1 Kings 12:2

1 Kings 12:2 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since.

King James Version KJV

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;)

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

And, hearing of it, Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, who was still in Egypt, where he had gone in flight from Solomon, and was living there, came back to his town Zeredah, in the hill-country of Ephraim;

Free Bible Version FBV

Jeroboam, son of Nebat, was still in Egypt when he heard about this. (He had run away to Egypt to escape from King Solomon and was living there.)

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And whe Ieroboam ye sonne of Nebat heard of it (who was yet in Egypt, whither Ieroboam had fled from king Salomon, and dwelt in Egypt)

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it cometh to pass, at Jeroboam son of Nebat's hearing (and he [is] yet in Egypt where he hath fled from the presence of Solomon the king, and Jeroboam dwelleth in Egypt),

World English Bible WEB

When Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it (for he was yet in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon, and Jeroboam lived in Egypt;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But Jeroboam the son of Nabat, who was yet in Egypt, a fugitive from the face of king Solomon, hearing of his death, returned out of Egypt.

Translation for Translators T4T

When Jeroboam, who was still in Egypt, heard about that, he returned from Egypt to Israel.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 12:2

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְהִ֞י כִּ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ יָרָבְעָ֣ם בֶּן נְבָ֗ט וְ/הוּא֙ עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ בְ/מִצְרַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֣ר בָּרַ֔ח מִ/פְּנֵ֖י הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב יָרָבְעָ֖ם בְּ/מִצְרָֽיִם

וַ/יְהִ֞י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

כִּ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יָרָבְעָ֣ם Yârobʻâm H3379 Jeroboam N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

נְבָ֗ט Nᵉbâṭ H5028 Nebat N-proper

וְ/הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Conj | Pron

עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ ʻôwd H5750 still Adv | Suff

בְ/מִצְרַ֔יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt Prep | N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

בָּרַ֔ח bârach H1272 to flee V-Qal-Perf-3ms

מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp

הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 Solomon N-proper

וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 to dwell Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

יָרָבְעָ֖ם Yârobʻâm H3379 Jeroboam N-proper

בְּ/מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt Prep | N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 12:2

וַ/יְהִ֞י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

כִּ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

יָרָבְעָ֣ם Yârobʻâm H3379 "Jeroboam" N-proper

Jeroboam means the people will contend, the name of two Israelite kings. The first Jeroboam was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:13.

Definition: A king of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.13; son of: Joash (H3101J); father of: Zechariah (H2148P) § Jeroboam = "the people will contend" 1) the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel when the kingdom split at the death of Solomon and the 10 tribes split off from Judah and Benjamin and the kingdom under Solomon's son Rehoboam; idolatry was introduced at the beginning of his reign 2) the 8th king of the northern kingdom of Israel, son of Joash, and 4th in the dynasty of Jehu; during his reign the Syrian invaders were repelled and the kingdom restored to its former borders but the idolatry of the kingdom was maintained

Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: Jeroboam. See also: 1 Kings 11:26; 1 Kings 22:53; Amos 7:11.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

נְבָ֗ט Nᵉbâṭ H5028 "Nebat" N-proper

Nebat was Jeroboam I's father, an Ephraimite from Zereda, mentioned in 1 Kings 11:26. He lived during the United Monarchy and was married to Zeruah. Nebat means 'aspect' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the Kingdom of Israel, living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.11.26; married to Zeruah (H6871); father of: Jeroboam (H3379) § Nebat = "aspect" an Ephraimite of Zereda, father of king Jeroboam I of the northern kingdom of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Nebat. See also: 1 Kings 11:26; 2 Kings 13:2; 2 Chronicles 13:6.

וְ/הוּא֙ hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Conj | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.

Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)

Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.

עוֹדֶ֣/נּוּ ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv | Suff

The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.

Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)

Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

בְ/מִצְרַ֔יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" Prep | N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

בָּרַ֔ח bârach H1272 "to flee" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.

Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away

Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.

מִ/פְּנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה Shᵉlômôh H8010 "Solomon" N-proper

Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs

Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.

וַ/יֵּ֥שֶׁב yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

יָרָבְעָ֖ם Yârobʻâm H3379 "Jeroboam" N-proper

Jeroboam means the people will contend, the name of two Israelite kings. The first Jeroboam was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel after Solomon's death, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:13.

Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: Jeroboam. See also: 1 Kings 11:26; 1 Kings 22:53; Amos 7:11.

בְּ/מִצְרָֽיִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" Prep | N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 12:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 12:2 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:2
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:2
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:2
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:2
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:2
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:2
Sermons on 1 Kings 12:2

Context — Rebellion against Rehoboam

1Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king.

2When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he was still in Egypt where he had fled from King Solomon and had been living ever since.

