King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 12:24 Mean?

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

1 Kings 12:24 · King James Version


Context

22

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

23

Speak unto Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying,

24

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

25

Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

26

And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:


Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

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 temple represents God's dwelling among His people and foreshadows Christ as Immanuel ('God with us').

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?
KS
Written by KJV Study CommentaryBiblical Commentary

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


Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
כֹּ֣ה
1 of 27
H3541
properly, like this, i.e., by implication, (of manner) thus (or so); also (of place) here (or hither); or (of time) now
אָמַ֣ר
2 of 27

Thus saith

H559
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָֽה׃
3 of 27

of the LORD

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לֹֽא
4 of 27
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲלוּ֩
5 of 27

Ye shall not go up

H5927
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
וְלֹא
6 of 27
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִלָּ֨חֲמ֜וּן
7 of 27

nor fight

H3898
to feed on; figuratively, to consume
עִם
8 of 27
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אֲחֵיכֶ֣ם
9 of 27

against your brethren

H251
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְּנֵֽי
10 of 27

the children

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
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
11 of 27

of Israel

H3478
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וַיָּשֻׁ֥בוּ
12 of 27

and returned

H7725
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אִ֣ישׁ
13 of 27

every man

H376
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לְבֵית֔וֹ
14 of 27

to his house

H1004
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
כִּ֧י
15 of 27
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵֽאִתִּ֛י
16 of 27
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
נִֽהְיָ֖ה
17 of 27

is

H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כִּדְבַ֥ר
18 of 27

according to the word

H1697
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הַזֶּ֑ה
19 of 27
H2088
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
וַֽיִּשְׁמְעוּ֙
20 of 27

from me They hearkened

H8085
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת
21 of 27
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּדְבַ֥ר
22 of 27

according to the word

H1697
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָֽה׃
23 of 27

of the LORD

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיָּשֻׁ֥בוּ
24 of 27

and returned

H7725
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
לָלֶ֖כֶת
25 of 27
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּדְבַ֥ר
26 of 27

according to the word

H1697
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָֽה׃
27 of 27

of the LORD

H3068
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

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 12:24 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 12:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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