King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:15 Mean?

1 Kings 12:15 in the King James Version says “Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, whi... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

1 Kings 12:15 · King James Version


Context

13

And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men's counsel that they gave him; roughly: Heb. hardly

14

And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

15

Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

16

So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

17

But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kingdom divided: rehoboam and jeroboam, within the book's focus on kingdom division as judgment for Solomon's idolatry.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. The kingdom division (c. 930 BCE) created the northern kingdom (Israel, 10 tribes) and southern kingdom (Judah, 2 tribes).

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can leaders today avoid Rehoboam's mistakes and lead with wisdom rather than pride?
  2. What does the kingdom division teach about the long-term consequences of generational sin and compromise?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 24 words
וְלֹֽא1 of 24
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֥ע2 of 24

hearkened

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ3 of 24

Wherefore the king

H4428

a king

אֶל4 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָעָ֑ם5 of 24

not unto the people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּֽי6 of 24
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָיְתָ֤ה7 of 24
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

סִבָּה֙8 of 24

for the cause

H5438

a (providential) turn (of affairs)

מֵעִ֣ם9 of 24
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

יְהוָה֙10 of 24

was from the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לְמַ֜עַן11 of 24
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

הָקִ֣ים12 of 24

that he might perform

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶת13 of 24
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דְּבָר֗וֹ14 of 24

his saying

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֨ר15 of 24
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

דִּבֶּ֤ר16 of 24

spake

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יְהוָה֙17 of 24

was from the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

בְּיַד֙18 of 24

by

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֲחִיָּ֣ה19 of 24

Ahijah

H281

achijah, the name of nine israelites

הַשִּֽׁילֹנִ֔י20 of 24

the Shilonite

H7888

a shilonite or inhabitant of shiloh

אֶל21 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יָֽרָבְעָ֖ם22 of 24

unto Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן23 of 24

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

נְבָֽט׃24 of 24

of Nebat

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 12:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 12:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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