“When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and strong, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 12:1
Solomon has handed the baton to Rehoboam. At the time, Israel was the wealthiest it had ever been, but through forsaking his father’s counselors, gave away the majority of it. Now, as he settles in to secure what remains, he and his people forsake the God that made them great.
One of the great Puritans, Thomas Brooks said, “Adversity hath slain her thousand, but prosperity her ten thousand.” This describes Israel at this time, and unfortunately, our Nation as well! It is not during Poverty and Adversity we are most prone to forsake God, it is during time of Abundance and Ease. As Ezekiel said regarding Sodom and their guilt, it was “abundant food and careless ease” that’s highlighted, not Immorality.