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{{DOD-May}}
Yesterday, in chapter 8, we read of [[Solomon]]'s prosperity.
This chapter covered his building activities as well as his religious activities. We also read of the visit of the Queen of Sheba, and of [[Solomon]]'s [[death]].
[[Solomon]]'s reign in [[Jerusalem]] over all [[Israel]] lasted forty years. His annual income amounted to 666 talents of gold, approximately $30,000,000.00. However, despite all his wealth and the goodness of [[God]], [[Solomon]]'s heart was turned from [[Jehovah]]. Chronicles does not record the details, but it would be good for us to refer back to I Kings 11 and read again how the wise man, so greatly blessed of [[God]], turned from [[Jehovah]]. The latter part of that chapter shows the anger and chastening of [[Jehovah]].
Chapter 10 records the accession and folly of Rehoboam. Rehoboam was obedient to the [[Lord]] for three years. He then fell into [[sin]] and apostasy. His punishment was the invasion of Shishak, but his repentance avoided complete destruction.
In chapters 11 and 12 Rehoboam is pressured into leading a war against the ten tribes who had rebelled against the house of [[David]]. He gathered 180,000 men of [[Judah]] and Benjamin to fight against them and restore them to his kingdom. Shemaiah, the man of [[God]], received a message from the [[Lord]] and faithfully delivered it to Rehoboam. He said, "Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house; for this thing is done of me." Rehoboam and the people obeyed and did not go to war. For a brief season Rehoboam's kingdom was strengthened. But then apostasy set in.
Rehoboam had lived in the indulgence of the flesh. "He forsook the law of the [[Lord]], and all [[Israel]] with him." Idolatry in high places was encouraged by Rehoboam. Shortly thereafter, [[Judah]] was invaded and the punishment of [[God]] fell upon the people. Rehoboam's [[death]] is recorded in chapter 12. Since Rehoboam, like most of us, could not learn from history, he learned by experience.