about the direction you're leading your life and legacy. And the good news? You don't have to stay where you are. You get to choose.

Join us in this episode as we see the kingdom's devastating split. Despite prideful choices and political chaos, we can be confident God's plans and promises will always prevail.Themes of this podcast:God's covenant will prevail, even through human failure. Despite the foolishness, division, and rebellion of Israel's kings and people, God's promise to David remains intact. God's plan cannot be derailed—even by bad kings, broken kingdoms, or national collapse.Wisdom is a choice and so is foolishness. Rehoboam had access to wisdom through his father Solomon's proverbs, his advisors, and his heritage, but he rejected it. His story is a cautionary tale that wisdom isn't inherited—it's chosen. When we choose pride and comfort over counsel and obedience, the consequences can be devastating for everyone.God is in control, even when the kingdoms fall apart. From torn cloaks to divided thrones, God can make everything that happens work for our salvation. The world may seem out of control, but nothing is outside God's hand.Show Notes:BlogWe love feedback, but can't reply without your email address. Message us your thoughts and contact info! Contact Bible Book ClubDonate or pick up merch here Like, comment, or message us through Bible Book Club's InstagramLike or comment on Susan's Facebook or InstagramLeave us an Apple reviewContact us through our website formThanks for listening and happy podcasting!

Now that Solomon is dead, Rehoboam takes the throne, but not without bitter consequences. This is the First Sermon in the series, The Kingdom Divided, an exposition on First Book of the Kings.

Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 14 – 16 Sermon Outline: I Asa began very well2 Chronicles 12:1–4 (NKJV) 1Now it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, that he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel along with him. 2And it happened in the fifth year of King… The post 20/07/2025 – Morning Service: Asa – an example and a warning appeared first on Maroubra Presbyterian Church.

Our episode begins with a retelling of the insulting manner in which Rehoboam addresses Jeroboam, only this time the account is from 2 Chronicles rather than 1 Kings. Recall that it was the prophet Ahijah who tore a new robe into 12 pieces and gave 10 pieces to Jeroboam, symbolizing the number of tribes he would rule over. After Jeroboam leads a revolt, he became king over those 10 tribes. Despite the Lord's kindness to Jeroboam, he also turned away from God and immediately set up two sanctuaries, each with a golden calf. As we read from 1 Kings 14, the same prophet who once declared God's favor now declares God's wrath upon the house of Jeroboam, for the king has acted wickedly.2 Chronicles 10 - 1:08 . 2 Chronicles 11 - 5:04 . 2 Chronicles 12 - 9:21 . 1 Kings 14 - 13:01 . Psalm 118 - 20:04 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

In marrying wives from surrounding nations, he has disobeyed the direct command of the Lord and fallen into idolatry. As such is the case, the Lord vowed to take the kingdom away from Solomon's family after he is gone. Sadly, the wisdom that Solomon had passed on to his sons doesn't take root, and the foolishness of his son Rehoboam causes a revolt and a division in the nation of Israel. Today, we'll be introduced to Jeroboam, a man who Ahijah prophesies will rule over ten tribes of Israel. If Jeroboam walks in the ways of the Lord, God promises that he will be with him and build a lasting dynasty for him. Sadly, Jeroboam attempts to establish a center for worship outside of Jerusalem that is not ordained by God.1 Kings 11:26 - 1:10 . 1 Kings 12 - 5:05 . 1 Kings 13 - 13:04 . Psalm 116 - 20:36 . Psalm 117 - 22:51 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible.facebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

The recent 50th anniversary celebrations of Pastor Wes's ministry as a pastor of KCI were a milestone in the history of this church. We were able to look back with great thankfulness and to rejoice at how the Lord has helped him to continue the gospel legacy of his father, Pastor Billy Richards, who started this church over 80 years ago. And now we must look forward to the challenge of each successive generation taking up the baton to develop the legacy that has been received in this church and in this nation. For God's purposes and promises are for all generations (Psalm 119:90).   From the beginning this was God's plan for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The blessing of God on these three generations paved the way for generations to come, notably through the 12 tribes of Jacob and the nation of Israel. But each generation must encounter and serve God in their generations. It's not guaranteed that every succeeding generation will serve the Lord. The fires of revival and Christian influence can go out if not attended to. That has happened time and again in history and in many churches and nations. Many colleges, including universities in the United States, started out as Christian institutions to train young people for ministry and Christian service. Schools like Harvard (Puritan), William and Mary (Anglican), Yale (Congregational), and Princeton (Presbyterian) were created for Christian higher education. The Great Awakening led to the founding of Princeton, Brown, Rutgers, and Dartmouth in the mid-eighteenth century. Over time, however, the revival spirit that founded these institutions was lost, and most of these former Christian colleges and universities became secular universities with little or no religious affiliation.    Generational blessings can be lost very quickly if the next generations do not walk in the godly ways of those who have gone before them. After the years of amazing leadership from Moses and Joshua we read these sobering verses in Judges 2:10-12: ‘After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord…. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them.'  Subsequently, we read in Israel's history of ongoing battles for godly legacy to continue in each generation. Specifically, we are focussing on three Bible Kings: David, his son Solomon and his son Rehoboam, for they serve as a warning and a challenge to us about how much can be lost, as well as gained, in just three generations.    1. David started well and finished well despite his failures (1 Kings 15:5) 2. Solomon started well and finished badly (2 Samuel 7:11-16; 1 Kings 11:1-12)  3. Rehoboam started badly and finished worse (1 Kings 12:12-16; 1 Kings 14:21-24; Revelation 22:16; Luke 1:30-33; Psalm 78:4-7) Apply  1. David started well and finished well despite his failures. David was just an ordinary shepherd boy, the youngest of eight brothers, seven of whom each seemed more impressive than him. But he was chosen by God to become the great shepherd king who united warring tribes and led Israel to many conquests. He killed a giant who was intimidating a whole nation. He escaped death many times from countless internal and external enemies including Saul, Israel's first king who became obsessively jealous of him. David was not without his faults. He had times of great depression and shockingly he had killed the innocent husband of a beautiful woman that he had a secret affair with. Yet God loved Him and helped him and forgave him because He knew that David had a heart after God. He loved God, worshipped God, honoured God and depended on God. David's heart was fully devoted to God (1 Kings 15:5). All his life David stayed humble in his walk with God, even when the prophet Nathan publicly rebuked him. David was a first-generation revivalist of sorts, a rugged and down-to-earth pioneer who had learned to depend on God and trust Him in all circumstances. It is this kind of raw and real relationship with the Lord that will sustain you if you will pick up the baton to keep the fires of God burning in your generation.   2. Solomon started well and finished badly. David had wanted his descendants to follow in the ways of the Lord and the Lord had made some powerful promises to him for his generations (2 Samuel 7:11-16). When David died, Solomon, his son by Bathsheba, began so well when he ascended the throne. He was careful to walk in obedience to the Lord, he built a great temple in Jerusalem and consecrated himself to God with a powerful prayer. He pleased God by asking above all for wisdom, not wealth or long life or the death of his enemies. But as the years passed and the leadership of his father became more distant, Solomon proved not to have the same passionate heart for the Lord that David had. He became proud and unfaithful. He lost his discipline, his focus and his heart especially to lots of women. He became obsessed with sex, pleasure and an easy life (1 Kings 11:1-12). An incredible spiritual decline took place in Solomon's reign. He didn't just cool in his relationship with God but he opened the nation to the worship of many detestable false gods. Chemosh and Molek were gods associated with practices involving child sacrifice. And it all came about because Solomon let godly standards slip in his time because his own heart was not right with God. In the UK as in other nations, so much paganism, ungodly practices and social disintegration has come about in our generation because of the spiritual disintegration in the hearts of so many church leaders and their unwillingness to preach and model Christian standards. It's no use first attacking the sins of society, when repentance needs to start in the church. And in how many Christian homes have Christian parents failed to teach and train their children in the ways of the Lord and have just gone along with children as they have grown up and walked in rebellion to God? If we want to see the continuation of legacy in each succeeding generation then our own hearts must be fully committed to God. We must always take stock of how we are walking with God today not how well we may have done in times past. For as Solomon's story shows it is possible to have a wonderful heritage, a great beginning. But it's not enough to start well but end up badly because we have allowed the pleasures of this world to gain our hearts. We must continue faithfully in the ways of the Lord. We must daily seek to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We must pray with hunger for the Holy Spirit to help us. We must remain as humble and teachable disciples. We must unashamedly share the good news of Jesus. We must serve sacrificially and give generously to prioritise the building the house of the Lord, the church. Let's never become like Solomon who once was so wise but threw it all away. Don't let the passing years cool your fire for God.   3. Rehoboam started badly and finished worse. Rehoboam didn't inherit the best situation, but he still had the opportunity to be a wise and just king. But he preferred to listen to his young contemporaries who talked tough but had none of the wisdom of the older leaders who were trying to help him (1 Kings 12:12-16). And so began a great national division that lasted for centuries with ten of the 12 tribes following Jeroboam and calling their new nation Israel (the northern kingdom) and just two tribes remaining loyal to Rehoboam and calling their nation Judah (the southern kingdom). But even with his much-reduced Kingdom, Rehoboam totally lost his spiritual legacy (1 Kings 14:21-24). Terrible decline in just three generations had taken place because Solomon and Rehoboam did not value or continue their spiritual legacy. Fortunately, despite more bad kings, there were eight good kings in the Kingdom of Judah who were said to have pleased the Lord: Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Amaziah, Azariah (Uzziah), Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah. Through all the contrasting reigns of good and evil however, the Lord remained faithful to His promise to David through Jesus, despite whole generations turning away from God (Revelation 22:16; Luke 1:30-33). The purposes and promises of God can never be stopped but we are called to play our part so that we keep the fires of God burning in each generation. To be faithful to God in our times means that: - We must love and serve the Lord whole heartedly. - We must put away all foreign gods and the idols of sex, money, pride, power and position - We must stay humble and teachable so that this can be reproduced in every generation. - We must spread the gospel of Jesus far and wide to generations who have not heard it (Psalm 78:4-7).   This is how we will develop the Christian legacy of this church and this nation. Today decide to give everything to taking on the baton to serving God in your generation. 

