‏ 2 Chronicles 11

* Rehoboam forbidden to war against Israel. (1-12) The priests

and Levites find refuge in Judah. (13-23)

1-12 A few good words might have prevented the rebellion of

Rehoboam's subjects; but all the force of his kingdom cannot

bring them back. And it is in vain to contend with the purpose

of God, when it is made known to us. Even those who are

destitute of true faith, will at times pay some regard to the

word of God, and be kept by it from wrong actions, to which they

are prone by nature. 13-23 When the priests and Levites came to Jerusalem, the

devout, pious Israelites followed them. Such as set their hearts

to seek the Lord God of Israel, left the inheritance of their

fathers, and went to Jerusalem, that they might have free access

to the altar of God, and be out of the temptation to worship the

calves. That is best for us, which is best for our souls; in all

our choices, religious advantages must be sought before all

outward conveniences. Where God's faithful priests are, his

faithful people should be. And when it has been proved that we

are willing to renounce our worldly interests, so far as we are

called to do so for the sake of Christ and his gospel, we have

good evidence that we are truly his disciples. And it is the

interest of a nation to protect religion and religious people.