1 Kings 12 23

1 Kings 12:23 kjv

Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying,

1 Kings 12:23 nkjv

"Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, saying,

1 Kings 12:23 niv

"Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, to all Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people,

1 Kings 12:23 esv

"Say to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people,

1 Kings 12:23 nlt

"Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the people of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people,

1 Kings 12 verses

1 Kings 12 23 Meaning

This verse introduces a direct divine message from the Lord, delivered through a prophet, to Rehoboam, the king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, and to all the people residing in the territories of Judah and Benjamin. It signifies God's sovereign intervention in human affairs, specifically preventing a civil war between the newly separated northern and southern kingdoms, by declaring His will concerning the kingdom's division.

1 Kings 12 23 Context

Chapter 12 of 1 Kings narrates the tragic division of the United Monarchy of Israel. After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. The people, led by Jeroboam, requested Rehoboam to lighten the harsh yoke imposed by Solomon. Rehoboam, rejecting the advice of older, wise counselors and listening instead to his young friends, responded with even greater severity ("My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions"). This arrogant and foolish decision became the catalyst for the northern tribes' rebellion, fulfilling Ahijah the Shilonite's earlier prophecy (1 Kgs 11:29-39) that God would tear away ten tribes from Solomon's house due to his idolatry. The northern tribes seceded and appointed Jeroboam as their king, forming the Kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam initially sought to regain control through military force, gathering 180,000 chosen warriors to fight against Israel. It is at this critical juncture, as civil war is imminent, that God directly intervenes through the prophet Shemaiah, whose divine instruction prevents Rehoboam from fighting. This specific verse (1 Kgs 12:23) formally introduces God's specific instructions to Rehoboam and the Southern Kingdom, highlighting divine control over the kingdom's destiny and His continued interaction with His covenant people, even in their division.

1 Kings 12 23 Word analysis

• Speak (דַּבֵּר - dabbēr): The imperative form of the Hebrew verb dāvar, meaning "to speak," "to command," "to declare." This verb often indicates an authoritative pronouncement, especially in contexts of divine communication. It signals that what follows is not mere suggestion but a direct command from God. In the context of prophets, dāvar implies conveying a revealed message from the Lord without alteration.
• to Rehoboam (רְחַבְעָם - Rəḥabʿām): The son and successor of Solomon, whose foolish decisions led directly to the division of the kingdom. His name means "he enlarges the people" or "the people have enlarged (him)," an ironic contrast to the kingdom's division under his reign.
• the son of Solomon (בֶן־שְׁלֹמֹה - ben-šəlōmōh): Emphasizes his lineage and rightful claim to the throne of David through Solomon. This connection highlights the tragedy of the kingdom's division despite its heritage of divinely-appointed kingship and the Davidic covenant.
• king of Judah (מֶלֶךְ יְהוּדָה - melek Yəhûḏâ): Specifies his role and the realm over which he now ruled, distinct from the larger unified kingdom he had sought to govern. It defines the Southern Kingdom as his dominion after the northern tribes separated.
• and to all the house of Judah (וְלָכָל־בֵּית יְהוּדָה - wəlākōl-bêṯ Yəhûḏâ): "House" here refers to the entire tribe, its families, and its descendants, symbolizing the collective body of people. This phrase signifies the entire Southern Kingdom population, emphasizing that the divine command extends beyond the king to all who follow him.
• and Benjamin (וּבִנְיָמִן - ûḆinyāmin): The tribe of Benjamin was geographically situated between Judah and the northern tribes and was largely absorbed into or allied with the Southern Kingdom after the split, possibly due to Jerusalem being within its territory, and partly due to strong familial and historical ties (e.g., King Saul's lineage). Its inclusion explicitly marks it as part of Rehoboam's dominion and the target of the divine message.
• and to the rest of the people (וְלִיֶּתֶר הָעָם - wəliyyeṯer hāʿām): This comprehensive phrase includes any other Israelite groups or individuals who might have aligned with Rehoboam and remained loyal to the Davidic line, beyond the core tribes of Judah and Benjamin, perhaps those from other tribes who chose to resettle in Judah.
• saying (לֵאמֹר - lēʾmōr): This formulaic Hebrew infinitive construct introduces direct speech or a verbatim message, indicating that the subsequent verses contain the precise words that the prophet is commanded to deliver. It signifies the commencement of a divine oracle.

1 Kings 12 23 Bonus section

The divine intervention here, through Shemaiah, underscores several key theological points often highlighted by scholars:

• God's Sovereignty in Judgment: While human sin (Solomon's idolatry, Rehoboam's foolishness) was the immediate cause, the division itself was ultimately part of God's redemptive plan and judgment, prophesied earlier by Ahijah (1 Kgs 11:29-39). God orchestrates historical events, even seemingly tragic ones, to fulfill His purposes.
• Preventing Further Calamity: God's command not to fight served to prevent a far more devastating and costly civil war, showcasing His mercy and preservation of a remnant. This highlights God's protective nature towards His chosen people, even when they are disobedient.
• Validation of Prophetic Word: The response of Rehoboam and his army to obey Shemaiah's message, as recounted in the subsequent verse (1 Kgs 12:24), is a powerful affirmation of the prophet's authority and the immediate impact of God's word when delivered. It demonstrated that even kings, with their armies, submitted to the explicit command of the Lord.

1 Kings 12 23 Commentary

1 Kings 12:23 is a crucial hinge verse in the narrative of Israel's division, marking a profound instance of divine intervention that checks human folly and violence. After Rehoboam's disastrous leadership alienates the northern tribes, he prepares for civil war to reassert his control. This verse establishes the arrival of the prophet Shemaiah with an urgent and authoritative message directly from the Lord. It meticulously defines the recipients of this divine communication: Rehoboam, as the king; the entire tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the nucleus of the southern kingdom; and any other people allied with them. This detailed addressing underscores the widespread nature of the crisis and God's comprehensive reach in speaking to all parties involved. The precise and direct "saying" that follows (in 1 Kgs 12:24) serves to prevent fratricidal bloodshed, asserting God's sovereignty over even the most chaotic human political outcomes. It is a testament to God's continuous engagement with His covenant people, His oversight of their history, and His specific will regarding the theocratic kingdom. God here demonstrates His control over nations and their rulers, directing Rehoboam to acknowledge His hand in the kingdom's split, even if it arose from human sin.