1 Kings 12 12

1 Kings 12:12 kjv

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.

1 Kings 12:12 nkjv

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had directed, saying, "Come back to me the third day."

1 Kings 12:12 niv

Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, "Come back to me in three days."

1 Kings 12:12 esv

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king said, "Come to me again the third day."

1 Kings 12:12 nlt

Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam's decision, just as the king had ordered.

1 Kings 12 verses

1 Kings 12 12 Meaning

1 Kings 12:12 describes the precise moment when the assembly of Israel, led by Jeroboam, returned to Rehoboam, the king of Judah, to hear his decision regarding their request for a lighter burden. This verse highlights the king's prior instruction to them to return "on the third day," setting the stage for the pivotal declaration that would lead to the division of the united monarchy. It signifies the culmination of a period of waiting, marking the appointed time for a critical announcement with profound consequences for the kingdom.

1 Kings 12 12 Context

1 Kings chapter 12 details the immediate aftermath of Solomon's death and the beginning of the kingdom's division. Following Solomon's reign, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne in Shechem. The people of Israel, led by Jeroboam, approached Rehoboam with a request to lighten the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam sought counsel from the elders, who advised leniency, and from the young men he grew up with, who advocated for even harsher treatment. Instead of immediately giving an answer, Rehoboam told the people to return "on the third day" for his decision. This verse marks the return of the delegation on that appointed day, creating a moment of heightened expectation before Rehoboam delivers his fatal answer. Historically, this event signifies the split of the United Monarchy into the northern Kingdom of Israel (under Jeroboam) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (under Rehoboam), a direct consequence of Solomon's sin of idolatry as prophesied by the prophet Ahijah.

1 Kings 12 12 Word analysis

• So: (Hebrew: וַיָּבֹא - wayyāvōʾ) This conjunction links the current event to the previous narrative, indicating a direct continuation of Rehoboam's command in verse 5. It shows the expected action unfolding as planned.
• Jeroboam: (Hebrew: יָרָבְעָם - Yārāvʿām) A key figure chosen by God (1 Ki 11:29-39) to lead the ten tribes. His presence here represents not just himself but the aspirations and grievances of the northern tribes. He is a divine agent, albeit also acting on human motivation.
• and all the people: (Hebrew: וְכָל-הָעָם - vəḵāl-hāʿām) Emphasizes the collective will and unity of Israel's request. It indicates that the demand for a lighter yoke was not isolated but a widespread concern among the population, demonstrating the national nature of the upcoming schism.
• came: (Hebrew: בָּאוּ - bāʾū) Simple verb of motion, but in this context, it highlights their compliance with the king's instruction and their eagerness to hear his response. This act of coming demonstrates their direct engagement in this pivotal national negotiation.
• to Rehoboam: (Hebrew: אֶל-רְחַבְעָם - ʾel-Rĕḥabʿām) Indicates the target of their appeal. Rehoboam, as king, held the power to decide the fate of the nation, though ultimately, God's sovereign plan was in play (1 Ki 12:15).
• on the third day: (Hebrew: בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי - bayyôm haššělîšî) This specific timeframe is crucial. In biblical narratives, "the third day" often marks a moment of significant revelation, decisive action, or a turning point after a period of anticipation (e.g., Exod 19:11 for divine encounter, Hos 6:2 for resurrection). Here, it signifies the culmination of Rehoboam's deliberation and the appointed moment for judgment to be declared, albeit through human agency. This period also allows for tension to build and for divine purpose to align.
• as the king had said: (Hebrew: כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר הַמֶּלֶךְ - kaʾăšer dibbēr hammeleḵ) Affirms that the people followed Rehoboam's explicit command from verse 5. This detail reinforces the orderliness of the proceedings and the expectation of a final pronouncement from the king.
• 'Come back to me on the third day.': (Hebrew: שׁוּבוּ אֵלַי בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁי - šûḇū ʾēlay bayyôm haššělîšî) A direct quotation of Rehoboam's instruction. It sets up the impending reveal, intensifying the suspense. The repetition underscores the importance of the appointed time for the unfolding of events, where human responsibility intersects with divine sovereignty.

1 Kings 12 12 Bonus section

The consistent emphasis on "the third day" throughout Scripture often signifies a divine pattern or timing. It frequently appears as a critical turning point—a day of divine action, judgment, deliverance, or, most profoundly, resurrection. In this context, the "third day" sets the stage for God's judgment on Solomon's idolatry, realized through the division of his kingdom. It foreshadows that Rehoboam's awaited decision will not just be a human misstep but a preordained act in God's broader redemptive plan. The people's disciplined return to Rehoboam on the specified day contrasts with the king's undisciplined and arrogant approach to leadership, highlighting that even in their obedience, a preordained separation was being brought to fruition.

1 Kings 12 12 Commentary

1 Kings 12:12 marks the tense climax of a brief yet monumentally significant delay. The "third day" waiting period, initiated by Rehoboam (1 Ki 12:5), built anticipation among the people and provided the king an opportunity to weigh his options. However, rather than seeking divine wisdom or truly listening to the prudent advice of the elders, Rehoboam hardened his heart by choosing the counsel of his ill-advised younger peers (1 Ki 12:8-11). The verse emphasizes the punctuality of the people's return, fulfilling Rehoboam's exact directive, and underscores their earnest expectation of relief from oppressive burdens. This waiting period and the precise fulfillment of the "third day" command serve as a powerful narrative device to highlight the deliberateness of Rehoboam's impending foolish decision. Ultimately, although human agents make choices, this pivotal moment is revealed to be under divine control (1 Ki 12:15), signifying God's judgment against Solomon's sin and the establishment of Jeroboam's reign over the ten northern tribes. This episode is a somber reminder for all leaders of the perils of pride, the value of wise counsel, and the inescapable truth of divine sovereignty.