Day 219 of Immerse: Rehoboam's Reign and the Division of Israel

Welcome to Day 219 of the Immerse Daily Bible Reading Experience. In today's reading, we explore the events surrounding Rehoboam's ascent to kingship and the subsequent division of Israel. Rehoboam travels to Shechem to be made king, but his decisions, influenced by his young advisors, lead to increased burdens on the people. Rejecting the older counselors' advice, Rehoboam's harsh policies cause a revolt among the Israelites, resulting in the split of the united kingdom. Jeroboam becomes king over Israel, while Rehoboam retreats to Jerusalem and only retains control over Judah. A prophetic command from God through Shemaiah prevents a civil war, and Rehoboam's forces withdraw. This reading highlights the importance of wise leadership and the fulfillment of God's will.

00:00 Introduction to Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience
00:04 Rehoboam's Ascension and Jeroboam's Return
00:43 Rehoboam Seeks Counsel
01:21 Rehoboam's Harsh Decision
02:11 Israel's Rebellion and Division
02:46 Rehoboam's Attempt to Restore Order
03:36 God's Command and Conclusion
04:05 Closing Remarks

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 218: Solomon's Downfall and the Rise of Adversaries — Immerse Daily Bible Reading

In this episode of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience, we explore the dramatic narrative of King Solomon's reign and its decline on Day 218. The reading details Solomon's disobedience to God's commands by marrying many foreign women, which leads him to worship other gods. This results in God's judgment to take the kingdom away from Solomon's lineage. We also meet the adversaries God raises against Solomon, including Hadad the Edomite, Rezon son of Eliada, and Jeroboam son of Nebat. The episode highlights Solomon's attempts to consolidate power despite internal and external pressures and concludes with Solomon's death and the ascension of his son Rehoboam. Key themes include faithfulness to God, the consequences of disobedience, and the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

00:00 Introduction to Solomon's Reign
00:04 Solomon's Foreign Wives and Idolatry
01:33 God's Judgment on Solomon
02:26 Adversaries Raised Against Solomon
04:30 Jeroboam's Rebellion
05:08 Prophecy of the Kingdom's Division
07:32 Solomon's Final Days
07:55 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

Day 217 - The Reign and Wisdom of King Solomon: A Detailed Account

Welcome to Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. In this episode, we explore the achievements and challenges of King Solomon's reign. It took Solomon 20 years to build the temple and his palace. In gratitude, he gave 20 towns to King Hiram of Tyre, though Hiram was dissatisfied with them. Despite his disappointment, Hiram paid 9,000 pounds of gold to Solomon. Solomon conscripted forced labor from non-Israelites to build various infrastructures, while assigning Israelites to administrative and military roles. He relocated Pharaoh's daughter, performed ritual offerings thrice a year, and built a fleet of ships. Solomon's fame attracted the Queen of Sheba, who tested Solomon's wisdom and was astounded by his achievements and prosperity. She praised God and gifted him immense riches. Solomon's wealth grew from yearly tributes, extensive trade networks, and his large fleet of trading ships. His accumulated wealth and wisdom made him a legendary ruler, surpassing any other king on earth. This episode highlights the magnificence and administrative acumen of Solomon, solidifying his place as a revered figure in Biblical history.

00:00 Introduction and Solomon's Construction Projects
00:48 Solomon's Forced Labor and Expansion
03:15 The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon
05:45 Solomon's Wealth and Wisdom
08:27 Conclusion and Farewell

Buy Immerse: Kingdoms Now!

Volume 3 — Joshua, Judges, Ruth, Samuel–Kings

Kingdoms

Immerse: Kingdoms is the third of six volumes in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Kingdoms presents a new and unique journey through the story of Israel from the time of its conquest of Canaan (Joshua) through its struggle to settle the land (Judges, Ruth) and the establishment of Israel’s kingdom, which ends in a forced exile (Samuel–Kings). The nation of Israel, commissioned to be God’s light to the nations, falls to division and then foreign conquest for rejecting God’s rule.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”