#490 1ST Summation of Kings

When I do the summation of a book, I go back through the chapters and notes again, trying to take it in overall. While God has allowed this sort of government, He has not changed the moral law, and it is clear throughout this book, that this was a point of contention. Thou shalt have no other gods and thou shalt not make any graven images. These things holding, that while God may allow men to rise to such earthly rule as being kings, they are still not more than created beings. They are still not to consider themselves above reproach, and they were to be the exemplary model, good or bad, of humanity. Good in that they provide the rule of law, justice and peace. Bad in that they may think themselves above the laws that they enforce against other men. Bad in that they may rule by tyranny rather than the opportunity of merit, that they may decide that some lives are less to them than others. A good government is a wonderful thing to all men, not just a few, not giving people what they want but rather giving them what they need. One may find great advantage in the service of a good king. If you are mistreated then he can provide justice, if you are peaceful then he shall maintain such peace, if you are industrious then he shall not take all your reward. Who were the kings?

Solomon was the son of David, who asked God for the most appropriate of gifts, for one should need to know right and wrong in order to rule. He asked for wisdom and it was granted to him, but though he often judged well, he also chased folly at the same time. He knew the law of kings, yet acquired horses and chariots above that, in order to deal arms. There is wisdom, but like all gifts it can be either humbly given back to and attributed to God, or applied to ego and vane pursuits. Men so often take ability and push it ahead of morality, or suggests a different morality based upon desire and influence. The accumulation of material wealth has been the temptation of many to sell off their integrity. Men are easily impressed by great possessions. His kingdom was later divided like his house. He was influenced by his many wives away from that which actually made and established him. Solomon broke the law of kings by acquiring many wives, and in the end he invoked the judgment of God, which would be against the Davidic dynasty. 

2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Ecclesiastes 1:2

Rehoboam replaces his father in rule but not in wisdom. His grandfather David did not take the whole of the tribes by force, but started with Judah. Rehoboam takes for granted the position, and assumes that those willing to be ruled are the same as those who can be ridden. He is quickly humbled and God has made rule which allows the kingdom to be split into a northern and southern kingdom. When he would have made attempt to force the kingdom back to Judah, the prophet has him stand down. He takes the kingdom from gold to bronze in a short time.

he followed the advice of the young men and said, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the Lord, to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite. 1 Kings 12: 14 & 15

Jeroboam is given the southern kingdom, and the same expectation of rule. He defies the God of Israel, Who has put him here, in order to maintain control of his people. He makes graven images under the guise of their representation of the worship of the true God. This is against God's law though and represents a political control of religious means with a governing interpretation of the law that is also false. His altar and his idols are not acceptable, so God sends a prophet to warn, but Joab is truly hardened in his heart. His name becomes the equivalent of apostasy.

Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places. 1 Kings 13:33

After Jeroboam there were several kings of the northern kingdom, all of which continued in the ways of Jeroboam. Judah enjoys a long stretch with a good king during the reigns of Asa and Jehoshaphat. They bring some reform to the southern kingdom but not complete. It is a mark of the Book of kings and of Israel's relationship with God, as they honor his covenant with them, they are well received. When they leave the covenant, they are turned over to themselves, the inconsistencies of  foolish kings, and eventually the horrors of advancing enemies. 

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Much time is given to the reign of Ahab, and it is notable how many times and ways he sinned, yet was warned by different prophets giving him much opportunity to repent. He without fail blames the messenger though, and this is well in line with the words of Christ to His disciples. If the world hated me, it will hate you also. This is also the Old Testament time of the prophet Elijah, the challenge of Baal, and the death of Ahab. Very few of the kings returned to God's ways, which is not so much a wonder now, knowing that most only furthered the pursuits of unrighteousness. The covenant is broken, but not on God's side, yet He has not fully pulled away from this temporary physical kingdom. Kings is left here divided.

[He shall not] acquire for himself excessive silver and gold. (Deut. 17:17) 1 Kings 10:14–21 “Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was 666 talents of gold” (v. 14). He must not acquire many horses for himself. (Deut. 17:16) 1 Kings 10:26 “And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. He had 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horsemen.” He shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away. (Deut. 17:17) 1 Kings 11:3 “He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines.”