121 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king.
121 And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.
121 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
121 Rehoboam traveled to Shechem where all Israel had gathered to inaugurate him as king.
121 And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone to Shechem to make him king.
121 Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king.
19 So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
19 So Israel rebelled
19 So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
19 Israel has been in rebellion against the Davidic regime ever since. Jeroboam of Israel
19 So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
19 And to this day the northern tribes of Israel have refused to be ruled by a descendant of David.
(Read 1 Kings 12:16-24)
The people speak unbecomingly of David. How soon are good men, and their good services to the public, forgotten ! These considerations should reconcile us to our losses and troubles, that God is the Author of them, and our brethren the instruments: let us not meditate revenge. Rehoboam and his people hearkened to the word of the Lord. When we know God's mind, we must submit, how much soever it crosses our own mind. If we secure the favour of God, not all the universe can hurt us.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:1
Commentary on 1 Kings 12:1-15
(Read 1 Kings 12:1-15)
The tribes complained not to Rehoboam of his father's idolatry, and revolt from God. That which was the greatest grievance, was none to them; so careless were they in matters of religion, if they might live at case, and pay no taxes. Factious spirits will never want something to complain of. And when we see the Scripture account of Solomon's reign; the peace, wealth, and prosperity Israel then enjoyed; we cannot doubt but that their charges were false, or far beyond the truth. Rehoboam answered the people according to the counsel of the young men. Never was man more blinded by pride, and desire of arbitrary power, than which nothing is more fatal. God's counsels were hereby fulfilled. He left Rehoboam to his own folly, and hid from his eyes the things which belonged to his peace, that the kingdom might be rent from him. God serves his own wise and righteous purposes by the imprudences and sins of men. Those that lose the kingdom of heaven, throw it away, as Rehoboam, by wilfulness and folly.