2 Chronicles 11:4

that this is what the LORD says: 'You are not to go up and fight against your brothers. Each of you must return home, for this word is from Me.'" So they listened to the words of the LORD and turned back from going against Jeroboam.

Study Bible

that this is what the LORD says:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message. In the Old Testament, prophets often prefaced their messages with "Thus says the LORD" to indicate that the words were not their own but from God. This underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen throughout the Bible, such as in the messages delivered by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah.

‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers:
The context here is the division of the united kingdom of Israel after Solomon's reign. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, was planning to fight against the northern tribes who had followed Jeroboam. The term "brothers" highlights the familial relationship between the tribes of Israel, emphasizing unity and peace over conflict. This reflects the biblical theme of brotherhood and reconciliation, as seen in the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis.

Each of you must return home:
This command to return home signifies a call to peace and a cessation of hostilities. It reflects God's desire for His people to live in harmony and avoid unnecessary bloodshed. The directive to return home also implies trust in God's sovereignty and His plans, similar to how the Israelites were instructed to trust God during their wilderness journey.

for this is My doing.’”
This phrase indicates God's sovereignty and control over the events unfolding in Israel. It reassures the people that the division of the kingdom is part of God's divine plan, even if it seems unfavorable. This echoes the biblical theme that God's ways are higher than human ways, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9, and that He works all things for good, as stated in Romans 8:28.

So they listened to the words of the LORD:
The people's obedience to God's command is a significant moment of faith and submission. Listening to God's word is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the importance of heeding divine instruction. This obedience is reminiscent of the Israelites' response to God's commands during the Exodus and their journey to the Promised Land.

and turned back from going against Jeroboam:
This action of turning back signifies repentance and a change of heart, aligning with the biblical call to turn away from conflict and sin. Jeroboam, who led the northern tribes, was part of God's plan to fulfill His purposes for Israel. The decision to not fight against Jeroboam reflects a recognition of God's will and a commitment to peace, similar to how David refrained from harming Saul, acknowledging God's anointed.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, who initially sought to wage war against the northern tribes of Israel after the kingdom split.

2. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the ten tribes in rebellion against Rehoboam's rule.

3. Shemaiah
A man of God who delivered the LORD's message to Rehoboam and the people of Judah, instructing them not to fight against their brothers.

4. Judah and Benjamin
The two tribes that remained loyal to Rehoboam and formed the southern kingdom of Judah.

5. The LORD
The God of Israel, who intervened to prevent civil war among His people by commanding Rehoboam and his followers to stand down.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
Rehoboam's decision to listen to God's command through Shemaiah demonstrates the importance of obedience, even when it contradicts our initial plans or desires.

God's Sovereignty
The passage underscores God's control over the affairs of nations and individuals. His intervention prevented a potentially devastating civil war.

Unity Among Believers
The instruction not to fight against "your brothers" highlights the value God places on unity and peace among His people.

Listening to Godly Counsel
Rehoboam's willingness to heed the message from Shemaiah shows the importance of listening to godly counsel and being open to divine guidance.

Trust in God's Plan
The phrase "for this is My doing" reminds us to trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances seem challenging or confusing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rehoboam's response to God's command through Shemaiah challenge us to respond to divine guidance in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of avoiding conflict with our "brothers" in our personal relationships and church communities?

3. How does this passage illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty, and how can this understanding impact our daily decision-making?

4. What role does godly counsel play in your life, and how can you ensure you are open to receiving it?

5. How can we cultivate a heart of obedience to God's Word, especially when it requires us to change our plans or desires?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides a parallel account of the division of the kingdom and the events leading up to Rehoboam's decision to heed God's command.

Matthew 5:9
Jesus' teaching on peacemakers can be connected to the decision to avoid conflict as instructed by God.

Romans 12:18
Encourages believers to live at peace with everyone, echoing the divine directive to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Proverbs 16:9
Highlights how human plans are subject to God's sovereign direction, as seen in Rehoboam's change of course.