The recent 50th anniversary celebrations of Pastor Wes's ministry as a pastor of KCI were a milestone in the history of this church. We were able to look back with great thankfulness and to rejoice at how the Lord has helped him to continue the gospel legacy of his father, Pastor Billy Richards, who started this church over 80 years ago. And now we must look forward to the challenge of each successive generation taking up the baton to develop the legacy that has been received in this church and in this nation. For God's purposes and promises are for all generations (Psalm 119:90).   From the beginning this was God's plan for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The blessing of God on these three generations paved the way for generations to come, notably through the 12 tribes of Jacob and the nation of Israel. But each generation must encounter and serve God in their generations. It's not guaranteed that every succeeding generation will serve the Lord. The fires of revival and Christian influence can go out if not attended to. That has happened time and again in history and in many churches and nations. Many colleges, including universities in the United States, started out as Christian institutions to train young people for ministry and Christian service. Schools like Harvard (Puritan), William and Mary (Anglican), Yale (Congregational), and Princeton (Presbyterian) were created for Christian higher education. The Great Awakening led to the founding of Princeton, Brown, Rutgers, and Dartmouth in the mid-eighteenth century. Over time, however, the revival spirit that founded these institutions was lost, and most of these former Christian colleges and universities became secular universities with little or no religious affiliation.    Generational blessings can be lost very quickly if the next generations do not walk in the godly ways of those who have gone before them. After the years of amazing leadership from Moses and Joshua we read these sobering verses in Judges 2:10-12: ‘After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord…. They forsook the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them.'  Subsequently, we read in Israel's history of ongoing battles for godly legacy to continue in each generation. Specifically, we are focussing on three Bible Kings: David, his son Solomon and his son Rehoboam, for they serve as a warning and a challenge to us about how much can be lost, as well as gained, in just three generations.    1. David started well and finished well despite his failures (1 Kings 15:5) 2. Solomon started well and finished badly (2 Samuel 7:11-16; 1 Kings 11:1-12)  3. Rehoboam started badly and finished worse (1 Kings 12:12-16; 1 Kings 14:21-24; Revelation 22:16; Luke 1:30-33; Psalm 78:4-7) Apply  1. David started well and finished well despite his failures. David was just an ordinary shepherd boy, the youngest of eight brothers, seven of whom each seemed more impressive than him. But he was chosen by God to become the great shepherd king who united warring tribes and led Israel to many conquests. He killed a giant who was intimidating a whole nation. He escaped death many times from countless internal and external enemies including Saul, Israel's first king who became obsessively jealous of him. David was not without his faults. He had times of great depression and shockingly he had killed the innocent husband of a beautiful woman that he had a secret affair with. Yet God loved Him and helped him and forgave him because He knew that David had a heart after God. He loved God, worshipped God, honoured God and depended on God. David's heart was fully devoted to God (1 Kings 15:5). All his life David stayed humble in his walk with God, even when the prophet Nathan publicly rebuked him. David was a first-generation revivalist of sorts, a rugged and down-to-earth pioneer who had learned to depend on God and trust Him in all circumstances. It is this kind of raw and real relationship with the Lord that will sustain you if you will pick up the baton to keep the fires of God burning in your generation.   2. Solomon started well and finished badly. David had wanted his descendants to follow in the ways of the Lord and the Lord had made some powerful promises to him for his generations (2 Samuel 7:11-16). When David died, Solomon, his son by Bathsheba, began so well when he ascended the throne. He was careful to walk in obedience to the Lord, he built a great temple in Jerusalem and consecrated himself to God with a powerful prayer. He pleased God by asking above all for wisdom, not wealth or long life or the death of his enemies. But as the years passed and the leadership of his father became more distant, Solomon proved not to have the same passionate heart for the Lord that David had. He became proud and unfaithful. He lost his discipline, his focus and his heart especially to lots of women. He became obsessed with sex, pleasure and an easy life (1 Kings 11:1-12). An incredible spiritual decline took place in Solomon's reign. He didn't just cool in his relationship with God but he opened the nation to the worship of many detestable false gods. Chemosh and Molek were gods associated with practices involving child sacrifice. And it all came about because Solomon let godly standards slip in his time because his own heart was not right with God. In the UK as in other nations, so much paganism, ungodly practices and social disintegration has come about in our generation because of the spiritual disintegration in the hearts of so many church leaders and their unwillingness to preach and model Christian standards. It's no use first attacking the sins of society, when repentance needs to start in the church. And in how many Christian homes have Christian parents failed to teach and train their children in the ways of the Lord and have just gone along with children as they have grown up and walked in rebellion to God? If we want to see the continuation of legacy in each succeeding generation then our own hearts must be fully committed to God. We must always take stock of how we are walking with God today not how well we may have done in times past. For as Solomon's story shows it is possible to have a wonderful heritage, a great beginning. But it's not enough to start well but end up badly because we have allowed the pleasures of this world to gain our hearts. We must continue faithfully in the ways of the Lord. We must daily seek to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus. We must pray with hunger for the Holy Spirit to help us. We must remain as humble and teachable disciples. We must unashamedly share the good news of Jesus. We must serve sacrificially and give generously to prioritise the building the house of the Lord, the church. Let's never become like Solomon who once was so wise but threw it all away. Don't let the passing years cool your fire for God.   3. Rehoboam started badly and finished worse. Rehoboam didn't inherit the best situation, but he still had the opportunity to be a wise and just king. But he preferred to listen to his young contemporaries who talked tough but had none of the wisdom of the older leaders who were trying to help him (1 Kings 12:12-16). And so began a great national division that lasted for centuries with ten of the 12 tribes following Jeroboam and calling their new nation Israel (the northern kingdom) and just two tribes remaining loyal to Rehoboam and calling their nation Judah (the southern kingdom). But even with his much-reduced Kingdom, Rehoboam totally lost his spiritual legacy (1 Kings 14:21-24). Terrible decline in just three generations had taken place because Solomon and Rehoboam did not value or continue their spiritual legacy. Fortunately, despite more bad kings, there were eight good kings in the Kingdom of Judah who were said to have pleased the Lord: Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Amaziah, Azariah (Uzziah), Jotham, Hezekiah, and Josiah. Through all the contrasting reigns of good and evil however, the Lord remained faithful to His promise to David through Jesus, despite whole generations turning away from God (Revelation 22:16; Luke 1:30-33). The purposes and promises of God can never be stopped but we are called to play our part so that we keep the fires of God burning in each generation. To be faithful to God in our times means that: - We must love and serve the Lord whole heartedly. - We must put away all foreign gods and the idols of sex, money, pride, power and position - We must stay humble and teachable so that this can be reproduced in every generation. - We must spread the gospel of Jesus far and wide to generations who have not heard it (Psalm 78:4-7).   This is how we will develop the Christian legacy of this church and this nation. Today decide to give everything to taking on the baton to serving God in your generation. 

Rehoboam: 1 Kings 12:1-24 (Barry Brenden) by Highlands Community Church

This is the message from our Thursday evening service on 7/3/2025 with Pastor Chet Lowe.

This week in our "Journey Through Scripture" series, Jim Ellis draws a compelling parallel from 1 Kings 12. We'll examine the story of Rehoboam, who, influenced by misguided friends, increased the burdens on his people. In contrast, we'll discover how Jesus offers us a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light, promising true rest for our souls. #Bismarck #church #BismarckCommunityChurch #BCC #Gospel #JourneyThroughScripture #ReadBible #unity #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving #Sermon #1 Kings #Rehoboam #yoke #YokeIsEasy #BurdenIsLight #RestForYourSoul #rest #JesusYoke #YokeOfJesus #TrustGod #JimEllisSupport the showFind out more about us at BismarckCC.org. We would love for you to join us in person on Sunday mornings at 10am for worship service. We are located at 1617 Michigan Avenue in Bismarck, ND. If you have any questions for us, we would be happy to help. Click HERE to ask us anything.

Mark Putney, guest speaker dives into the next Kings on our series through 1st and 2nd Kings.

