March 23, 2019: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10, 11; 1 Kings 13.

I spent the morning in research. When I read Jeroboam made a fort at Shechem and Penuel, I wondered why.

1 Kings 12:25, “Jeroboam made a fort at Shechem in the hills of Ephraim, and made that his headquarters. He also built a fort at Penuel.” The Message

What else happened at Shechem?

1. Abraham built his first altar in the Promised Land, and received his first divine promise (Genesis 12:6, 7).
2. Jacob bought a parcel, settled with his household, which he purged from idolatry by burying the teraphim under an oak tree, (Genesis 33:19).
3. Joshua gathered all Israel “before God” and delivered to them his second parting address (Joshua 24:1-15).
4. Shechem became a “city of refuge,” (Joshua 20:7).
5. They buried Joseph’s bones there, (Joshua 24:32).
6. Rehoboam was appointed king there, (1 Kings 12:1).

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What about Penuel?

Jacob wrestled with God there, (Genesis 32:24-32). Jeroboam chose sites with Godly history. But his actions were ungodly.

1. He made 2 golden calves, 1 Kings 12:28.
2. He discouraged the people from worship at Jerusalem, 1 Kings 12:28.
3. He built forbidden shrines, 1 Kings 12:31.
4. He recruited priests from wherever, 1 Kings 12:31.
5. He created a new holy festival, 1 Kings 12:32.
6. He offered sacrifices before the golden calves, 1 Kings 12:32.
7. He staffed Bethel with priests from local shrines, 1 Kings 12:32.
8. He appointed himself as high priest and lead the worship at his altar, 1 Kings 12:33.
9. He dismissed the Levites, 2 Chronicles 11:14.

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