From Kingdoms to Consequences: The Rise of Wisdom and the Roots of Rebellion

Be God's Glory
Apr 24
11 min read

Welcome to Day 112 of The Glory Team Bible Reading plan and we are in the book of 2 Chronicles. These chapters of 8-11 chronicle the later achievements of King Solomon and the dramatic shift in Israel's political and spiritual landscape after his reign. Solomon strengthens his kingdom through construction projects, economic expansion, and international relations, culminating in his global fame. The visit from the Queen of Sheba highlights the height of his wisdom and prosperity. However, after Solomon's death, the unity of Israel begins to unravel. Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, fails to lead with humility, resulting in the kingdom’s division. Jeroboam rises as king over the northern tribes, while Rehoboam holds onto Judah, leading to a fractured nation with lasting consequences. These chapters reveal how choices in leadership—whether wise or foolish—shape a nation’s destiny.

2 Chronicles 8: Solomon completes construction on the Lord’s Temple and his palace, then fortifies several key cities like Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer. He establishes store cities and military garrisons to protect Israel’s borders. Solomon organizes a workforce primarily from the remaining non-Israelite populations in the land, reserving administrative and military roles for Israelites. He also maintains the priestly and Levitical duties as prescribed by his father David, showing his commitment to worship and order. Solomon builds a fleet in Ezion Geber with help from King Hiram, expanding trade and increasing Israel’s wealth and influence. His wise leadership during this time reflects a balance of political strength and spiritual commitment.

2 Chronicles 9: The Queen of Sheba visits Jerusalem, bringing spices, gold, and jewels, curious about Solomon’s famed wisdom. She is amazed by his answers, the grandeur of his palace, his servants, and his worship practices, and praises God for placing Solomon on the throne. The chapter details the vast wealth Solomon receives yearly, including tribute from other kings. He constructs a magnificent ivory throne overlaid with gold, showing his luxurious tastes and royal status. His fleets bring in gold, silver, apes, and peacocks, increasing his prestige. The chapter ends by noting his reign of 40 years, his death, and his son Rehoboam’s succession.

2 Chronicles 10: Rehoboam goes to Shechem to be crowned, where representatives from Israel ask him to lighten the burdens his father placed on them. He first consults the elders, who advise him to serve the people and win their loyalty. Instead, he listens to younger advisors who encourage him to be even more oppressive. Rehoboam tells the people he will be harsher than Solomon, provoking rebellion. The northern tribes reject David’s lineage and declare Jeroboam their king. Rehoboam flees to Jerusalem, now king only over Judah, and the once-united kingdom begins to fall apart.

2 Chronicles 11: Rehoboam assembles an army to attack Israel, but the prophet Shemaiah tells him this division is from the Lord, and he obeys by standing down. He focuses instead on fortifying cities like Bethlehem and Lachish to protect Judah. Rehoboam strengthens his defenses and provides supplies, garrisons, and shields in key cities. Priests and Levites from the north join Judah because Jeroboam expelled them to set up his own worship system, including golden calves. Their return strengthens Rehoboam’s spiritual leadership. For three years, Rehoboam walks in the ways of David and Solomon, establishing a solid, if short-lived, beginning to his reign.

Origin & Meaning of the Name:

The name "Chronicles" comes from the Latin Chronicon, which was adopted from the Greek word Paraleipomenon, meaning "things left out" or "things omitted." This implies that 1 and 2 Chronicles were seen as a supplement or continuation of the historical narratives found in Samuel and Kings. In the Hebrew Bible, 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally a single book called Divrei Hayamim, meaning “The Matters (or Events) of the Days.” This title reflects the book’s role in chronicling the history of Israel, especially from a priestly and spiritual perspective.

Purpose of the Book:

The purpose of 2 Chronicles is to highlight the religious history of Judah, focusing on the temple, the priesthood, and the Davidic line of kings. Unlike the books of Kings, which cover both Israel and Judah, 2 Chronicles centers almost entirely on the kingdom of Judah, tracing its spiritual fidelity or failure to God's covenant. The book was written to encourage and instruct the returning exiles from Babylon, reminding them of God’s faithfulness, the importance of proper worship, and the need for national and spiritual restoration under God's leadership. It serves as a theological reflection—emphasizing that faithfulness to God brings blessing, while rebellion leads to downfall.

Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:

The traditional author of 1 and 2 Chronicles is believed to be Ezra the scribe, based on ancient Jewish tradition and internal evidence. This tradition is supported by:

Jewish Talmudic sources (like Baba Bathra 15a), which state that Ezra wrote Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah.
The similar writing style, genealogical interest, and spiritual themes found in Ezra-Nehemiah and Chronicles (e.g., emphasis on temple worship, Levitical roles, and the priesthood).
2 Chronicles 36:22–23 ends with the same wording that begins the book of Ezra 1:1–3, suggesting a seamless continuation and possibly the same author or editorial hand.

Though the exact identity of the final compiler isn’t definitively proven, many scholars—both religious and academic—lean toward Ezra or someone in his priestly circle as the most credible authorship.

External References:

The Jewish Encyclopedia and ISBE (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) support Ezra's authorship.
Bible commentaries such as those by Matthew Henry, John Gill, and the ESV Study Bible also reflect Ezra as the likely author.
Modern scholars, like those cited in the Anchor Yale Bible Commentary and Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, also affirm Ezra as the most probable candidate, given the shared concerns of Chronicles and Ezra-Nehemiah.

Key People:

2 Chronicles features numerous significant figures from Israel’s past, but some stand out more than others:

Solomon – Son of David and builder of the Temple in Jerusalem. His wisdom and early devotion to God are foundational to the book.
Rehoboam – Solomon’s son and the first king of Judah after the kingdom divides.
Asa – A king of Judah who led significant religious reforms.
Jehoshaphat – A godly king known for his alliance with Ahab and a strong military.
Hezekiah – A reforming king who reopened the temple and celebrated Passover.
Manasseh – A wicked king who later repents, showing God’s mercy.
Josiah – Known for rediscovering the Book of the Law and restoring temple worship.
Zedekiah – The last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile.
Ezra (possibly) – Though not directly named, if Ezra is the author, his priestly focus shapes the narrative.

Conclusion

The book of 2 Chronicles closes with both a solemn warning and a hopeful promise. It reveals the tragic consequences of Judah’s persistent unfaithfulness to God—despite the reforms of good kings like Hezekiah and Josiah, the nation ultimately falls to Babylon due to generations of disobedience, idolatry, and rejection of prophetic warnings. Yet, even in the final verses, God’s mercy shines through. The decree of King Cyrus of Persia, allowing the exiles to return and rebuild the temple, marks a powerful turn in Israel’s story. This moment reminds readers that while sin brings judgment, God’s covenant love remains steadfast.

2 Chronicles ultimately serves as a call to repentance, restoration, and reverence. It urges the people—and us today—to honor God with undivided hearts, to value His presence above all else, and to recognize that true greatness is found in humble worship and faithful obedience. Through kings, priests, and prophets, God revealed His desire for a holy people set apart for His glory. The journey from Solomon’s majestic temple to the destruction and eventual restoration reminds us that God’s purposes will prevail, and His invitation to return to Him is always open.

What is God's Name in these Chapters?

In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.

Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.

"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.

Looking for the Names of God from the previous chapters? Due to the overwhelming amount of names we had to dedicate a special place for them for the sake of space. Click the link to see them:

REVIEW GOD'S NAMES FROM PREVIOUS CHAPTERS

In 2 Chronicles 8, God’s character is reflected through Solomon’s order, wisdom, and commitment to worship. God is seen as a God of structure, peace, and continued faithfulness. He had fulfilled His promise to David by allowing Solomon to build the Temple and rule in peace. His presence is felt through the way the kingdom is being maintained and expanded in alignment with His divine order.

