The Influence of Wicked and Righteous Leaders
Toward the end of Solomon’s life, the prophet Ahijah prophesied that Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s 12 superintendents over taxes and labor, would take over much of the Israelite nation. To illustrate this, Ahijah seized the garment from the back of Jeroboam, tore it into 12 pieces, and gave 10 of the pieces to Jeroboam (1 Kings 11:29–32; footnote 32a points out that according to the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, two tribes, not one, would be left in the kingdom ruled by the descendants of David).
The Savior taught that
–every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. (Matthew 12:25).
This is what happened to the kingdom of Israel after Solomon’s death. This lesson is about the influence of wicked and righteous leaders on the divided kingdom of Israel.
OVERVIEW
1 Kings 12-14; 2 Chronicles 17; 20
- The kingdom of Israel is divided, primarily because of Rehoboam’s harsh leadership.
- Jeroboam and Rehoboam lead their kingdoms into idolatry.
- Jehoshaphat leads the kingdom of Judah to follow the Lord and His prophets.
Here is the handout for this week’s lesson: Old Testament Lesson 27.
pax vobiscum
Filed under: Gospel Doctrine Tagged: | Christianity, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gospel Doctrine, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, LDS, Mormon, Old Testament Study, Rehoboam, Religion
