Bible Study

Just for your thoughts:
1 Kings – Bible Lesson 24
During the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel was divided into two. Rehoboam, from the tribe of Judah, led one portion, while the rest of the tribes followed Jeroboam, resulting in the division of the nation into two kingdoms.
Under the leadership of Jeroboam, ten tribes in the northern region united to form a kingdom, which came to be known as the Kingdom of Israel or Ephraim. This kingdom was ruled by approximately nine dynasties. However, none of the kings who reigned over this kingdom lived lives pleasing to God. When we study their history, we realize that they reaped exactly what they sowed.
Here is a brief account:
The first king of this northern kingdom of Israel was Jeroboam. Though he was of humble beginnings, God gave him the opportunity to rule over part of the divided kingdom as a consequence of Solomon’s sins.
However, Jeroboam did not walk in the ways that pleased the Lord. He reigned for 22 years. After him, his son Nadab ascended the throne and ruled for only two years before being killed by Baasha from the tribe of Issachar, who then seized the throne. Thus, the dynasty of Jeroboam came to an end.
Had Jeroboam walked righteously in the sight of God, his dynasty would have continued. But he brought an end to it himself.
Next came Baasha, who ruled for 24 years. He destroyed every member of Jeroboam’s household (1 Kings 15:29). Baasha's son Elah succeeded him but reigned for only two years. While drunk and out of control, he was assassinated by Zimri, who then took over the kingdom.
Thus, the dynasty of Baasha also came to an end. Just as Baasha had killed Nadab to gain the throne, his own son was killed and lost the throne. Zimri wiped out Baasha’s entire household. All these events happened according to the word of the Lord spoken through His prophets. Yet, Baasha reaped what he had sown.
“As soon as Baasha began to reign, he struck down all the house of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite.”
— 1 Kings 15:29
“Zimri destroyed all the household of Baasha, in accordance with the word of the Lord spoken against Baasha through the prophet Jehu.”
The lesson God teaches us through this is that although everything is orchestrated under His sovereign will, whatever weapon a person or a kingdom uses will eventually be turned against them.
A united Pakistan used religion as a tool to separate from India. But that very weapon did not serve them in the end. On the basis of language, Pakistan was later divided into Pakistan and Bangladesh. This is an example from history.
Whatever we sow, we shall reap. This applies to individuals and to nations alike.
The United States of America, founded on the Word of the Lord, still exists today as a united nation (despite many flaws). On the other hand, Britain, which once ruled the world, exploited and oppressed its colonies. As a result, it lost everything and is now seen as a nation far removed from God.
Our only safety lies in living a life that is pleasing to the Lord. God is the one who governs all things. We must be vessels used by Him for good and not instruments for establishing unrighteousness.
— Ezekiel Shanmugavel