"It happened in the fifth year of King Rehoboam that Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. And he took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house; he took away everything. He also took away all the gold shields which Solomon had made. Then King Rehoboam made bronze shields in their place, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who guarded the doorway of the king’s house. And whenever the king entered the house of the Lord, the guards carried them, then brought them back into the guardroom." (1 Kings 14:25-28)
I was reading this passage the other day and was struck by a couple of things. It was interesting to me that Rehoboam so desired the image of sovereignty that he had bronze shields made to replace the gold ones that Shishak took away. The heart of the king was not touched by the Lord's wrath upon him for his wickedness. Instead, and this is true of all men, I believe, Rehoboam was undaunted by the clear sign of God's disfavor and sought to continue whatever path he had set for himself with whatever means he still possessed. I've read stories that depict drunks who graduate from fairly affluent lifestyles and high quality liquor to homelessness and whatever cheap whiskey they can find. "No one seems to be around, Just this monkey that I've found...And tonight he grins again"
However, there is another way of seeing this passage of Scripture. It isn't one I'm used to finding, but this time it kind of struck me. Perhaps Rehoboam is still trying to honor the Lord with whatever the Lord has left him. "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" Perhaps Rehoboam is here trying to make sure the Lord's name is held in high regard and the mystery of His presence is still honored even when Judah is under His judgment.
But then why would the shields only be used when Rehoboam entered the Lord's house? It seems, that while I'd like to give Rehoboam the benefit of the doubt, the text doesn't give much room there.
Don't be like Rehoboam. Don't make bronze shields when the Lord takes away the golden ones. Fall down in repentance and plead the Lord's mercy that He might return the golden shields.
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