1 Kings 12:2

Verse

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.

American Standard Version (1901)

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

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

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

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)

King James (Authorized) Version

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;)

Translation for Translators

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

Unlocked Literal Bible

It happened that Jeroboam son of Nebat heard of this (for he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of King Solomon), for Jeroboam had settled down in Egypt.

Noah Webster Bible

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;)

World English Bible

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;

Young's Literal Translation

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),

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,

Summary

In 1 Kings 12:2, we see Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon, ascending to the throne after his father's death. The verse highlights the significance of transitions in leadership and the challenges that come with it. Rehoboam's reign marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to the division of the kingdom. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent events that will unfold, illustrating the consequences of leadership decisions and the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance in times of change.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

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 presence of King Solomon; see Kg1 11:40. and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) until the death of Solomon; some render the words, "Jeroboam, returned out of Egypt" (d), which agrees with Ch2 10:2, this he did on hearing the above news, and on being sent for by some of his friends, as follows. (d) "reversus est de Aegypto", V. L. Ex Egypto, pro Vatablus.