In this Bible Story, Abijah rules with a brutal fist and sinful arrogance. His son, Asa, rules with the fear of God and a righteous heart and is able to topple the idols in Judah and bring the people of God back to their first love. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 15 & 2 Chronicles 13-16. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 15:12 from the King James Version.Episode 121: Abijah was harsh, like his father Rehoboam, and his reign was filled with war and strife. Constantly fighting against his brothers in Israel. Yet in all this despair God was faithful to His promise to David that there would always be a king from his line on the throne. After Abijah died, his son Asa came to rule. His heart was turned toward rescuing the people from the idolatry in Judah and with God's help, he galvanized the people of Judah into a spirit of unity.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Bible Story, we learn about the downward spiral of Judah and Israel. Their kings, Rehoboam and Jeroboam, lead their people into an era of idol-worship, war, and cynicism. The past glory of David and Solomon seems like a distant memory, and the people of Israel grow accustomed to sin and shame. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 14, 15:33-34 & 2 Chronicles 12. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 2 Chronicles 12:6 from the King James Version.Episode 120: King Jeroboam's son Abijah was sick, and as he sat at the boy's bedside, he called for his wife to disguise herself and seek out the prophet Ahijah. When she arrived, his message for her was not one of hope but of judgment and of recompense for her husband's sins. And as she rode home in heartbreak, her son Abijah died.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that King Solomon has died, the prophecies of God spoken through his prophet Ahijah have come to fruition. In our last episode, Ahijah tore a new robe into 12 pieces and gave 10 pieces to Jeroboam, symbolizing the number of tribes he would rule over. Remember that Solomon's son Rehoboam insults Jeroboam, who formerly worked under Solomon as a supervisor over forced labor. After Jeroboam led a revolt, he became king over those 10 tribes. Despite the Lord's kindness to Jeroboam, he also turned away from God and immediately set up two sanctuaries, each with a golden calf. Today, God's wrath and impending destruction are announced by an unnamed prophet.1 Kings 13 – 1:09 . 1 Kings 14 – 9:06 . 1 Kings 15 – 16:06 . Psalm 91 – 22:20 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10-11; Philippinans 2 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to the Daily Radio Bible podcast! In today's episode, Host Hunter guides us through a rich journey in the Scriptures, reading from 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10 and 11, and Philippians 2. We witness the powerful story of Rehoboam's leadership, the division of Israel, and the consequences of listening to the wrong voices. As the episode unfolds, Hunter encourages us to reflect on the words we hold onto—are they words of life and hope, or do they keep us trapped in fear and despair? Bringing the reading home, Hunter reminds us of the transforming power of the gospel and invites us to let go of words that wound, embracing instead our true identity as beloved sons and daughters of God. Join us for time in the Word, thoughtful prayer, and a reminder to express gratitude and to hold firmly to the words of life. Let's walk together in God's joy and the assurance that we are deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: What words are shaping your life today? Are they bringing you hope and life, or are they binding you in fear and discouragement? The words we hold onto matter. God invites us to let go of those voices and labels that hold us captive—words spoken over us, maybe in anger, in ignorance, or even in love, that have become barriers to life and freedom. Instead, we are called to hold firmly to the word of life—the good news of the gospel. These are words spoken by Jesus himself, words that declare us forgiven, loved, welcomed as daughters and sons. The Scriptures invite us not only to read but to receive, to allow these words to redefine us. We can let go of those old, bruising words, those that keep us trapped and afraid. We can reach out in faith and receive the words Christ offers: forgiven, loved, chosen, cherished. No matter your flaws or failures, Jesus comes to you as the Champion with words and life that heal and restore. He speaks over us—not words of condemnation, but of freedom and new identity. This is the message we are to hold onto, the truth that transforms and renews: in Christ, you are loved, you are his. Hear his good word. Let it settle into your heart. Let it shape the way you see yourself and others. Hold firmly to the words of life, and let everything else fall away. That's the prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, my daughters, my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Gracious and everlasting God, you have brought us through the shadow of night into the promise of a new day. You go before us with your mercy, sustain us by your grace and keep us from wandering paths of fear or pride. Let every word we speak and every step we take be formed by the goodness of Christ. O Lord, gather your people far and near. May every tribe and tongue come to know your peace. Let justice roll like a river and healing flow where there has been division. Pour out your spirit upon all flesh and bring us closer to the day when your kingdom comes in fullness through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. And now, as our Lord has taught us, we are bold to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Fr. Mike explains why it's better to seek counsel from those who don't necessarily always agree with us, using the experience of Rehobo′am as an example. He also touches on the failed leadership of Jerobo′am as he leads his people into false places of worship and idolatry. Today's readings are 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10-11, and Song of Solomon 1. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

In this Bible Story, we witness the splitting of Israel. Solomon's sin causes God to strip him of his legacy. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, uses the throne as an opportunity to be cruel. Jeroboam is named king in place of Rehoboam. So Rehoboam ruled over Judah, while Jeroboam ruled over the other ten tribes of Israel. This story is inspired by 1 Kings 11:26-12:24 & 2 Chronicles 10-11:1-4. Go to BibleinaYear.com and learn the Bible in a Year.Today's Bible verse is 1 Kings 11:34 from the King James Version.Episode 117: Solomon's lust for foreign women eventually led him to foreign worship as well. This idolatry not only tore apart his relationship with God but would tear the kingdom from his hands as well. During the reign of his son Rehoboam, Jeroboam, one of his servants who had fled from him, returned. He came to confront the new king about the injustices of his father, hoping he would change. However, when Rehoboam refused the wise counsel of his elders and gave a harsh message to the people, the ten tribes of the north left him and followed Jeroboam instead.Hear the Bible come to life as Pastor Jack Graham leads you through the official BibleinaYear.com podcast. This Biblical Audio Experience will help you master wisdom from the world's greatest book. In each episode, you will learn to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. Now understanding the Bible is easier than ever before; enjoy a cinematic audio experience full of inspirational storytelling, orchestral music, and profound commentary from world-renowned Pastor Jack Graham.Also, you can download the Pray.com app for more Christian content, including, Daily Prayers, Inspirational Testimonies, and Bedtime Bible Stories.Visit JackGraham.org for more resources on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.Pray.com is the digital destination of faith. With over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible, the Pray.com app has everything you need to keep your focus on the Lord. Make Prayer a priority and download the #1 App for Prayer and Sleep today in the Apple app store or Google Play store.Executive Producers: Steve Gatena & Max BardProducer: Ben GammonHosted by: Pastor Jack GrahamMusic by: Andrew Morgan SmithBible Story narration by: Todd HaberkornSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even though Solomon's life is marked by the goodness and grace of God, even though Solomon has built the Lord's temple in Jerusalem, and even though Solomon's wisdom is unsurpassed, his devotion to the Lord and to his statutes wanes in his latter years. Why? Because in his power and in his lavish wealth, he has accumulated hundreds of wives for himself. In marrying wives from surrounding nations, he has disobeyed the direct command of the Lord and fallen into idolatry. As such is the case, the Lord vows to take the kingdom away from Solomon's family after he is gone. Sadly, the wisdom that Solomon had passed on to his sons doesn't take root, as the foolishness of his son Rehoboam causes a revolt and a division in the nation of Israel.1 Kings 10 - 1:10 . 1 Kings 11 - 7:31 . 1 Kings 12 - 17:08 . Psalm 90 - 24:30 .  :::Christian Standard Bible translation.All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.Co-produced by Bobby Brown, Katelyn Pridgen, Eric Williamson & the Christian Standard Biblefacebook.com/commuterbibleinstagram.com/commuter_bibletwitter.com/CommuterPodpatreon.com/commuterbibleadmin@commuterbible.org

Last Sunday, I mentioned Solomon as an example of a life of faith that began so wonderfully but ended very tragically. Solomon knew the scriptures well, we know this because of what he wrote in the book of Proverbs, and one such verse that he wrote was Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In fact, according to Proverbs, real wisdom is the Old Testament Law applied to all of life. Yet, at some point, Solomons heart was turned away from God and foolishly pursued what God warned would lead to heartbreak, shame, and disaster. The thing that Solomons father, David, was known for was that he was a man of war (1 Chron. 28:3), which Solomon was not. Solomon was known as a man of peace. The problem was that he pursued peace even if it meant that he ignored the very Law of God that influenced his writing of Proverbs. One of the ways the kings of other nations would enter into a peace agreement or an alliance (i.e. covenant) was by marrying the daughter(s) of the king of that nation. We are told that Solomon, loved many foreign women (1 Ki. 1-2). The problem with this is multifaceted, but here is what God commanded in His word that Solomon ignored: Be careful that you do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst. But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their memorial stones, and cut down their Asherim for you shall not worship any other god, because the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous Godotherwise you might make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they would prostitute themselves with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone might invite you to eat of his sacrifice, and you might take some of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters might prostitute themselves with their gods and cause your sons also to prostitute themselves with their gods. You shall not make for yourself any gods cast in metal. (Exod. 34:1217) Solomon, who had been known for his godly wisdom and the building of the Temple, loved many foreign women (1 Ki. 11:1-2). So what happened? Listen to what the Bible says about Solomons ending legacy: So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as his father David had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abhorrent idol of Moab, on the mountain that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abhorrent idol of the sons of Ammon. He also did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. (1 Ki. 11:68) What Solomon thought would bring peace, contentment, and success... created a crushing burden the wrecked his life and led to the dividing of the nation of Israel into the North and the South. After the death of Solomon, the divisive spirit Solomon was responsible for creating through his many compromises led to the splitting of the nation he loved. The king of the northern kingdom (Jeroboam) established two alternative places to worship to keep those in the North from traveling to the Southern kingdom to worship Yahweh in the Temple that Solomon built. King Jeroboam set up golden calves not unlike the one made by the Hebrews after Moses was up on the mountain receiving the commandments of God; Jeroboam then said to the people: It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt (1 Ki. 12:28). The Northen Kingdom in Israel was known for its rampant and evil idolatry that included child sacrifice and gross perversions of marriage and sex, all while promoting a worldview contrary to the one of their forefathers. After many years of God warning the Northern Kingdom through His Word and His prophets to repent from their sins, and after many years of ignoring those warnings, God used the Asyrian Kingdom to judge, destroy, and exile many of the people. The Southern Kingdom was initially led by Solomons son, Rehoboam. In many respects, the Sothern Kingdom remained somewhat loyal to the faith and vision of their forefathers such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David. There were no doubt periods of idolatry, but there were also seasons of religious reform with an emphasis to return and maintain the worship of Yahweh at the Temple in Jerusalem. Many in the Southern Kingdom believed that because they had Solomons Temple, that they had the presence of God. Eventually the Southern Kingdom grew increasingly nominal in their faith to the point that God also sent them prophets to warn them of a similar fate that the Northern Kingdom suffered if they did not repent. Because they had Solomons Temple, were more conservative, and were not as bad as those in the Northern Kingdom, that they were safe. Eventually the Southern Kingdom became known for their worship of the idols of the nations, instead of their worship of the God of Abraham, Moses, and David. Both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms eventually experienced the crushing burden that their idols created. But it was after the Northen Kingdoms demise and Gods repeated warnings to the Sothern Kingdom to turn from their sins that Isaiah wrote what we read in 46:1-13. Creaturely Idols Create Crushing Burdens for those who Bow Before Them Idols come in all shapes and sizes; they are not only physical creations made with human hands. Idols include established gods worshiped by people groups and cultures, but they also come in the form of ideologies, things, or people that are made ultimate in the heart of their devotees. Some of the ancient idols of long ago have taken different shapes or even cloaked in a different dress... but they are not new. In Isaiah 46, the prophet calls out the worship of the Babylonian gods known as Bel and Nebo about a century before we are introduced to Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. Bel was the chief god worshiped by the Babylonians who was also known as Marduk and believed to be responsible for creation and worshiped as the supreme god. Nebo, the son of Bel (Marduk), was worshiped as the the Babylonian god of wisdom, writing, and scribes. In Isaiah 46, Bel and Nebo are depicted as burdens pulled by cattle; the irony of the way they are depicted is that in the days of Isaiah, when a nation was conquered, because it was believed that their gods were unable to save, the victorious army would put on display in a parade the idols of the defeated people. At least the defeated worshipers of Bel and Nebo can move, but the gods the Babylonians attribute power and knowledge to are stooped over because they are powerless, motionless, and without life. Like every other idol in the world, Bel and Nebo have no power to save or produce what they promise. The weight of Bel and Nebo is crushing even to the cattle forced to transport them. Why? Because according to verses 6-7, Those who lavish gold from the bag and weigh silver on the scale, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; they bow down, indeed they worship it. They lift it on the shoulder, carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may shout to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save him from his distress (Isa 46:67). Those who worshiped Bel and Nebo, essentially worship a god of their own creation. All that the gods add to the lives of those who worship them is a burden. The word for burden that is used (mǎś-śā) can be translated weight. There is a universal fact about what people chose to worship: Anything we create to worship... will require its creator to carry it. Idols always promise what they cannot give, and rob those who worship them the life, joy, and salvation that those idols offer. The only thing that created idols offer is the crushing weight of their burden. Unlike the idols of the world, there is only one God who created all things! Because He is the Creator, all of His creation is dependent upon Him. Because He is the Creator, He is the One who carries those who worship Him: Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; and I will carry you and I will save you. To whom would you liken Me And make Me equal, and compare Me, that we would be alike? (vv. 45). The Uncreated God Powerfully and Purposefully Saves (vv. 8-13) Just as He did with the gods of Egypt, the God of Abraham, Moses, and David promised to do the same with the gods of Babylon. The reality and existence of Yahweh puts everything and anyone who would set themselves up to be more than what they are... to shame. Lucifer attempted to usurp the God who made him, God cast Him out and Jesus said of that day: I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning (Luke 10:18). In Isaiah 14, we are given a glimpse into the heart and motives of Lucifer: How you have fallen from heaven, you star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who defeated the nations! But you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. (Isa. 14:1214) Because God is God, He declares the end from the beginning. What does that mean? It means what He wills, He not only does but accomplishes! What else could verse 10 mean? It is God who is responsible for, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, My plan will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure. There is no room for luck, chance, or karma in a universe with a God who declares the end from the beginning. Because Yahweh is God, he does not need anything from us. There is no deficiency in Him because He is complete; but not complete in the way we think of completion... no, He is infinitely and eternally complete. Only six chapters earlier, we are reminded of how big and great our God really is: Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.... To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him? As for the idol, a craftsman casts it, A goldsmith plates it with gold, and a silversmith fashions chains of silver. He who is too impoverished for such an offering selects a tree that does not rot; he seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman to prepare an idol that will not totter. (Isa. 40:15, 18-20) Think about the foolishness of worshiping something you create with your own hands. Is it not just as foolish to bow down to idols of other shapes and sizes? As great as Solomons Temple was, it ultimately became an idol to the people in that they became more concerned about the performance of worship than who they were worshiping. In Isaiah 66, God reminded Judah why it was that He did not need anything they created: This is what the Lord says: Heaven is My throne and the earth is the footstool for My feet. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, So all these things came into being, declares the Lord. But I will look to this one, at one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word (Isa. 66:12). God does not dwell in temples, and He does not need anything from us. Because there is not a God like Him, He does not need us to carry Him and His promises are not dependent upon our strength. However, what He desires from us is our hearts and our devotion. Now here is the crazy thing about what we learn of God in Isaiah 46, and we see it in verses 12-13, Listen to Me, you stubborn-minded, who are far from righteousness. I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off; and My salvation will not delay. And I will grant salvation in Zion, And My glory for Israel (Isa. 46:1213). The God who has no equal and cannot be added to, is He who brings His righteousness to those who are far off! If you are a Christian, you were once far off, but now you have brought near! If you are not a Christian, you are still far off, but it doesnt have stay that way! Oh dear Christian, this is great news for you! We have seen Isaiah 46:12-13 in another passage in the New Testament, and that place is in Ephesians: But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13). Listen, there is only One who spoke all that exists by the word of His mouth in six days and rested on the seventh day (Exod. 20:11). There is only One who reduced Pharoah and his gods to nothing with the Ten Plagues (Exod. 7:14-11:10). There is only One who was able to part the Red Sea (Exod. 14). There is only One who is able to make time stand still (Josh 10:13). There is only One who is able to move kingdoms and empires to bring about the birth of His promised Son! There is only One God and there is no other, and it is He who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit He is Yahweh! Christian, it is He who brought you near through the blood of His Son! It is He who made you His Priesthood, His People, and His Treasured Possession. You who were once far off, have become the objects of His love, His mercy, His grace, and are now the apple of His eye! You who ran from Him, have been found by the One who said: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light (Matt. 11:2830). You who were weary and burdened, have found rest in Jesus. Conclusion So here is the rub regarding what we read in Isaiah 46: If it is true that the God of the Bible is God and there is no other; if it is true that the God of Isaiah 46 is God and there is no one like Him, and because of God, that which He wills will come to pass, then dont you think that it is foolish to make or treat anything in your life as equal or greater than He? Yet, there are all kinds of things, dreams, and people in your life competing for the greatest and most valuable place in your life. This is nothing new, for it has always been the tension since the garden of Eden. Just because God found you, does not mean that you will not struggle with and fight against the pull and temptation to substitute God with something else. Adam and Eve faced this struggle in the Garden, and they lost. Abraham wrestled throughout his life with this same struggle. King David struggled and lost on several occasions, the most notable was his desire for Bathsheba. Judas struggled and lost, Ananias and Saphira struggled and lost, and you may be struggling and now you find yourself losing. Anytime we place a thing, person, dream, or ideology above the God whose rightful place in your life in preeminence... you will find the burden to be crushing. We will look at Isaiah 45:22-24, but for now, I want you to consider what it is saying: Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength. People will come to Him, and all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. There is only one to whom all will bow, and there is no God like Him... and His name is Jesus: And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:811) What you need and what this country needs most is not for anything other than Jesus Christ to be great in your life. He is the hope of the nations.

