NOTES for Ch2 11:1-23
Faced with the tragic reality, Rehoboam came to his senses, though rather late. But bitter experience prompts him to heed the prophecy of Shemaiah, through whom the Lord advises against starting a fratricidal war. Better late than never, but how difficult it is for a proud person to admit that accepting good advice from someone else does not diminish his dignity at all!
Now Rehoboam begins construction work; here at last he follows his father’s example. Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Israel that has broken away from him, the apostates gain the upper hand, and as a result the priests and Levites leave for the territory ruled by Rehoboam. This too is an exodus—not very large in the number of those who leave Israel, but important in terms of who they are. Jeroboam, however, who has seized power in Israel, attaches no importance to this exodus and does not understand that the victories he has won already contain the seeds of defeat.
It is impossible to stand firm after turning away from the Lord. The kingdom of Judah, however, despite the instability of its kings, will have a secure foundation: trust in the Lord.