Pastor Marshall Ochs | August 11, 2024
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Kings 11-12. These chapters cover the final days of Solomon’s empire and the division of Israel. God raises up a replacement king and Israel splits into two nations — Judah and Israel. The primary theme of these chapters is the turning of Solomon’s heart and the religious systems of Jeroboam that kept Israel from returning to the Lord.
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As we continue our journey through the book of 1 Kings, we arrive at chapters 11 and 12, which detail the turning point in Israel’s history. Once known for his unparalleled wisdom, Solomon allows his heart to turn away from the Lord. This week, we explore the relationship between wisdom and obedience and the consequences of our hearts turning away from God.
1 Kings 11:1-13 — The Turning of Solomon’s Heart
In 1 Kings 11, the word "turn" is repeatedly used to describe the state of Solomon's heart. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's heart is stretched thin by his choices—specifically, his marriages to foreign women who led him to worship other gods. God takes issue with this divided heart.
Reflection: Solomon’s story reminds us that wisdom alone is not enough. A divided heart with rivals for our devotion to God can lead to disobedience and distance from Him. Work, wealth, relationships, and pursuits can subtly turn our hearts away from God if we are not careful. Are there areas of your life where your heart is divided? Pray for a heart wholly true to the Lord. One of the prayers I pray daily, Father, please remove every desire from my heart that is not from You. James tells us that our own evil desires entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sin, and when sin is full-grown, it leads to death. (James 1:14-15)
1 Kings 11:14-27 — The Consequences of a Turned Heart
We witness the unraveling of Solomon's kingdom as a direct consequence of his heart turning away from God. Solomon once celebrated for his wisdom and the peace that marked his reign, now faces the fallout of his disobedience. This passage is a powerful reminder that the consequences are inevitable and far-reaching when we turn our hearts away from God. God raises up adversaries against Solomon—Hadad the Edomite and Rezon, who both harbored deep-seated grievances against Israel. These adversaries, who had been subdued during Solomon's earlier reign, now rise to challenge the kingdom’s stability. Their actions serve as a
clear example of how our actions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only ourselves but also those around us.
Reflection: The condition of our hearts profoundly impacts every aspect of our lives. When our hearts are fully devoted to God, we experience His peace and favor. However, we open the door to chaos and conflict when we allow our hearts to stray—whether through idolatry, compromise, or disobedience. Solomon’s divided heart led to a divided kingdom. As we reflect on this passage, let it be a sobering reminder to guard our hearts diligently. The choices we make, the alliances we form, and the idols we tolerate in our lives can have profound consequences—not just for us but for those around us.
1 Kings 11:28-43 — Jeroboam’s Opportunity
God gives Jeroboam a unique opportunity. A prophet tells him that God will give him ten of the tribes of Israel to rule over, with the promise that if he walks in God’s ways, he will be blessed. However, when Solomon seeks to kill him, Jeroboam flees to Egypt instead of trusting in God.
Reflection: Jeroboam’s decision to flee to Egypt rather than seek God’s help reveals the type of leader he would become—one who relies on worldly power rather than trusting in God’s promises. In times of trouble, where do you turn? Do you seek refuge in the world’s solutions or turn to God? Ask God to help you trust in His ways, especially in difficult times.
1 Kings 12:1-15 — The Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascends to the throne, inheriting a kingdom burdened by the heavy yoke of his father’s policies. The people, weary and oppressed, come to Rehoboam with a simple request: "Lighten the heavy yoke your father put on us, and we will serve you" (1 Kings 12:4). This was a crucial moment for Rehoboam to demonstrate wisdom and compassion as a leader. Instead of heeding the wise counsel of the elders, who advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, Rehoboam chooses to follow the advice of his younger, less experienced peers. Their counsel was harsh, urging him to assert his power and increase the burdens on the people. Rehoboam’s decision to reject the people's plea leads to disastrous consequences—the kingdom splits, with ten tribes breaking away under Jeroboam’s leadership, leaving only Judah and Benjamin under Rehoboam’s rule.
Reflection: This passage teaches us important lessons about leadership, wisdom, and the consequences of our choices: The Importance of Wise Counsel: Rehoboam had access to seasoned advisors who understood the people’s needs and the value of servant leadership. Yet, he listened to the voices that fed his ego and insecurity. This decision highlights the critical importance of seeking and following wise counsel, especially in moments of significant decision-making. In our lives, whom we choose to listen to can shape our destiny. Are we surrounding ourselves with wise, God-fearing individuals, or are we drawn to voices that appeal to our pride and self-interest? The Ripple Effect of Poor Decisions: Rehoboam’s decision not only affected him but also had lasting consequences for the entire nation of Israel. The division of the kingdom marked the beginning of a period of instability and conflict that would plague both the northern and southern kingdoms for generations. Our decisions, particularly those made in positions of authority, often have far-reaching effects beyond what we can immediately see. This calls us to consider the impact of our actions and seek God’s guidance in all our decisions. As we reflect on this passage, may we strive to lead with wisdom, humility, and a heart that seeks to serve others, following Christ's example.
1 Kings 12:16-33 — Jeroboam’s Fear and Disobedience
Jeroboam’s fear of losing his newfound power drives him to create new places of worship and new festivals and appoint non-Levitical priests. He builds golden calves for the people to worship, leading them further away from the Lord.
Reflection: Jeroboam’s fear and desire to secure his position led him to create systems that kept people from returning to God. In our modern context, these systems can take the form of convenient worship, feel-good sermons, or the pursuit of worldly wisdom at the expense of obedience. Consider how the systems in your life—be it cultural, societal, or personal habits—might be keeping you from walking in full obedience to God. Pray for the courage to dismantle everything that is keeping you from complete obedience.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging how our hearts have turned away from You. Forgive us for the times we have allowed other things to turn our hearts from You. Draw us to complete surrender and give us everything we need to walk in obedience to You with undivided hearts. Give us the wisdom to see what keeps us from You and the courage to be obedient to whatever you reveal. Establish Your kingdom in our lives as we seek to obey You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.