1 Kings 14:21-31 - Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Bible Study & Commentary

Verses 21-31

Rehoboam’s reign in the south (14:21-31)

The story returns to the kingdom of Judah. After the division of the kingdom, Rehoboam quickly strengthened the defences on his southern border, for he knew that Egypt was likely to support Jeroboam (cf. 11:40; see 2 Chronicles 11:5-12). For three years Rehoboam carried on the true worship of Yahweh. This was mainly because of the help he received from a large number of priests and Levites from the north who fled to Judah rather than participate in the corrupt religion of Jeroboam (2 Chronicles 11:13-17).

During this time Rehoboam ruled wisely and trained his sons as administrators. The new kingdom of Judah was strong and well organized (2 Chronicles 11:18-23; 2 Chronicles 12:1). Unfortunately, Rehoboam’s pride increased with his power, and he tried to show himself independent of God by adopting practices of the Canaanite religions (21-24). (For details of the Canaanite religions see introductory notes to the book of Judges.)

As a judgment on Judah for this sin, God allowed the Egyptians and their allies to invade the land, capture the defence cities that Rehoboam had built, invade Jerusalem, and carry off much of the gold that Solomon had carefully stored up. Only a last minute confession of sin from Rehoboam and his governors saved Judah from destruction (25-31; 2 Chronicles 12:2-16).

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Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary

Bridgeway Books, though credible reference works, are non-technical in style. They are based on a firm biblical scholarship and the assured belief that once readers understand the Bible, they will find it has its own way of making itself relevant to them. Preachers, teachers and other Christian workers have found that these books do much of the preparation work for them, by helping them understand the Bible as it might have been understood by its first readers.Bridgeway Books have been written by Don Fleming who has had wide experience in evangelism, church planting and Bible teaching, in his home country of Australia, and in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Pacific. He is well known for his ability to explain the Bible writings concisely and simply, both in his preaching and in his writing.Bridgeway Books have been translated into more than forty five languages.The "bridge" element in the title reflects the aim of all Bridgeway books - to bridge two gaps at once - the gap between the word of the Bible and the world of today; and the gap between technical reference works and the ordinary reader.Bridgeway Books are easy to read and especially suited to those who use English as a second language.In its previous format as a series of eight Bridge Bible Handbooks, this commentary built up an international reputation for its appeal to a wide range of people - ordinary readers, Bible students, pastors, teachers and other Christian workers. It strikes the middle ground between the overly scholastic detailed commentaries and the often light-weight devotional notes.The Bridgeway Bible Commentary deals with each biblical book in such a way that readers readily see the meaning of the Bible in its own context and its relevance in today's world. It is neither a word-by-word technical reference work nor a mere collection of overviews. It provides a free-flowing commentary on the entire text of each biblical book, along with background material, maps, diagrams, drawings, tables and feature articles.... Show more

The Bridgeway Bible Commentary deals with each biblical book in such a way that readers readily see the meaning of the Bible in its own context and its relevance in today's world. It is neither a word-by-word technical reference work nor a mere collection of overviews. It provides a free-flowing commentary on the entire text of each biblical book, along with background material, maps, diagrams, drawings, tables and feature articles.... Show more

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