Chapter Summary

Rehoboam returns to Jerusalem. Jeroboam rejects the worship of God.

Discussion Questions for 2 Chronicles, Chapter 11

1. Did God make a covenant with Rehoboam? Why might that be significant?
2. What was the response of the people in verse 1? What was the Lord’s response in verses 2-4? How did the perspective of the people change once they heard the Lord’s reason for their separation?
3. In verses 5-12, King Rehoboam fortifies his area of control. Why do you think he would do this, even after the Lord commanded the people of Israel not to fight with each other? What do you think he was anticipating, and how do his actions reflect on his ability to trust God?
4. Why did the Levites stand with King Rehoboam? What does their sacrifice of leaving “their pasturelands and their possessions,” (CSB) say about their commitment?
5. How did the faithful Israelites respond when King Jeroboam established idol worship in verse 15? What are examples of ways we can respond when our own political leadership turns away from God?
6. In verses 16-17, are all the people of Israel united? What groups are they separated into? What are the commitments of the people based on? How can verses 16 and 17 help you understand the difference between a conditional and unconditional dedication to God? How does the commitment of the people reflect the commitment of the leadership?
7. Verse 17 says that the people and Rehoboam “walked in the ways of David and Solomon for three years,” (CSB). What is the author indicating by mentioning only three years? What is the relevance of comparing his ways to David and Solomon?
8. Why does military strength and strategy have so much emphasis in King Rehoboam’s reign? What kind of king does that shape Rehoboam to be? What kind of influence is he on his sons, and on the people of Israel?
9. Has the acquisition of many wives, concubines, and children been beneficial to the past Kings of Israel? Do you think Rehoboam will have the same results as his forefathers, or will it turn out differently?
10. Was Rehoboam doing well as God’s representatives in leading his people? What ways did he follow the path of his father, and in what ways did he differ? Are there spiritual leaders in your life who have set the path for you? Why is it important to have examples of godly leadership in your life?

Key Words/Phrase

Deterred, v 4.

Characters

God, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Ahijah, Shamaiah.

Strong Verse(s)