King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:18 Mean?

1 Kings 12:18 in the King James Version says “Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. made: Heb. strengthened himself

1 Kings 12:18 · KJV


Context

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.

18

Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem. made: Heb. strengthened himself

19

So Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. rebelled: or, fell away

20

And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

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?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֞ח1 of 21

sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ2 of 21

Then king

H4428

a king

רְחַבְעָ֗ם3 of 21

Rehoboam

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

אֶת4 of 21
H853

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

אֲדֹרָם֙5 of 21

Adoram

H151

adoram (or adoniram), an israelite

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 21
H834

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

עַל7 of 21
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמַּ֔ס8 of 21

who was over the tribute

H4522

properly, a burden (as causing to faint), i.e., a tax in the form of forced labor

וַיִּרְגְּמ֨וּ9 of 21

stoned

H7275

to cast together (stones), i.e., to lapidate

כָל10 of 21
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל11 of 21

and all Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בּ֛וֹ12 of 21
H0
אֶ֖בֶן13 of 21

him with stones

H68

a stone

וַיָּמֹ֑ת14 of 21

that he died

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וְהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ15 of 21

Then king

H4428

a king

רְחַבְעָ֗ם16 of 21

Rehoboam

H7346

rechabam, an israelite king

הִתְאַמֵּץ֙17 of 21

made speed

H553

to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)

לַֽעֲל֣וֹת18 of 21

to get him up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בַּמֶּרְכָּבָ֔ה19 of 21

to his chariot

H4818

a chariot

לָנ֖וּס20 of 21

to flee

H5127

to flit, i.e., vanish away (subside, escape; causatively, chase, impel, deliver)

יְרֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃21 of 21

to Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine


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 12:18 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 12:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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