3So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam and said, 4“Your father put a heavy yoke on us. But now you must lighten the burden of your father’s service and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 11:40	Solomon therefore sought to kill Jeroboam. But Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, where he remained until the death of Solomon.
2	2 Chronicles 10:2–3	When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard about this, he returned from Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon. So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and all Israel came to Rehoboam and said,
3	1 Kings 11:26–31	Now Jeroboam son of Nebat was an Ephraimite from Zeredah whose mother was a widow named Zeruah. Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon, but he rebelled against the king, and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David. Now Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. So when Solomon noticed that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of the whole labor force of the house of Joseph. During that time, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met Jeroboam on the road as he was going out of Jerusalem. Now Ahijah had wrapped himself in a new cloak, and the two of them were alone in the open field. And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, and said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes.

1 Kings 12:2 Summary

This verse tells us that Jeroboam, who had previously fled from King Solomon, was still living in Egypt when he heard about the events happening in Israel. He had been in exile, but now he was about to be called back to his homeland to play a significant role in the division of the kingdom, as seen in the following verses. Just like Jeroboam, we may find ourselves in situations where we are waiting for God's timing or guidance, and we can learn from his example to trust in God's plan and be prepared to respond to His call, as encouraged in Psalm 27:14. As we reflect on this verse, we can also consider how we can lighten the burdens of those around us, just as the Israelites asked Rehoboam to do in 1 Kings 12:4, and look to Jesus as our ultimate burden-bearer, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jeroboam son of Nebat flee to Egypt from King Solomon?

Jeroboam fled to Egypt because he was afraid of King Solomon, as implied in 1 Kings 11:40, where it is written that Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam after he had a dream from the Lord that Jeroboam would become king over ten tribes of Israel.

What was Jeroboam doing in Egypt?

The Bible does not explicitly state what Jeroboam was doing in Egypt, but it is mentioned in 1 Kings 12:2 that he had been living there ever since he fled from King Solomon, suggesting he may have been in exile or hiding.

How did Jeroboam hear about the events in Israel?

Although the Bible does not specify how Jeroboam heard about the events in Israel, it can be inferred that news traveled quickly in the ancient world through trade and diplomatic channels, allowing Jeroboam to stay informed about the happenings in his homeland, much like how news of Jesus' birth spread in Luke 2:1-20.

What is the significance of Jeroboam's presence in Egypt at this time?

Jeroboam's presence in Egypt at this time is significant because it sets the stage for his return to Israel and his subsequent role in the division of the kingdom, as seen in 1 Kings 12:3-4, where he meets with Rehoboam and the assembly of Israel.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I, like Jeroboam, may be living in 'exile' or hiding from God's plan for my life, and how can I return to His path?
How can I, like the assembly of Israel, be mindful of the leadership and authority that God has placed over me, and what are my responsibilities towards them, as seen in Romans 13:1-7?
In what ways can I be prepared to respond to God's call, just as Jeroboam was summoned back to Israel, and what are some things that I can do to stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:15-21?
What are some 'heavy yokes' or burdens in my life that I can bring before God, asking for His deliverance and guidance, just as the Israelites asked Rehoboam to lighten their burden in 1 Kings 12:4?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 12:2

And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it,.... Of the death of Solomon, and of the meeting of the Israelites at Shechem: (for he was fled from the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 12:2

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;) No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:2

Heard of it; in the Hebrew it is only heard, and may relate either to Solomon’ s death, or to the meeting which all the tribes had appointed at Shechem.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:2

1 Kings 12:2 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;)Ver. 2. For he was fled,] viz., For safeguard of his life, as man is ζωονφιλοζωον, a life loving creature. See on 1 Kings 11:40.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:2

(2) For he was fled.—In 2 Chronicles 10:2, and in the LXX. version (or, rather versions, for there is variety of reading) of this passage, Jeroboam is made to return from Egypt, on hearing of the death of Solomon, to his own city, and to be “sent for” thence. This is obviously far more probable, and might be read in the Hebrew by a slight alteration of the text.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 12:2

2. And it came to pass] The LXX. (Vat.) having given the substance of this verse as an addition to 1 Kings 11:43, omits it here. The R.V. makes the parenthesis commence a little earlier and extend a little farther than is shewn in A.V. The connexion thus becomes: And it came to pass when ‘Jeroboam … heard of it (for he was yet in Egypt whither he had fled … and they sent … him;) that Jeroboam’ &c. heard of it] There must have been some interval between the death of Solomon and the gathering of the people at Shechem. The character and purpose of this meeting must also have been settled beforehand, so that news of what was intended could be carried to Jeroboam, and he, seeing events to be promising for his enterprise, could come back into Israel, and take the lead, as in the next verse he is said to have done, of those who petitioned the new king for reforms.

Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 12:2

Heard of it - i. e., of the death of Solomon and accession of Rehoboam. This would be more clear without the division into chapters; which division, it must be remembered, is without authority.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 12:2

2. When Jeroboam… heard — Heard that Solomon was dead, and that Rehoboam had begun to reign in Jerusalem.

Sermons on 1 Kings 12:2

	Sermon	Description
	The Message of 1 Kings by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the contrast between the failing government of man and the unfailing government of God as depicted in 1 Kings. He illustrates how human attempts at go

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