While no specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned in this chapter, we see the implications of YHWH (Yahweh)—the covenant-keeping God—in Solomon’s consistent efforts to honor the Lord’s commandments. The lesson in this chapter emphasizes obedience, faithfulness, and proper worship. God blesses those who maintain what He has ordained and follow through with His instructions. His stability leads to lasting peace.

In 2 Chronicles 9, God’s character in this chapter is revealed as the source of all wisdom, abundance, and glory. He is the one who elevates Solomon and brings foreign nations to recognize His power through the king’s leadership. The awe and admiration from the Queen of Sheba toward Solomon ultimately lead her to praise God, showing that God reveals His glory through His people.

The Queen of Sheba acknowledges YHWH (Yahweh) by blessing "the Lord your God," affirming Him as the one who delights in Solomon and establishes justice. The lesson here is that when God’s wisdom is embraced, it brings light to the nations. God uses Solomon’s wisdom and splendor to draw people to Himself, teaching us that our excellence should always point back to Him.

In 2 Chronicles 10, God’s character in this chapter is revealed in His sovereignty and justice. Though Rehoboam makes poor leadership choices, God is still in control. The chapter reminds us that even human failure can be used to fulfill divine purposes. God allows division, not as a sign of His absence, but as a part of His plan.

No Hebrew names of God are directly mentioned, but His presence is evident through the unfolding of prophetic judgment. The lesson taught is that pride and a lack of humility in leadership lead to destruction and division. God honors wise counsel and humility, and when leaders ignore these principles, the consequences can impact an entire nation.

In 2 Chronicles 11, God’s character is seen in His mercy, guidance, and desire for obedience. When Rehoboam initially plans war, God intervenes through the prophet Shemaiah, revealing Himself as a God who corrects and redirects His people. His mercy is shown when Rehoboam listens, and peace is temporarily preserved.

The Lord speaks directly through Shemaiah, identifying Himself as YHWH (Yahweh), the covenant God of Israel. The lesson here is that God still speaks and guides, even in times of division. When leaders listen to God's voice and obey, they find stability and divine favor. God's instruction is always aimed at restoration and preserving His purposes.

Christ in Every Book of the Bible

Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.

Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.

The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!

Questions:

Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.

Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?

How does God’s faithfulness to His covenant with David and Solomon reveal His unchanging nature?
In what ways do we see God as a God of order and peace in Solomon’s leadership in chapter 8?
What does the story of the Queen of Sheba in chapter 9 reveal about God’s wisdom and how He shares it through His people?
How does God's justice and sovereignty show up in the division of the kingdom in chapter 10?
Why is God’s willingness to stop Rehoboam from going to war in chapter 11 significant to understanding His mercy?
How does God demonstrate that He is actively involved even when human leaders make unwise decisions?
What do these chapters show us about how God responds to both obedience and disobedience?

Questions About Themes:

What is the theme of obedience and worship in chapter 8, and how does it shape Solomon’s reign?
How does chapter 9 emphasize the theme of God’s glory being revealed to the nations?
What does the division of the kingdom in chapter 10 teach us about pride, leadership, and consequences?
How is the theme of God’s guidance shown when Rehoboam listens to the prophet in chapter 11?
How do these chapters highlight the tension between human leadership and divine direction?
What role does wisdom play in building and sustaining both a kingdom and a relationship with God?
How do these chapters reflect the blessings and pitfalls of legacy—both Solomon’s and Rehoboam’s?

Reflective Application Questions:

In what areas of your life do you need to be more intentional about maintaining God’s order and obedience like Solomon did in chapter 8?
How can you use your gifts, success, or influence—like Solomon did—to point others toward God?
Have you ever faced a decision like Rehoboam's where you had to choose between wise counsel and popular opinion? What did you learn?
What does it look like in your own life to stop and listen when God redirects your path, as Rehoboam did in chapter 11?
Are you willing to trust God’s sovereignty even when things feel divided or uncertain?
How do you respond to correction from God—through His Word, people, or circumstances?
What lesson from these chapters challenges you the most in your current season of life?

These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.

Reference Guides:

Life Application Study Guide

A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler

The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans