Second Chronicles 9–11 moves from the height of Solomon’s glory to the painful division of the kingdom under his son Rehoboam.

Chapter 9 shows Solomon at the peak of his wisdom, wealth, influence, and international reputation. The Queen of Sheba travels to Jerusalem because she has heard about his wisdom and wants to test what she has heard.

Chapter 10 then gives us a sobering contrast.

Solomon’s son Rehoboam inherits the kingdom, but instead of following wise counsel, he listens to younger advisers who encourage him to answer the people harshly. His foolish decision helps divide the nation.

Chapter 11 shows that even after failure, obedience still matters. When Rehoboam prepares for civil war, God sends the prophet Shemaiah and tells him not to fight his own people. This time, Rehoboam listens.

These chapters teach  ...