(Week #23) A Kingdom Divided (1 Kings 11:26-33, 12:1-17)

I. The Cause of the Division
A. Conflict in Israel dated back to Jacob.
a. Jacob’s Sons - Jealousy, Selfish-ambition, Sin
B. Conflict continued during the time of the Judges (Judges 19).
C. Conflict ceased temporarily under David (2 Sam. 5:1-3).

II. The Conflict in the Division
A. The Kingdom would be divided because of idolatry and violating the Mosaic covenant.
a. Jeroboam, Solomon’s servant would be king over the 10 northern tribes. (1 Kings 11:28-33)
B. Rehoboam’s first foolish decision as king sparked rebellion and Israel’s division. (1 Ki 12:1-15)
a. Except for Judah and Benjamin, Israel rejected Rehoboam as king (1 Kings 12:16)
b. This was according to God’s sovereign purpose and plan (2 Chron. 11:1-4)
c. The true followers of God sided with Judah (2 Chron. 11:14–16)

III. The Captivity from the Division
A. The ten northern tribes were taken in captivity by the Assyrian Empire (722 BC). (2 Ki 17:6–18)
B. Judah was taken into captivity by the Babylonian Empire (586 BC). (2 Kings 25:8–11)
C. God will eventually restore Israel and keep His promises. (1 Kings 11:31–32)
a. All of the O.T. promises and types far are fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ:
1. He is the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15)
2. He is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:3; Gal. 3:16)
3. He is Judah’s lion with an everlasting scepter (Gn. 49:10)
4. He is Job’s Redeemer who lives (Job 19:23-27)
5. He is the Passover Lamb (Ex. 12:21-27; 1 Cor. 5:7)
6. He is the great sin bearer (Lev. 16:21-22)
7. He is the great healer (Num. 21:9; John 3:14)
8. He is the prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:15-16)
9. He is the Captain of the Lord of Hosts (Joshua 5:13-15)
10. He is the Angel of the Lord (Judges 6:11-12)
11. He is the true Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 4:4)
12. He is the faithful Priest (1 Sam. 2:35)
13. He is a king with and everlasting kingdom (2 Sam. 7:12-13; Lk. 1:31-33)

IV. Principles for the Christian
A. To be a godly leader, never use your position of authority to make others serve you. Instead, strive to be the servant of others. (Matt. 20:20–27; 1 Cor. 10:24)
B. To be a wise leader, seek the counsel of Scripture and godly people who will keep your ego in check. If not, you run the risk of making foolish life decisions. (Deut. 17:18-20; Prov. 13:16, James 4:10)

John MacArthur, “First Kings,” Accessed June 7, 2019. https://www.gty.org/library/bible-introductions/MSB11/first-kings