Last Sunday, I mentioned Solomon as an example of a life of faith that began so wonderfully but ended very tragically. Solomon knew the scriptures well, we know this because of what he wrote in the book of Proverbs, and one such verse that he wrote was Proverbs 3:5, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In fact, according to Proverbs, real wisdom is the Old Testament Law applied to all of life. Yet, at some point, Solomons heart was turned away from God and foolishly pursued what God warned would lead to heartbreak, shame, and disaster. The thing that Solomons father, David, was known for was that he was a man of war (1 Chron. 28:3), which Solomon was not. Solomon was known as a man of peace. The problem was that he pursued peace even if it meant that he ignored the very Law of God that influenced his writing of Proverbs. One of the ways the kings of other nations would enter into a peace agreement or an alliance (i.e. covenant) was by marrying the daughter(s) of the king of that nation. We are told that Solomon, loved many foreign women (1 Ki. 1-2). The problem with this is multifaceted, but here is what God commanded in His word that Solomon ignored: Be careful that you do not make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a snare in your midst. But rather, you are to tear down their altars and smash their memorial stones, and cut down their Asherim for you shall not worship any other god, because the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous Godotherwise you might make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they would prostitute themselves with their gods and sacrifice to their gods, and someone might invite you to eat of his sacrifice, and you might take some of his daughters for your sons, and his daughters might prostitute themselves with their gods and cause your sons also to prostitute themselves with their gods. You shall not make for yourself any gods cast in metal. (Exod. 34:1217) Solomon, who had been known for his godly wisdom and the building of the Temple, loved many foreign women (1 Ki. 11:1-2). So what happened? Listen to what the Bible says about Solomons ending legacy: So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not follow the Lord fully, as his father David had done. Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abhorrent idol of Moab, on the mountain that is east of Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abhorrent idol of the sons of Ammon. He also did the same for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. (1 Ki. 11:68) What Solomon thought would bring peace, contentment, and success... created a crushing burden the wrecked his life and led to the dividing of the nation of Israel into the North and the South. After the death of Solomon, the divisive spirit Solomon was responsible for creating through his many compromises led to the splitting of the nation he loved. The king of the northern kingdom (Jeroboam) established two alternative places to worship to keep those in the North from traveling to the Southern kingdom to worship Yahweh in the Temple that Solomon built. King Jeroboam set up golden calves not unlike the one made by the Hebrews after Moses was up on the mountain receiving the commandments of God; Jeroboam then said to the people: It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt (1 Ki. 12:28). The Northen Kingdom in Israel was known for its rampant and evil idolatry that included child sacrifice and gross perversions of marriage and sex, all while promoting a worldview contrary to the one of their forefathers. After many years of God warning the Northern Kingdom through His Word and His prophets to repent from their sins, and after many years of ignoring those warnings, God used the Asyrian Kingdom to judge, destroy, and exile many of the people. The Southern Kingdom was initially led by Solomons son, Rehoboam. In many respects, the Sothern Kingdom remained somewhat loyal to the faith and vision of their forefathers such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David. There were no doubt periods of idolatry, but there were also seasons of religious reform with an emphasis to return and maintain the worship of Yahweh at the Temple in Jerusalem. Many in the Southern Kingdom believed that because they had Solomons Temple, that they had the presence of God. Eventually the Southern Kingdom grew increasingly nominal in their faith to the point that God also sent them prophets to warn them of a similar fate that the Northern Kingdom suffered if they did not repent. Because they had Solomons Temple, were more conservative, and were not as bad as those in the Northern Kingdom, that they were safe. Eventually the Southern Kingdom became known for their worship of the idols of the nations, instead of their worship of the God of Abraham, Moses, and David. Both the Southern and Northern Kingdoms eventually experienced the crushing burden that their idols created. But it was after the Northen Kingdoms demise and Gods repeated warnings to the Sothern Kingdom to turn from their sins that Isaiah wrote what we read in 46:1-13. Creaturely Idols Create Crushing Burdens for those who Bow Before Them Idols come in all shapes and sizes; they are not only physical creations made with human hands. Idols include established gods worshiped by people groups and cultures, but they also come in the form of ideologies, things, or people that are made ultimate in the heart of their devotees. Some of the ancient idols of long ago have taken different shapes or even cloaked in a different dress... but they are not new. In Isaiah 46, the prophet calls out the worship of the Babylonian gods known as Bel and Nebo about a century before we are introduced to Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. Bel was the chief god worshiped by the Babylonians who was also known as Marduk and believed to be responsible for creation and worshiped as the supreme god. Nebo, the son of Bel (Marduk), was worshiped as the the Babylonian god of wisdom, writing, and scribes. In Isaiah 46, Bel and Nebo are depicted as burdens pulled by cattle; the irony of the way they are depicted is that in the days of Isaiah, when a nation was conquered, because it was believed that their gods were unable to save, the victorious army would put on display in a parade the idols of the defeated people. At least the defeated worshipers of Bel and Nebo can move, but the gods the Babylonians attribute power and knowledge to are stooped over because they are powerless, motionless, and without life. Like every other idol in the world, Bel and Nebo have no power to save or produce what they promise. The weight of Bel and Nebo is crushing even to the cattle forced to transport them. Why? Because according to verses 6-7, Those who lavish gold from the bag and weigh silver on the scale, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; they bow down, indeed they worship it. They lift it on the shoulder, carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands there. It does not move from its place. Though one may shout to it, it cannot answer; it cannot save him from his distress (Isa 46:67). Those who worshiped Bel and Nebo, essentially worship a god of their own creation. All that the gods add to the lives of those who worship them is a burden. The word for burden that is used (mǎś-śā) can be translated weight. There is a universal fact about what people chose to worship: Anything we create to worship... will require its creator to carry it. Idols always promise what they cannot give, and rob those who worship them the life, joy, and salvation that those idols offer. The only thing that created idols offer is the crushing weight of their burden. Unlike the idols of the world, there is only one God who created all things! Because He is the Creator, all of His creation is dependent upon Him. Because He is the Creator, He is the One who carries those who worship Him: Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will carry you! I have done it, and I will bear you; and I will carry you and I will save you. To whom would you liken Me And make Me equal, and compare Me, that we would be alike? (vv. 45). The Uncreated God Powerfully and Purposefully Saves (vv. 8-13) Just as He did with the gods of Egypt, the God of Abraham, Moses, and David promised to do the same with the gods of Babylon. The reality and existence of Yahweh puts everything and anyone who would set themselves up to be more than what they are... to shame. Lucifer attempted to usurp the God who made him, God cast Him out and Jesus said of that day: I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning (Luke 10:18). In Isaiah 14, we are given a glimpse into the heart and motives of Lucifer: How you have fallen from heaven, you star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, you who defeated the nations! But you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High. (Isa. 14:1214) Because God is God, He declares the end from the beginning. What does that mean? It means what He wills, He not only does but accomplishes! What else could verse 10 mean? It is God who is responsible for, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, My plan will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure. There is no room for luck, chance, or karma in a universe with a God who declares the end from the beginning. Because Yahweh is God, he does not need anything from us. There is no deficiency in Him because He is complete; but not complete in the way we think of completion... no, He is infinitely and eternally complete. Only six chapters earlier, we are reminded of how big and great our God really is: Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust.... To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him? As for the idol, a craftsman casts it, A goldsmith plates it with gold, and a silversmith fashions chains of silver. He who is too impoverished for such an offering selects a tree that does not rot; he seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman to prepare an idol that will not totter. (Isa. 40:15, 18-20) Think about the foolishness of worshiping something you create with your own hands. Is it not just as foolish to bow down to idols of other shapes and sizes? As great as Solomons Temple was, it ultimately became an idol to the people in that they became more concerned about the performance of worship than who they were worshiping. In Isaiah 66, God reminded Judah why it was that He did not need anything they created: This is what the Lord says: Heaven is My throne and the earth is the footstool for My feet. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest? For My hand made all these things, So all these things came into being, declares the Lord. But I will look to this one, at one who is humble and contrite in spirit, and who trembles at My word (Isa. 66:12). God does not dwell in temples, and He does not need anything from us. Because there is not a God like Him, He does not need us to carry Him and His promises are not dependent upon our strength. However, what He desires from us is our hearts and our devotion. Now here is the crazy thing about what we learn of God in Isaiah 46, and we see it in verses 12-13, Listen to Me, you stubborn-minded, who are far from righteousness. I bring near My righteousness, it is not far off; and My salvation will not delay. And I will grant salvation in Zion, And My glory for Israel (Isa. 46:1213). The God who has no equal and cannot be added to, is He who brings His righteousness to those who are far off! If you are a Christian, you were once far off, but now you have brought near! If you are not a Christian, you are still far off, but it doesnt have stay that way! Oh dear Christian, this is great news for you! We have seen Isaiah 46:12-13 in another passage in the New Testament, and that place is in Ephesians: But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ (Eph. 2:13). Listen, there is only One who spoke all that exists by the word of His mouth in six days and rested on the seventh day (Exod. 20:11). There is only One who reduced Pharoah and his gods to nothing with the Ten Plagues (Exod. 7:14-11:10). There is only One who was able to part the Red Sea (Exod. 14). There is only One who is able to make time stand still (Josh 10:13). There is only One who is able to move kingdoms and empires to bring about the birth of His promised Son! There is only One God and there is no other, and it is He who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit He is Yahweh! Christian, it is He who brought you near through the blood of His Son! It is He who made you His Priesthood, His People, and His Treasured Possession. You who were once far off, have become the objects of His love, His mercy, His grace, and are now the apple of His eye! You who ran from Him, have been found by the One who said: Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light (Matt. 11:2830). You who were weary and burdened, have found rest in Jesus. Conclusion So here is the rub regarding what we read in Isaiah 46: If it is true that the God of the Bible is God and there is no other; if it is true that the God of Isaiah 46 is God and there is no one like Him, and because of God, that which He wills will come to pass, then dont you think that it is foolish to make or treat anything in your life as equal or greater than He? Yet, there are all kinds of things, dreams, and people in your life competing for the greatest and most valuable place in your life. This is nothing new, for it has always been the tension since the garden of Eden. Just because God found you, does not mean that you will not struggle with and fight against the pull and temptation to substitute God with something else. Adam and Eve faced this struggle in the Garden, and they lost. Abraham wrestled throughout his life with this same struggle. King David struggled and lost on several occasions, the most notable was his desire for Bathsheba. Judas struggled and lost, Ananias and Saphira struggled and lost, and you may be struggling and now you find yourself losing. Anytime we place a thing, person, dream, or ideology above the God whose rightful place in your life in preeminence... you will find the burden to be crushing. We will look at Isaiah 45:22-24, but for now, I want you to consider what it is saying: Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself; the word has gone out from My mouth in righteousness and will not turn back, that to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength. People will come to Him, and all who were angry at Him will be put to shame. There is only one to whom all will bow, and there is no God like Him... and His name is Jesus: And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross. For this reason also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:811) What you need and what this country needs most is not for anything other than Jesus Christ to be great in your life. He is the hope of the nations.

