2 Chronicles 12:14

And Rehoboam did evil because he did not set his heart to seek the LORD.

Study Bible

And Rehoboam did evil
Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and grandson of David, became king of Judah after the kingdom split. His reign is marked by a departure from the ways of his forefathers, particularly in his failure to follow the covenantal laws established by God. The "evil" mentioned here refers to his idolatry and the abandonment of God's commandments, which led to spiritual and moral decline in the nation. This phrase highlights the biblical theme that leadership has a profound impact on the spiritual state of a nation, as seen in other kings of Israel and Judah.

because he did not set his heart
The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, including mind, will, and emotions. Rehoboam's failure was not merely in his actions but in his internal disposition. He lacked the intentional commitment to align his desires and decisions with God's will. This phrase underscores the importance of intentionality in one's spiritual life, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands to love the Lord with all one's heart.

to seek the LORD
Seeking the LORD involves a deliberate pursuit of God's presence, guidance, and will. It is a recurring biblical exhortation, as seen in passages like Isaiah 55:6 and Jeremiah 29:13. Rehoboam's failure to seek God contrasts with the example of his grandfather David, who is often described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). This neglect led to his downfall and the invasion of Judah by Shishak, king of Egypt, as a divine judgment. The phrase serves as a reminder of the blessings associated with seeking God and the consequences of neglecting this pursuit.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rehoboam
The son of Solomon and king of Judah, whose reign is marked by a division of the kingdom and spiritual decline.

2. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, which Rehoboam ruled after the split of the united monarchy.

3. Egypt
Under Pharaoh Shishak, Egypt invaded Judah during Rehoboam's reign, which was a consequence of Rehoboam's failure to seek the Lord.

4. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, where Rehoboam reigned and where the temple of the Lord was located.

5. Shishak's Invasion
A significant event where Egypt plundered Jerusalem, symbolizing God's judgment on Rehoboam's unfaithfulness.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Intentionality in Seeking God
Rehoboam's failure was rooted in his lack of intentionality. Believers must actively set their hearts to seek the Lord daily.

Consequences of Neglecting God
Rehoboam's reign shows that neglecting to seek God leads to spiritual and moral decline, both personally and communally.

Guarding the Heart
As Proverbs 4:23 advises, guarding one's heart is crucial. Rehoboam's heart was not set on God, leading to his downfall.

Leadership and Spiritual Responsibility
Leaders have a responsibility to seek God and lead others in righteousness. Rehoboam's failure affected the entire nation.

Repentance and Restoration
While Rehoboam's account is one of failure, it serves as a reminder of the opportunity for repentance and turning back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What specific actions or attitudes in your life might indicate that you are not setting your heart to seek the Lord?

2. How can the consequences of Rehoboam's failure to seek God serve as a warning for us today?

3. In what ways can you be more intentional about seeking God in your daily routine?

4. How does the principle of guarding your heart apply to your current spiritual walk?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of neglecting God. How did you find your way back to Him, and what did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 14:22-24
This passage parallels the account of Rehoboam's reign, highlighting the idolatry and evil practices that proliferated in Judah.

Proverbs 4:23
This verse emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart, which connects to Rehoboam's failure to set his heart on seeking the Lord.

Matthew 6:33
Jesus teaches about seeking first the kingdom of God, which contrasts with Rehoboam's neglect to seek the Lord.

James 4:8
Encourages believers to draw near to God, a principle Rehoboam failed to apply in his leadership.