Politics seem to have always been a divisive factor in Israel's history. It seems that the Lord wants the Children of Israel to learn and accept their true leader. Yet, surrounded by other peoples with governments of "men," Israel lost the vision of a government of the "Lord."

"Following Solomon's death, dissension and rebellion broke out in Israel. Rehoboam, Solomon's son and heir to the throne, was unable to maintain the unity of the kingdom and the northern section seceded as a separate state. Rehoboam maintained control of Jerusalem and the territory of Judah in the south, encompassing the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, while Jeroboam was crowned ruler of the kingdom of Israel to the north, with the remaining ten tribes. In order to assert his independence from Judah, Jeroboam built new temples in his territory and appointed new priests. This religious rebellion became a source of great sorrow for the prophets, who saw it as the beginning of the decline of Israel."



"For over two centuries the two kingdoms remained thus estranged, often warring with one another when not preoccupied with battling invaders from the outside. While Judah retained the leadership of the descendants of the House of David, Israel suffered a series of revolutions and coups, resulting in constant changes in leadership." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr)

Government soon became the vehicle for apostasy and ultimate destruction.

"While there is no record of Jeroboam's activities in the administrative and military organization of his new kingdom, there are records that he instituted the ritual of calf worship in Israel by making two golden calves, placing one at Dan in the north and the other at Beth-El in the south, and proclaiming them holy places. The aggadah (legends) criticizes Jeroboam severely for this, claiming he tried to replace the Law of Moses with idol worship and failed because the people of Israel would not accept this."



"Jeroboam is remembered as a man who started with good intentions, trying to oppose the excessive power which the House of David had accumulated, but who was himself tempted by power and whose wisdom and judgment were subsequently impaired." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr)

Jehosophat, a righteous king, reflects the name he bore. Since the name of the Lord in Hebrew, Jehovah, is unspeakable, it has been replaced by many forms. Subsequently, a name or word that begins or ends with a form of Jeho, Yah, Iah, Ah, etc. is referring to the Lord. The word shofet in Hebrew means judge. Jeho-shofet simply means Jehovah is Judge.

The place where the Kings of Israel and after the division, Judah, lived at was known as the Mount Moriah (Moreh is teacher - ended with Ah - and means taught of Jehovah or Jehovah teaches). They place where the King's bodies were placed when they died is on the Mount of Olives. Between the two mounts is a valley, popularly known as the Kidron Valley. One of its ancient names is the Valley of Jehoshafat. The valley separates the Mount of Olives, a place the Lord atoned while living and Mount Moriah where he atoned in death.

High Places and Groves became entertainment places. Theatrics, entertainment and a substitute religious excitement replaced true religion and its edifying spiritual gifts. Some of the popular theatrics included priests "fighting" against evil. When they were about to fail, a beautiful, unmarried woman would come to the rescue. Together, they fought off evil and won! Ah, how terrific, "good" triumphs over "evil." Then, as history and legend tell us, the victories were celebrated by the priests and the virgins as they faded into the sunset, (a basic James Bond movie scenario). The high places and groves became places of excitement and titillation. Consider how crafty Satan is, sexual aberration and immorality became a justified reward for "fighting evil."

To begin with, "high places" may have been intended for "district temples" because travel to Jerusalem might have taken to much time and effort. Soon, they were corrupted.

"From the moment of its dedication, the Temple in Jerusalem served as the central sanctuary for the Children of Israel. The Bible speaks of the existence of other "high places" at which sacrificial worship did take place. Although scholars differ as to whether these places had a legal status, they all agree that from the time of Josiah (622 b.c.e.) at least, there was no other legal sanctuary in Israel or Judea." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

Our homes can become the "temple" model of the Lord's house. Entertainment brought in by various "vicarious" means may challenge us today as it did in the past! On the other hand, our homes may just be the model to daily prepare us to live with Him, in His house and in His city.