King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:2 Mean?

1 Kings 12:2 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presen... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

1 Kings 12:2 · KJV


Context

1

And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.

2

And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

3

That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,

4

Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

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 · 16 words
וַיְהִ֞י1 of 16
H1961

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

כִּשְׁמֹ֣עַ׀2 of 16

heard

H8085

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

יָֽרָבְעָ֖ם3 of 16

And it came to pass when Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בֶּן4 of 16

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

נְבָ֗ט5 of 16

of Nebat

H5028

nebat, the father of jeroboam i

וְהוּא֙6 of 16
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ7 of 16
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

בְּמִצְרָֽיִם׃8 of 16

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt

אֲשֶׁ֣ר9 of 16
H834

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

בָּרַ֔ח10 of 16

of it (for he was fled

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

מִפְּנֵ֖י11 of 16

from the presence

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ12 of 16

of king

H4428

a king

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה13 of 16

Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב14 of 16

dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

יָֽרָבְעָ֖ם15 of 16

And it came to pass when Jeroboam

H3379

jarobam, the name of two israelite kings

בְּמִצְרָֽיִם׃16 of 16

in Egypt

H4714

mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt


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 12:2 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 12:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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