In Isaiah, Cyrus the Great emerges as a unique figure chosen by the God of Israel to fulfill a specific historical task: the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple and the liberation of the Judahites from exile in Babylon in direct fulfillment of the prophecy spoken by Jeremiah.Cyrus's rise to power is depicted not as a product of his strength but as the result of God stirring his spirit and granting him authority over all nations.God bestows upon Cyrus exceptional titles: “my shepherd,” a nomadic-pastoral, Bedouin-styled function typical of prophetic literature, signifying his role in guiding the people of Israel back to God's land, and “my anointed,” indicating a special divine commissioning that parallels, though does not equal, the messianic expectations normally associated with Israelite kings.Through Cyrus's conquests, especially the subjugation of Babylon, the Lord demonstrates his universal sovereignty, demonstrating to all nations that he alone is the Unipolar Hegemon that directs the course of history and holds ultimate authority over the kingdoms of the earth.While Cyrus plays a pivotal role as a pawn on God's political chessboard, Isaiah carefully distinguishes him from the Slave of the Lord.The Slave—often wrongly identified with Israel itself—points to a future messianic figure who carries a broader, more enduring mission: to establish justice, bring light to the nations, and embody God's ultimate purpose. Unlike Cyrus, whose mission is temporal and political, the Slave's work is a universal call to the path of the Lord, extending beyond the restoration of Jerusalem to the transformation of the human race.Thus, Isaiah presents Cyrus as a divinely appointed instrument for a limited, though critical, historical role. At the same time, the Slave of the Lord stands as the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan of victory and liberation for his people and the entire world.Then, in Luke, the Slave landed on the beaches of the Gerasenes.Everything I do, I do for the Slave.This week, I discuss Luke 8:29.Show Notesπαραγγέλλω (parangellō)order, summon, command, send a messageשׁ-מ-ע (shin-mem-ayin) / س-م-ع (sīn-mīm-ʿayn)hear, submit!1 Samuel 15:4 - Saul, Israel's first king, asserts his leadership by gathering a vast army (200,000 foot soldiers and 10,000 men of Judah) to fulfill a divine command: to destroy the Amalekites utterly. Centralized, royal power at its peak.1 Samuel 23:8 - Saul, now insecure in his power, redirects his military might to pursue David at Keilah, driven by jealousy and fear of losing his throne.1 Kings 15:22 - King Asa commands all of Judah to dismantle Baasha's fortifications at Ramah and repurpose them to fortify Geba and Mizpah. Asa's leadership is pragmatic and defensive, focused on security rather than prophetic utterances.Jeremiah 26:14 (LXX) - Jeremiah stands alone before religious and political leaders, “I am in your hands; do with me as seems good and right to you.” Luke's lexical itinerary at Decapolis follows the biblical storyline, shifting from the king's authority to the prophet's vulnerability.Jeremiah 27:29 (LXX) - Jeremiah warns Judah that resisting Babylon will only bring destruction; the people must submit to Babylon's yoke as God's instrument of judgment.Jeremiah 28:27 (LXX) - The theme of the yoke—submission to Babylon's dominion—continues. This reinforces the prophet's earlier warning that Judah's fate is sealed unless they accept God's judgment.ע-ב-ר (ʿayin-bet-resh) / ع-ب-ر (ʿayn-bāʼ-rāʼ)pull along, pass through, pass by, go your way; consistent with nomadic pastoral or shepherd life2 Chronicles 36:22 - This verse marks the beginning of the return from exile. It records that in the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord moved his heart to make a proclamation allowing the exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This aligns with the prophecy of Jeremiah being fulfilled — God's promise to bring his people back from captivity after seventy years.Ezra 1:1 - This verse parallels 2 Chronicles 36:22. It highlights that in the first year of King Cyrus of Persia's reign, God stirred his spirit to make a decree throughout his kingdom allowing the Judeans to return and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, again, fulfilling the prophecy of Jeremiah.In Arabic, this root carries various functions, including “to cross,” “to pass over,” “to interpret,” or “to take a lesson.”عُبُور (ʿubūr) crossingمَعْبَر (maʿbar) crossing placeتَعْبِير (taʿbīr) expression, interpretation (especially of dreams)א-מ-ר (ʾaleph–mem–resh) / أ-م-ر (ʾalif-mīm-rāʾ)In Arabic, this root is the foundation for words like أَمْر (ʾamr) (“command” or “order”) and مَأْمُور (maʾmūr) (“one who is commanded”). Matthew Cooper observes that אָמַר (amar) “he spoke,” is inter-functional with the Arabic word أمير (emir), which means “prince,” “commander,” or “leader,” from the same root.Joshua 6:7 - Joshua commands his army to advance on Jericho. Specifically, he orders the armed men to proceed, and the seven priests with the trumpets to go before the Ark of the Covenant as they prepare to encircle the city. This is part of the famous account of the fall of Jericho, where the walls come down after the Israelites' obedience to God's instructions.צ-ע-ק (ṣade-ayin-qof) / ص-ع-ق (sīn–ʿayn–qāf)In biblical Hebrew, צעק (ṣāʿaq) means “to cry out, to shout, to call loudly.”1 Samuel 10:17 - Samuel gathers the people of Israel at Mizpah to publicly present Saul as the chosen king. This follows God's command to anoint a king, as the people had demanded one like the nations around them. Samuel is about to cast lots to reveal Saul as God's chosen king formally.In Arabic, صعق (ṣaʿaqa) means “to be struck by thunder, to be shocked, to be stunned.”י-ע-ץ (yod-ayin-ṣade) / و-ع-ظ (wāw-ʿayn-ẓāʾ)1 Kings 12:6 - Rehoboam, Solomon's son and the new king, consults the elders who had served his father about responding to the people's request to lighten their burdens. The elders advise him to show kindness. He does not listen.“To advise, to give counsel.” The Arabic triliteral carries the core function “to exhort, to admonish, to preach.”وَعْظ (waʿẓ) exhortation, admonitionوَاعِظ (wāʿiẓ) preacher, admonisherتَوْعِيظ (tawʿīẓ) act of exhorting, preaching“Call to the path of your Lord with wisdom and the beautiful exhortation (الْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ al-mawʿiẓati al-ḥasanati), and discuss with them in that which is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from his path, and he is most knowing of the guided.” Surah An-Nahl (16:125) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Joshua 16 outlines the inheritance of the tribe of Ephraim. This was Joshua's own tribe and it is significant that the faithful leader, who was the only other spy to completely trust in the Living God. Joshua together with Caleb courageously stood against the rebellious congregation of Israel. Sadly this tribe fell away from the values of Joshua in the long era when judges ruled the nation of Israel and were known for their great pride. At the division of the kingdom in the time of Rehoboam and his servant Jeroboam. Ten tribes went with Jeroboam and formed the northern kingdom of Ephraim ie Israel. Verses 1-9 describe the boundaries and territory allocated to Ephraim. The last verse of the chapter closes on a disturbing note, similarly to that in chapter 15. It tells of Ephraim failure to destroy the Canaanites.

The author of Kings turns back to the southern kingdom, Judah, to tell us about three kings whose reigns began during the reign of Jeroboam of Israel. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, oversaw the drastic decline from the wealth of his father. Abijam only reigned for three years, though his unfaithfulness did not diminish the faithfulness of God's promise to David. Asa is a bright spot in this history, as he remained devoted to the LORD and reformed some of the abuses of his fathers. Throughout all the kings of Judah, their shortcomings provide a longing for the true King to come, Jesus.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 14:21-15:24.  To learn more about Calvary Lutheran, visit www.calvarymechanicsburg.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam receives a request from Israel that their hard service for the king be eased. Rather than listening to the wisdom of the older counselors, Rehoboam takes the advice of his young friends to promise even harder work for Israel. The results are disastrous, as Jeroboam seizes the opportunity to take ten tribes of Israel under his reign. By the word of the LORD, a civil war is avoided, but the kingdom of Israel divides in two. In the northern kingdom, Jeroboam takes wicked counsel by abolishing worship that the LORD had given His people. This infamous sin of Jeroboam leads the northern kingdom into great evil for its entire history.  Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 12:1-33.  To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit www.zionlinn.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Solomon's reign marks the peak of Israel's golden age—a time of unprecedented wealth, wisdom, and influence. Yet beneath the gleaming surface, seeds of destruction were taking root through his marriages to foreign women and their foreign gods. This spiritual compromise eventually tore the kingdom apart, setting in motion centuries of turmoil and divided loyalty.The divided kingdom story provides powerful insights into how God relates to His people through covenant. While Solomon, Rehoboam, and their successors repeatedly broke faith with God, He remained steadfast to His promise to David. This tension between human unfaithfulness and divine faithfulness reveals a God who disciplines without destroying, who maintains His covenant promises despite our failures.The journeys of kings like Asa illustrate timeless spiritual principles that speak directly to our lives today. Asa began by cleansing the land of idols, removing high places, and even deposing his idolatrous mother from her position as queen. For twenty years, his kingdom experienced peace and prosperity as a result of seeking God wholeheartedly. Yet in a moment of crisis, he inexplicably turned to foreign alliances instead of the God who had delivered him from a million-man Ethiopian army.Perhaps most profound is the revelation of what it means to have a "perfect heart" toward God. Despite serious moral failures, David is repeatedly held up as the standard because he never stopped seeking God. This reminds us that spiritual perfection isn't about sinlessness but about persistent pursuit of relationship with God—especially after failure.Are there areas in your life where competing loves are compromising your spiritual integrity? What defensive walls have you built that keep you from trusting God fully? The ancient kings' stories reveal that the principle remains unchanged across millennia: "The Lord is with you while you be with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. If you forsake Him, He will forsake you.""Message Our Father's Heart a Question or Response"Support the showThank you so much for listening and sharing with others! We would very much appreciate you continuing to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and LIKE us through any of the following platforms:Substack: htt​ps://ourfathersheart.substack.com/Website: ourfathersheart.orgPodcast: https://ourfathersheart.buzzsprout.com/shareTwitter: https://twitter.com/@ofathersheart Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ofathersheartYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ourfathersheartMay God bless you and make you prosperous in Him as you listen and obey His voice!

Let's learn from the story of Rehoboam's Folly...(1 Kings 12)   Cultivate the community of men you're already in! Listen to the wisdom of God that is available to you - through His Word and His people. Pursue wisdom (deepen yourself) Connect your life with a wife who is walking with the Lord. The most attractive woman is one who loves the Lord! Actively pursue wisdom from older men who love the Lord. Take advantage of good books, podcasts, etc. from other godly men. T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

Journey with us as we review 2 Chronicles and specifically how Rehoboam and Asa did as king of Israel. We also spend time practicing this month's memory verse (Job 1:21b), and celebrating this month's birthday shoutouts.

