The Book of 1st Kings - Wisdom and Division

“And observe what the LORD your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go.” – 1 Kings 2:3

In the book of First Kings we read of the glory days of the nation of Israel and how these prosperous times eventually gave way to a divided kingdom.  The book begins with the succession from King David to King Solomon, a wise king who greatly expanded Israel.  His crowning achievement was the completion of the temple in Jerusalem, thereby providing the people of the nation with a set apart, holy place to worship God.

However, this book is not only about the successes of Israel.  First Kings also includes the story of King Jeroboam’s rebellion and the splitting of the northern and southern kingdoms.  Within this story is a warning that still resonates today.
 
God allowed for Israel to become divided as a punishment for the actions of King Solomon.  In King Solomon’s later years, he turned away from God and built temples and offered sacrifices to other gods.  His unfaithfulness and subsequent punishment is a reminder that when we turn our hearts away from God we will always end up walking paths that do not lead to life.
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