Israel Is Divided

Background Scripture: 1 Kings 11-12
Lesson Scripture: 1 Kings 11:9-13, 29-36

Introduction

Division begins in the heart, resulting in an outward separation. The dividing of Israel was not a sudden event or one without cause but the culmination of selfishness, idolatry, and disobedience to God. Division always destroys and weakens, while unity brings preservation and strength. God’s children find a blessing in harmony with their Maker and enjoy the oneness that is present among his people. Division is an affront to God and his holiness, while unity lifts up his name, and He reigns supreme.

Key Verse

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (1 Cor. 3:3).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

The seeds of Israel’s division had already been planted many years before the tribes were actually separated. This division had its beginning during Solomon’s reign as king and even earlier. Solomon’s drift away from God laid much of the groundwork for the tragic happenings later. Nevertheless, not only Solomon but the generations preceding and following his reign began to forsake God and turn to other gods and worship them. While the people of that age continued to lift up God in word and name as the true God, their lives and practices turned to self-pleasing ways, thus denying God of his sovereign position in their hearts and in the nation. God began removing his blessing on Israel, which was a forewarning to the people of the impending doom that would befall them.

Tragically, having begun with such favor from God and the people of Israel, Solomon’s deviations from God’s law culminated in a deplorable ending. Certainly, his rejection of God’s clear command regarding marriage to pagan women and other disobediences caused his devotion toward God to lessen. Eventually, he fell into accepting the worship of the idols his wives introduced. Likely he reasoned that mixing other beliefs with true God worship would enhance Israel’s strategic position and honor among other nations.

After the end of Solomon’s reign, the bitter cost of his disobedience started to become apparent. God withdrew his providence from over the kingdom, it was divided, and most of the tribes went to Jeroboam—just a remnant stayed with Solomon’s son, Rehoboam. This small parcel God had promised to Solomon in remembrance of his father, David, and for Jerusalem’s sake. It surely was heartrending for Solomon to know much of his kingdom would be given to Jeroboam, an official whom he had promoted and trusted. Solomon must have felt a sense of betrayal as Jeroboam lifted up his hand against him. Many years of division and warring followed, and eventually the ten tribes became largely lost to history.

Solomon’s son, Rehoboam, proved to be a foolish young man. Rather than listen to the sound advice of his elders, he chose to follow what his younger friends advised him. He did not recognize that a ruler can only inspire confidence when he has the people’s favor and respect; instead, he thought that an iron-handed approach would be better. He tried to lead the nation without the goodwill and approval of his subjects. His reign was short-lived and troubled.

The fighting and conflict between the two divided kingdoms was further fruit of the seeds of division. When they were sown, those seeds were small and hardly noticeable, but over the years, they grew into uncontrolled dissension and brought about a bitter outcome. Likely no one imagined that the small errors of a few could conceive and give birth to such a disastrous ending. Ultimately, God could not go to battle on behalf of a people so filled with selfishness and unbelief.

Practical Truths for Today

God’s people are united. This unity is not of their own working or because of their own goodness or knowledge but is an attribute they have received from God. As God’s children yield their lives to Him, it is expected they will be united in the purpose of pleasing and honoring Him.

It is in this unity that strength is found. “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3). When unity is present, peace will prevail within the church. There is perhaps no greater tool that Satan uses with such effectiveness in destroying fellowship than disunity. Some may think that a small amount of discord is expected and acceptable in the kingdom, but it always erodes confidence and brotherhood. Often it is like a germ that ultimately invades the whole body and “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Gal. 5:9).

Unity has its birth in the believer’s heart. By a new birth experience, unity with God through his Son, Jesus Christ, is found. Consequently, a oneness with others who have experienced the same life-changing encounter with God will be present. This unity is not achieved by man’s effort but is a gift of God. “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21).

Unity among believers is not established upon adherence to an outward form or man’s decree. An outward uniformity will be evident as an expression of our heart’s condition, which is one of humility and submission one to another. This is a reflection of the spirit of Christ and undergirds unity of faith and doctrine, overcoming the petty differences that are common to man. The practice of this faith and doctrine will be similar enough to present a clear witness to the seeking ones and give believers a sense of safety in belonging to a spiritual fellowship.

Division does not begin with a difference of opinion or even differing convictions. It comes when the heart is ruled by the love of self, supplanting the pure love of God. When God’s love grows lukewarm and cold in the heart, that person will begin to feel disaffected and distant. Division will cause one to look at another believer with skepticism and loss of confidence. Spirits of division will allow one to carry a self-perceived concern for another, but the true spirit of charity to help or admonish in love will be missing. Criticisms toward others will invade our consciousness and hide the good and positive that is also present. Should differences in doctrine arise, however, the church as the body of Christ judges these errors so that individuals may remain free of a personal judgmental position.

When Solomon began his reign, his heart was filled with reverence and love for God’s way. As he drifted away from God, selfishness and honor-seeking began to replace the former contents of his heart. The first discord in his heart was toward God, resulting in the latter dividing of Israel. There was nothing Solomon could do of himself to correct the downward course his heart had set.

Peace and unity among believers is not found in negotiation or in a brokering of peace by another. Oneness will not be gained by agreeing to compromise or giving others the latitude to do how they feel, or by proclaiming a truce. Unity is found in our oneness through Christ by Him being supreme in our lives. The oneness of doctrine will not be hard to attain or maintain when each heart is submitted to God and is Christ-centered. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).

Illustration

The United Nations is an organization that is comprised of many different nations. Its purpose is to maintain international peace and security. It aims to develop friendly relations among nations, hoping to avoid conflict and war. It is meant to provide a forum for nations to meet together and discuss their problems and find solutions. When unity is found or achieved, great things can be accomplished. Where animosities are rife, vengeance is sought, and human rights are denied, the assembly becomes a place of peace in name only, losing its noble status and purpose.

The church of God is to be a stronghold of peace for the children of God on earth. Here peace and security are found, and solutions and guideposts are established, ensuring a safe journey for us through the wilderness of this world. “Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof. Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following” (Ps. 48:12-13). The church carries the saving gospel to all people and nations, bringing hope and salvation. This outreach to humanity is made possible by peace and unity within the body.

When division presents itself and becomes a threat, not only is the church’s safety jeopardized but its purpose is thwarted. The concept of unity may be held high, but if hearts are divided, it becomes an empty claim. God only dwells where hearts unite and oneness of faith and doctrine are embraced and practiced. His blessing is then upon that fellowship.

Questions

1. What are the most noticeable or common causes of division?
2. What might be some legitimate causes of divisions? Are there any?
3. How can more unity and conformity be promoted among us?
4. Can young Christians have unity if exclusive groups are present among them?

Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).