Northwest Bible Church – May 4, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 1:1-17  The Family Tree of Jesus Intro A. THE NAMES AND TITLES FOR JESUS (Matthew 1:1). 1. Jesus Christ -   2. Son of DAVID -  2 Sam. 7:12-13 3. Son of ABRAHAM -  Gen. 12:3; 17:5.   B. A WALK THROUGH THE GENEALOGY (Matthew 1:2-16). 1. First section (Matthew 1:2-6). a. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah.     (1) Tamar (Matthew 1:3) -   (2) Rahab (Matthew 1:5) –  (3) Ruth (Matthew 1:5) –  (4) Bathsheba (Matthew 1:6) - b. Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David.   2. Second section (Matthew 1:6-11).     a. David; Solomon; Rehoboam –  b. Abijah;   Asa;  Jehoshaphat  c. Jehoram;  Uzziah;  Jotham;  Ahaz;   Hezekiah   d. Manasseh;  Amon;  Josiah;  Jeconiah  3. Third section (Matthew 1:12-16).   Babylonian exile.   a. Zerubbabel –  b. Matthew 1:13-15.    9 names are unknown.   c. Jacob, Joseph, the husband of Mary by whom Jesus was born.  B. THE THEMES FROM THE GENEALOGY. 1. Why the emphasis on “fourteen” (Matthew 1:17)?    2. Full of sinners to highlight the grace of God.   3. Jesus is qualified to be the Messiah as a son of David.  God is faithful! 4. Lays foundation for the virgin birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:16). 5. The three phases of history.  OUT OF DARKNESS, LIGHT! Conclusion

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson and Watermark member, Hannah Spence, discuss 2 Chronicles 10-13 and talk about Rehoboam's life and explore the impact of Rehoboam's disobedience to God. In looking at Rehoboam's life, we learn the importance of trusting fully in the Lord and see His consistent faithfulness to His people. Additional References: 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 Kings 11:9-13Learn more about Watermark Student Ministries: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/studentsStudent sign up to serve at Camp Barnabas: https://www.watermark.org/events/6489-camp-barnabas-2025

"Rehoboam's Reign"1 Kings 14:21-31

Beginning in 1 Kings 11:7, Jacob compares the relationships of leaders throughout history and even into modern times with two leaders from the Bible.This teaching was originally taught on RTN TV's "Word for the Weekend" on September 7, 2024 and can be found on RTN and Moriel's YouTube and ministry channels. Word for the Weekend streams live every Saturday.

Host: Emily Hatfield  |  Released Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Looking into the life of Judah's faithful King Asa, we can be encouraged that our own faithfulness is not dependent upon that of our parents. While his grandfather, Rehoboam, and his father, Abijam, were unfaithful kings, Asa broke away from their negative example. He even went […]

Host: Emily Hatfield  |  Released Wednesday, April 9, 2025 Looking into the life of Judah's faithful King Asa, we can be encouraged that our own faithfulness is not dependent upon that of our parents. While his grandfather, Rehoboam, and his father, Abijam, were unfaithful kings, Asa broke away from their negative example. He even went […]

IT DIDN'T take long for simmering tensions in Israel between north and south to erupt into civil war. Following the death of Solomon, Jeroboam led the northern tribes in rebellion against Judah and the House of David. Solomon's son, Rehoboam, wanted to go to war immediately but was warned by the prophet Shemaiah that it was not the will of God to do so, since the rebellion was God's punishment for Solomon's fall into the worship of pagan gods. However, after just three years of peace, north and south were at war. Egypt's pharaoh, Shishak, seeing the weakness of his northern neighbor, plundered the temple in Jerusalem. Rehoboam humbled himself before God, which saved himself and the kingdom of Judah from destruction—but it didn't take long for Judah to fall back into pagan practices, even in the royal household. Rehoboam was succeeded by his son, Abijam, who was followed just three years later by his son, Asa (reigned c. 910–873 BC). Asa removed the male cult prostitutes and the Asherah poles from the kingdom, and even had to remove his mother as queen mother because she'd made an image for Asherah, which probably fertility connotations (to put it politely). It appears that even during the reign of good kings like Asa, the cult practices of the Amorites and Canaanites were a powerful snare for the people of Israel and Judah. Question of the week: Are cemeteries the modern equivalent of ancient dolmens? Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback, Kindle, and as an audiobook at Audible! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821) Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

• The Attitude toward the Aged • The Actions of the Aged• The Army of the Aged - Serving with wisdom, availability, & maturity - 70s, 80s, 90s, 100sSenior Adults are not viewed with respect in many places in the world. Unfortunately, that same attitude sometimes shows up in the church.  Paul wants Pastors like Titus and Timothy to embrace the senior citizens in their congregations. I Timothy 5:1-2. Paul described Timothy in three distinct ways:(1) He was relatively young - I Tim 4:12(2) He was physically weak - I Tim 5:23(3) He was spiritually fearful/timid - II Tim 1:5-7 I. Listen to the Scriptures on Senior Adults (The strength of sr adults)Lev 19:32; Exodus 20:12 (Eph 6:2-3); Deut 32:7; Psalm 37:25; Prov 16:31; Isa 46:3-4Abram & Sarai (100 & 90) - Genesis 17:15-17 - had Isaac which in Hebrew means “laughter”. Who do you use as an example today?Moses - Got God's assignment at 80 years of age. It would be a 40-year commitment.Our recent Christmas Series - Simeon & Anna - Luke 2:25-38. He was looking forward to passing on, and she was described as being “very old”. They both served the Lord without any thought of retiring from doing the Lord's work until God took them home!II. Look to the Aged for Leadership  1. Titus 2:1-2 • What Eliab was to Titus 1• Rehoboam is to Titus 2 - I Kings 12:4-11 (his lack of wisdom divided a fractured country).

IT DIDN'T take long for simmering tensions in Israel between north and south to erupt into civil war. Following the death of Solomon, Jeroboam led the northern tribes in rebellion against Judah and the House of David. Solomon's son, Rehoboam, wanted to go to war immediately but was warned by the prophet Shemaiah that it was not the will of God to do so, since the rebellion was God's punishment for Solomon's fall into the worship of pagan gods. However, after just three years of peace, north and south were at war. Egypt's pharaoh, Shishak, seeing the weakness of his northern neighbor, plundered the temple in Jerusalem. Rehoboam humbled himself before God, which saved himself and the kingdom of Judah from destruction—but it didn't take long for Judah to fall back into pagan practices, even in the royal household. Rehoboam was succeeded by his son, Abijam, who was followed just three years later by his son, Asa (reigned c. 910–873 BC). Asa removed the male cult prostitutes and the Asherah poles from the kingdom, and even had to remove his mother as queen mother because she'd made an image for Asherah, which probably fertility connotations (to put it politely). It appears that even during the reign of good kings like Asa, the cult practices of the Amorites and Canaanites were a powerful snare for the people of Israel and Judah. Question of the week: Are cemeteries the modern equivalent of ancient dolmens?

A key fact that we all need to know is that in 930 BC, Israel divided into two kingdoms. Today, we read the record of that account and consider why it happened, and what were the massive repercussions of this event.  DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS: 1.    When Chapter 12 opens, who was Rehoboam, where was he going, and what was he expecting?  2.    How many of the tribes were going to support Rehoboam? What does this mean about the others?  3.    In verse 6, what kind of wise counsel did Rehoboam receive? Whose counsel did he get in verse 8? Which counsel did he follow? What happened as a result?  4.    In verses 14 – 19, what transpires? How did this impact Israel for generations to come?  5.    In verse 20, who made Jeroboam king? Why?  6.    When Rehoboam goes after Jeroboam, what did the prophet say which prevented an all-out war?  7.    In 1 Kings 11:38, God promised Jeroboam that if Jeroboam would obey the Lord, He would build him an enduring house. Do we see Jeroboam obeying the Lord in 1 Kings 12? What did he set up in verses 26 to 33? How was this an act of expediency? Was it honoring to the Lord? Why?  Check out our Bible Study Guide on the Key Chapters of Genesis! Available on Amazon! To see our dedicated podcast website with access to all our episodes and other resources, visit us at: www.keychapters.org. Find us on all major platforms, or use these direct links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6OqbnDRrfuyHRmkpUSyoHv Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/366-key-chapters-in-the-bible/id1493571819 YouTube: Key Chapters of the Bible on YouTube. As always, we are grateful to be included in the "Top 100 Bible Podcasts to Follow" from Feedspot.com. Also for regularly being awarded "Podcast of the Day" from PlayerFM. Special thanks to Joseph McDade for providing our theme music.   

Today's 4th chapter of Solomon's Proverbs alerts us to the responsibility of fathers. It starts, “Hear. O sons, a father's instruction, and be attentive … “ It is clear that David, the father of Solomon had seen in him a responsive spirit and taught him the ways of God. This led David to name Solomon as his successor (see 1 Kings 1 v.13,17,28-30) despite the efforts of other and older sons to claim the kingship as David was about to die.Solomon writes, “When I was a son with my father … he taught me and said to me, ‘let your heart hold fast to my words; keep my commandments and live. Get wisdom, get insight … do not turn away from the words of my mouth”[v.3-5] Solomon goes on to write advice to his son, “Hear, my son, accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her; for she is your life.” [v.10-13]But Solomon's son Rehoboam, did not listen so as to remember his father's words, they did not stay in his heart and we read of the tragedy of his lack of wisdom when he succeeded his father in 2 Chron. 10 v.8-13 in rejecting wise counsel. This is reflected in Proverbs 1 v.25,26 “because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you …”We see these words as also having a final application in our days as the whole world ignores God's counsel, despite his word being available in every language! Solomon writes in ch.15, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place; keeping watch on the evil and on the good. A gentle tongue is a tree of life … whoever heeds reproof is prudent.” [v.3-5] Let us heed God's word!Finally we noted the words of Jesus about the ones that God “draws (to) him. And I will raise (them) up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.' Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me…”[John 6 v.44,45] Have we learned? Let us be taught – from God's word.

Pastor Jim explores the stories of Jeroboam and Rehoboam in 1 Kings, highlighting the dangers of hiding from God and the destructive path of disobedience. He contrasts their downfall with David's example of honest confession, emphasizing that true transformation comes through vulnerability before God. Jim encourages listeners to step out from behind their facades, embrace confession, and experience the fullness of life, grace, and strength found in Jesus.

