A few people are mentioned only once or very few times. Prophet Iddo was one such prophet. Yet, their lives are influential and inspirational even today. His writings are not included in the Bible, and they are considered lost literature. Certainly, he had the gift of prophecy, though there are no specific prophetic words in the bible. In Jewish tradition, Iddo is listed along with the prophets, though much detail about his life and work is not available.
Iddo during three kings
His name means ‘lovely,’ or ‘God’s Witness.’ As God’s witness, he recorded the time of three kings. Interestingly, Iddo was one of the longest-serving prophets, serving during the reigns of Solomon, Rehoboam, and Abijah. Solomon’s period was marked by Domination and prosperity, Rehoboam by Division, and Abijah, ‘s decline.
Documentation
Iddo was an authority on the history of the Kingdom of Judah, and he documented that period in his book: Midrash of the Prophet Iddo or Annals of Iddo the Seer. (II Chronicles 9:29; 12:15; 13:22)
Prosperity period
Iddo is first mentioned as a prophet during the time of prosperity and wisdom in the history of Israel. (I Kings 4:14) Did Iddo warn Solomon like prophet Nathan when he deviated from the way of the Lord?
Division and wars
Probably Iddo could have been one of the senior leaders who counseled Rehoboam to be favorable to the demands of the people. Rehoboam rejected the older people’s address and chose oppression as advised by youngsters. The Prophet Iddo also witnessed the division of the Nation of Israel, as the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah, headquartered in Jerusalem. The bitter wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam were recorded by the prophet Iddo. After Abijah (913-911 BC) succeeded Rehoboam, he defeated the Northern Kingdom as he relied on the Lord. Later, he did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
Faithful prophet: Though Solomon and his son Rehoboam did not listen to Iddo, he faithfully prophesized. Rehoboam later accepted the advice of Iddo by refraining from attacking Jeroboam.
Do I speak the truth, even when people reject the message?