Contemplative Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 10:16 (American Standard Version)

16 And when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So all Israel departed unto their tents.

This contemplative thought on scripture is a bit different for me. I made a note of this about a year before I attempted to write a few words. What struck me as noteworthy had escaped my mind. Perhaps I should make better notes as I become older.

It seems the phrase that is the title of this post is quite famous as it has been used throughout western history in the 20 or 30 centuries since Jeroboam uttered it. The use of it has been to remind persons of the dangers of harsh rule by a malevolent person. “The King hates us. Let’s go home and do what we can.”

It is also a reminder of the folly of arrogant rulers. “I am in charge. You will do as I say.” Really? We shall see about that. The arrogant king sent a tax collector. The taxed returned the dead body of the tax collector (the ensuing verses tell us that sad story). King Rehoboam lost more than half the kingdom in one day due to one proclamation. That was really putting his foot in his mouth.

Then there are the tents and the cities. Israel returned to its tents. Judah returned to its cities. The country folk rebelled against their rich city cousins. I suppose we are still doing that today. There is an old Country Western song about “A Country Boy Can Survive” from Hank Williams Jr. or something.

Where does this lead me? When confronted with a “either this or that” question, the answer should be,

“Loving brother, let’s sit, have a cup of coffee, and talk about a few things.”

Please God, grant me the wisdom when I need it, and I need it often.