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is 1 Kings 14:21–31. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Kristyn Getty. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

KING LEMUEL is unknown outside of the reference in Proverbs 31. It may be an epithet of Solomon meaning “belonging to God,” or Lemuel may have been an Arab king descended from Massa, the seventh son of Ishmael. What we can say for certain is that verses 10–31 of Proverbs 31 is a well-known section of scripture that praises the virtues of an excellent wife. We discuss the value placed on trust between a husband and wife in these verses. In the ideal marital relationship, both spouses trust each other implicitly. The virtues of a woman who embraces her role in the household should be appreciated by the rest of her family: Her children rise up and call her blessed;  her husband also, and he praises her:  “Many women have done excellently,  but you surpass them all.” (Proverbs 31:28–29, ESV) We also begin our study of the division of the Davidic kingdom, as prophesied by Ahijah. Solomon's son Rehoboam, rejecting the wise counsel of the old men who'd served his father, angers the northern tribes by promising to govern more harshly than Solomon. As a result, Jeroboam led the northern tribes to rebel. He set up his capital at Shechem and set up golden calves as the “god” (or “gods”—elohim can be singular or plural, but in context is more likely singular) who brought Israel out of Egypt. We explain why we believe the golden calves represent the Canaanite father-god El rather than Yahweh or Baal, as many Bible commentators teach. Question of the week: Are the hooks in the jaws that draw Gog of Magog to make war on Israel in the end times (Ezekiel 38 and 39) Israel's farmland or natural gas fields? Sharon's niece, Sarah Sachleben, was recently diagnosed with stage 4 bowel cancer, and the medical bills are piling up. If you are led to help, please go to GilbertHouse.org/hopeforsarah. Our new book The Gates of Hell is now available in paperback (https://amzn.to/4esHHgu), Kindle (https://amzn.to/3XR6KnV), and as an audiobook at Audible (https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Gates-of-Hell-Audiobook/B0DCX4YNVZ)! Derek's new book Destination: Earth, co-authored with Donna Howell and Allie Anderson, is now available in paperback (https://amzn.to/3YOHZJE), Kindle (https://amzn.to/3UBG1K5), and as an audiobook at Audible (https://www.audible.com/pd/Destination-Earth-Audiobook/B0DDV1ZC8R?qid=1730562326)! If you are looking for a text of the Book of 1 Enoch to follow our monthly study, you can try these sources: Parallel translations by R. H. Charles (1917) and Richard Laurence (1821) Modern English translation by George W. E. Nickelsburg and James VanderKam (link to book at Amazon)Book of 1 Enoch - Standard English Version by Dr. Jay Winter (link opens free PDF)Book of 1 Enoch - R. H. Charles translation (link opens free PDF) The SkyWatchTV store has a special offer on Dr. Michael Heiser's two-volume set A Companion to the Book of Enoch. Get both books, the R. H. Charles translation of 1 Enoch, and a DVD interview with Mike and Steven Bancarz for a donation of $35 plus shipping and handling. Link: https://bit.ly/heiser-enoch Follow us! • X: @gilberthouse_tv | @sharonkgilbert | @derekgilbert• Telegram: t.me/gilberthouse | t.me/sharonsroom | t.me/viewfromthebunker• YouTube: @GilbertHouse | @UnravelingRevelation• Facebook.com/GilbertHouseFellowship JOIN US AND SPECIAL GUEST CARL TEICHRIB IN ISRAEL! Our next tour of Israel is October 19–30, 2025 with an optional three-day extension to Jordan. For more information and to reserve your place, log on to GilbertHouse.org/travel. Thank you for making our Build Barn Better project a reality! We truly appreciate your support. If you are so led, you can help out at GilbertHouse.org/donate. Get our free app! It connects you to these studies plus our weekly video programs Unraveling Revelation and A View from the Bunker, and the podcast that started this journey in 2005, P.I.D. Radio. Best of all, it bypasses the gatekeepers of Big Tech! The app is available for iOS, Android, Roku, and Apple TV. Links to the app stores are at www.gilberthouse.org/app/. Video on demand of our best teachings! Stream presentations and teachings based on our research at our new video on demand site! Gilbert House T-shirts and mugs! New to our store is a line of GHTV and Redwing Saga merch! Check it out at GilbertHouse.org/store! Think better, feel better! Our partners at Simply Clean Foods offer freeze-dried, 100% GMO-free food and delicious, vacuum-packed fair trade coffee from Honduras. Find out more at GilbertHouse.org/store. Our favorite Bible study tools! Check the links in the right-hand column at www.GilbertHouse.org.

Some concepts in the Bible are so crucial that if they aren't properly understood from the outset, the text itself can be twisted from a guide that protects your steps into a snare that traps you in a cycle of endless folly.One such example is the idea of ownership or proprietorship.When you hear the Bible, even in the original languages, but especially in translation—for example, the colonial King James text—when you hear the Bible in that translation, you are hit over and over again with a notion of ownership that has as its reference not Scripture but, in fact, the King of England, who imagines that he owns things, just like those of us living in a capitalist society imagine that we own things.Just ask your child.Ask them about the shirt on their back, the shoes they wear to school, or the toys on the floor of the room where they sleep. Ask them to whom those things belong. They will likely tell you that they “own” those things.But that is not how ownership functions in Scripture.Even when it says, “your land,” in Scripture—even then—the underlying premise of the text is that God, not his children, is the sole proprietor. That”s how ownership works in the Bible. Everything is a temporary loan. No one “owns” anything except God.That is what the word “inheritance” means.It is not granted to you, so you can “possess” it in perpetuity. It is a temporary gift that can be reclaimed and lent to others at any time. You cannot claim it as property because you are not the Most High.You are not the Proprietor.This week, I discuss Luke 8:22.Show Notesἀνάγω (anagō) / ع-ل-و (ʿayn-lām-wāw) / ע-ל-ה (ʿayin-lamed-he)This root carries the core function of “ascending” or “rising.” The same root is used to refer to pilgrimage in Jewish tradition, particularly in the phrase עֲלִיָּה לָרֶגֶל, (ʿaliyah la-regel) literally “going up” or “ascending by foot,” referring to three biblical festivals involving pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem:“For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders, and no man shall covet your land when you go up (בַּעֲלֹתְךָ - baʿalotka) three times a year to appear before the Lord your God.” (Exodus 34:24)Religious and political ideologues routinely pervert this verse. The biblical understanding of land relationship can be described as patrimony (נַחֲלָה - naḥala). This concept frames the land as a divine inheritance or trust from God, who remains the sole owner. As Leviticus 25:23 explicitly states:“The land shall not be sold permanently, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and sojourners with me.”Other verses where the same root appears are also significant for Jewish tradition:“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.'” / “To which the tribes go up (עָלוּ - ʿalu), the tribes of the Lord—an ordinance for Israel—to give thanks to the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 122:1, 4)“And many peoples will come and say, ‘Come, let us go up (וְנַעֲלֶה - venaʿaleh) to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that He may teach us concerning His ways and that we may walk in His paths.' For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 2:3)“‘If this people go up (יַעֲלֶה - yaʿaleh) to offer sacrifices in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people will return to their lord, even to Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.' So the king consulted, and made two golden calves, and he said to them, ‘It is too much for you to go up (מֵעֲלוֹת - meʿalot) to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, that brought you up from the land of Egypt.'” (1 Kings 12:27-28)Luke's lexical use of ἀνάγω (anagō), the Greek parallel to Hebrew עלה (ʿalah), repeatedly functions as a direct reference to Exodus themes: the plagues, the movement out of Egypt with God into the wilderness, the people's complaints, and constant reminders that it was God who brought them up, and God who brings up.The Arabic cognate عَلَا (ʿalā), means “was high, was elevated, rose, ascended.” The word عَلَا (ʿalā) and related forms from this root occur multiple times throughout the Qur'an:فَتَعَالَى اللَّهُ الْمَلِكُ الْحَقُّfa-taʿālā allāhu al-malik al-ḥaqq“Exalted is God, the true King”(Surah Ta-Ha 20:114)إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ عَلَا فِي الْأَرْضِinna firʿawna ʿalā fī al-arḍ“Indeed, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land”(Surah Al-Qasas 28:4)وَلَتَعْلُنَّ عُلُوًّا كَبِيرًاwalataʿlunna ʿulūwan kabīran“And you would surely cause corruption on the earth with great arrogance”(Surah Al-Isra 17:4)سَبِّحِ اسْمَ رَبِّكَ الْأَعْلَىsabbiḥi isma rabbika al-aʿlā“Glorify the name of your Lord, the Most High”(Surah Al-Aʿla 87:1)The root functions in various ways, including:عَلِيّ (ʿaliyy) - high, exaltedأَعْلَى (aʿlā) - highest, most exaltedتَعَالَى (taʿālā) - to be exalted, elevatedعُلُوّ (ʿuluww) - height, exaltation, arrogance“Al-ʿAli” (The Most High) is one of the 99 names of God.The same root appears in the angelic proclamation from Luke 2:14, which is used in Christian liturgical services in the doxology: “Glory to God in the highest”:المجد لله في الأعاليal-majdu lillahi fil-ʿali ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Psalm 125 (ESV)Andrew and Edwin discuss the incredible faith it would take for ancient Israelites to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, leaving their farms and homelands behind for weeks. Read the written devo that goes along with this episode by clicking here.    Let us know what you are learning or any questions you have. Email us at TextTalk@ChristiansMeetHere.org.    Join the Facebook community and join the conversation by clicking here. We'd love to meet you. Be a guest among the Christians who meet on Livingston Avenue. Click here to find out more. Michael Eldridge sang all four parts of our theme song. Find more from him by clicking here.   Thanks for talking about the text with us today.________________________________________________If the hyperlinks do not work, copy the following addresses and paste them into the URL bar of your web browser: Daily Written Devo: https://readthebiblemakedisciples.wordpress.com/?p=20658The Christians Who Meet on Livingston Avenue: http://www.christiansmeethere.org/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TalkAboutTheTextFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/texttalkMichael Eldridge: https://acapeldridge.com/ 

In this thought-provoking sermon, we dive deep into the timeless wisdom of Proverbs and explore the powerful truth that the company you keep shapes your destiny. Are you walking with the wise, or are you unknowingly surrounded by fools who influence your choices?