1 Kings 12:17

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

(But Rehoboam was still king over those of the children of Israel who were living in the towns of Judah.)

Free Bible Version

However, Rehoboam still ruled over the Israelites who lived in Judah.

Geneva Bible 1599

Howbeit ouer the children of Israel, which dwelt in the cities of Iudah, did Rehoboam reigne still.

King James (Authorized) Version

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

Translation for Translators

And after that, the only Israeli people whom Rehoboam ruled over were those who lived in the territory of the tribe of Judah.

Unlocked Literal Bible

But as for the people of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam became king over them.

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

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

Young's Literal Translation

As to the sons of Israel, those dwelling in the cities of Judah — over them reign doth Rehoboam.

Context

The Kingdom Divided

¹⁶When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,¹⁷but Rehoboam still reigned over the Israelites living in the cities of Judah.

Summary

This verse depicts the aftermath of King Rehoboam's unwise decision to increase the burden on the people, leading to the division of the kingdom of Israel. The fulfillment of the prophecy given to Solomon regarding the splitting of the nation is evident here. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of pride, poor leadership, and failure to heed wise counsel. The division of Israel into two kingdoms, Judah and Israel, marks a significant turning point in the history of God's chosen people.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute,.... There was one of this name in this office in the time of David, Sa2 20:24, this is the same with Adoniram, as Jarchi thinks, see Kg1 4:6, him he sent either to collect the tribute of the Ephraimites, to show his authority; or rather to call the people back to have some further discourse with them, and endeavour to soften things, and bring them to a compliance, so Josephus (l); but it was too late, and he employed a very improper person; the heavy taxes were their complaint, and a tax gatherer, and especially one that was at the head of the tribute, must be of all men the most disagreeable to them; this is another instance of the folly and false steps of Rehoboam: and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died; the populace fell upon him at once, and stoned him to death; and which, though contrary to law and justice, was approved of and applauded by their principal men and all the people; so irritated and provoked were they by Rehoboam's answer to them. Hottinger (m) says, this man was buried in Shechem, which is very probable; but it is not expressed here, as he suggests it is; however, a grave stone, found A. D. 1480, in Spain, with this inscription, is not genuine, "this is the grave of Adoniram, a servant of King Solomon, who came to collect tribute, and died such a day:'' therefore King Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem; from Shechem, fearing they would treat him in the same manner in their rage and fury; his courage was now cooled, and his haughty and hectoring spirit was now brought down, and he was glad to make use of his chariot for flight; this is the first time we read of a king of Israel riding in a chariot; though before of Sisera, a Canaanitish captain, and that only in a chariot of war. (l) Antiqu. l. 8. c. 8. sect. 3. (m) Praefat. ad Cipp. Hebr. p. 4. Vid. Walton. in Bibl. Polyglott. Prolegom. 3. sect. 35. p. 22.