1 Kings 15
-Chapter 15 gives some of the successions of kings in both
Judah and Israel. There was constant conflict between the two groups and a
preponderance of evil during this time. In Judah, Abijam, who succeeded
Rehoboam, walked in all the sin and corruption of his father and did not regard
his ancestor David so as to follow the LORD. He only reigned three years in
Jerusalem and was succeeded by Asa, who did right in the eyes of the LORD.
Asa’s reign lasted 41 years in Jerusalem and he made several positive reforms
for the nation and was successful militarily against his northern brothers with
the help of Ben-hadad of Damascus (1 Kings 15:1-22). In the time of his old
age, Asa became diseased in his feet (1 Kings 15:23). Much more of his life is
found in 2 Chronicles 14-16. He was a good king with a somewhat poor ending,
but he did at least follow the LORD (1 Kings 15:14).
-In Israel, we see the end of the royal line of Jeroboam
come to fruition according to the prophecy as Nadab, who ruled only two years,
was assassinated by Baasha at Gibbethon while laying siege on the Philistines.
Baasha and Nadab did evil in the sight of God and walked in the ways of
Jeroboam and in his sin which he made Israel sin (1 Kings 15:25-34).
-*Application* Sin brings corruption to any people (Proverbs
14:34). It is too bad that these people in Israel could not heed the wisdom of
Solomon as he wrote this proverb. The spiral downward came from the top as we
can see in the final commentary of this chapter (1 Kings 15:34). Leadership is
very key to success and righteousness in any group of people. Everything flows
from the top down and infiltrates the very fabric of any organization or
culture. If the head is sick, so will the rest of the body be. With this in
mind, we need to be so thankful that the church has as its Head, Jesus Christ,
the perfect role model and Savior (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15; 5:23, Colossians 1:18;
2:10, 19). He is the boss! Follow Him, not sinful man.
Verse to Memorize: 1
Kings 15:32
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