Read the Passage: 1 Kings 14:21–16:34

Rehoboam’s Reign (14:21–31)

1 Kings 12–14 introduced the first two kings of the divided monarchy: Rehoboam who reigned in Judah and Jeroboam who reigned in Israel. Over the next 210 years, 20 kings would reign in Israel; and over the next 340 years, 20 kings would also reign in Judah. 1 Kings 14–16 records the reign of 3 kings of Judah and 8 kings of Israel. As the reigns of the various kings of Israel and Judah are detailed in the books of 1 & 2 Kings, a pattern is that all of the kings of Israel were evil, while the character of the kings of Judah varied, with 4 being good, 4 being mediocre, and 12 being evil. This narrative illustrates the truth of texts such as Prov. 29:2, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan,” as well as Prov. 16:12, “It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness.”

1 Kings 12:1–24 introduced Solomon’s successor, Rehoboam. 1 Kings 12:25–14:20 then detailed the reign and fall of Jeroboam. Now, 1 Kings 14:21–31 resumes the narrative about Rehoboam. While readers might hope that Rehoboam would be a better king than Jeroboam, this passage confirms that Rehoboam’s character was as shallow as it first appeared when he ascended to the throne. This passage reports that Rehoboam’s reign was marked by idolatry (cf. 1 Kings 14:22), false worship (cf. 1 Kings 14:23), and sexual perversion (cf. 1 Kings 14:24). Indeed, while Solomon recorded many wise sayings for his son—the phrase “my son” occurs 23 times in Proverbs—Rehoboam was influenced more by Solomon’s example than by his teachings. Because of Rehoboam’s apostasy, God allowed Egypt to pillage Judah, as well as for a continual state of war with Israel.

Kings of Judah (15:1–24)

1 Kings 15:1–24 gives details about the two kings who followed Rehoboam. First, Abijam reigned for three years. As was the case with the majority of the kings of Judah and Israel, “His heart was not loyal to the Lord” (1 Kings 15:3). Observe that Abijam’s short reign is characteristic, in general, of the evil kings, while the mediocre and good kings tended to have longer reigns. 1 Kings 15:4–5 reveals that one of the reasons why God allowed evil kings to reign, was for David’s sake. Second, Asa reigned for 41 years. Asa “did what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (1 Kings 15:11), as he cast out sexually perverted people, he removed false idols, and sought to restored true worship of God in Judah. While Asa’s reign was largely successful, 2 Chron. 15–16 reports that he erred by trusting in Syria for military help, as well as by not trusting in God when he became sick.

Kings of Israel (15:25–16:34)

1 Kings 15:25–32 gives details about one of the most obscure kings of Israel—that is, Nadab, who only reigned for two years. Yet, this account is significant, for Nadab is the only son of Jeroboam who became king. As could perhaps be expected, Nadab “did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father [Jeroboam], and in his sin which he made Israel to sin” (1 Kings 15:26). As a consequence of Nadab’s sinful ways, a man named Baasha arose, assassinated Nadab, and usurped the throne. Further, Baasha murdered all of Nadab’s family, so there were no descendants of Jeroboam left to rule. Note the reign of Jeroboam and his family only lasted for 24 years. The reign of Baasha and his family would be short-lived, too, spanning only 26 years. Yet, Baasha’s murder of Nadab fulfilled the prophecy given by Ahijah many years earlier at 1 Kings 14:9–11.

God used Baasha to mete out justice against the house of Jeroboam, yet Baasha did not walk with God and was confronted by the prophets Hanani (cf. 1 Kings 16:1–6) and Jehu (cf. 1 Kings 16:7). Baasha died of natural causes after an unremarkable 24 year reign. His death then set in motion an 18 year period in which five evil kings would arise in Israel including: Elah (cf. 1 Kings 16:8–14), Zimri (cf. 1 Kings 16:15–20), Tibni (cf. 1 Kings 16:21–22), Omri (cf. 1 Kings 16:23–28), and Ahab (cf. 1 Kings 16:29–34). This chaotic period in Israel included kings dying by assassination, suicide, civil war, and murder. The instability and blood-soaked politics of this era is symptomatic of life in the fallen world apart from being anchored to God. The rule of Ahab, which lasts until the end of 1 Kings, is significant, as he nationalized idolatry in the form of the worship of the false god Baal.

Application Questions:

1. In what ways can knowledge of history help people in living properly today, as well as in planning for the future?
2. Given the historical record that oppressive leadership produces turmoil, why do many leaders still engage in evil acts?
3. Should we respond differently to trials that are caused by sin, compared to those that are the result of living in fallen world?
4. Why does success oftentimes lead to arrogance? How can we prevent spiritual progress from leading to personal pride?
5. In a modern democratic republic, how can God’s people promote truth while remaining faithful citizens?