1 Kings 12

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 12 of 22

1 And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to cause him to reign.

2 And it happened, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard (and he was still in Egypt where he had fled from the face of Solomon the king, and Jeroboam lived in Egypt,)

3 that they sent and called for him; and they came, Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel, and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,

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Chapter Summary

The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam, ask relief from burdens. Rehoboam answers roughly. Revolting, ten tribes leave, they kill Adoram, and cause Rehoboam to flee.

Key Hebrew Words

עֹל yoke (of forced labor) H5923 · TWOT 1628a
עֵצָה counsel, advice H6098 · TWOT 887a
כָּבֵד heavy, burdensome H3513 · TWOT 943
עֵ֫גֶל calf (idol of gold) H5695 · TWOT 1560a
חַטָּאת sin H2403 · TWOT 638e
קָהָל assembly (of Israel) H6951 · TWOT 1991a

People & Context

Rehoboam

Solomon's son crowned at Shechem; rejects the elders' counsel, answers Israel harshly, and loses ten tribes

Jeroboam

Son of Nebat recalled from Egypt; made king over Israel, sets up golden calves at Beth-el and Dan

Adoram

Officer over the tribute sent by Rehoboam; stoned to death by all Israel

Shemaiah

Man of God who forbids Rehoboam to war against the sons of Israel, for the division is from Jehovah

Solomon

Late king whose hard yoke on Israel set up the revolt; Rehoboam is repeatedly called his son

David

Royal house Israel renounces ("what portion in David?"); only Judah stays loyal to his line

Timeline

Rehoboam Goes to Shechem

Rehoboam travels to Shechem where all Israel has gathered to make him king.

1 Kings 12:1
Israel Petitions Rehoboam

Jeroboam and the assembly of Israel ask Rehoboam to lighten the heavy yoke his father Solomon placed upon them.

1 Kings 12:2-5
Counsel of the Elders

Rehoboam consults the elders, who advise him to speak kindly and serve the people so they will be his servants forever.

1 Kings 12:6-7

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