1 Kings 12:22

²¹And when Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon.²²But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:²³“Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and the rest of the people

Summary

In this verse, God speaks through the prophet Shemaiah to warn King Rehoboam of the division of the kingdom of Israel. The Lord orchestrates this split as a consequence of King Solomon's disobedience and idolatry. Despite Rehoboam's desire to reunite the kingdom through war, God's plan prevails, demonstrating His sovereignty over the affairs of nations. This event fulfills the prophecy given to Solomon regarding the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God's commands in maintaining unity and blessings.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Thus saith the Lord,.... A common preface the prophets used when they spoke in the name of the Lord: ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel; and that because they were their brethren; though that is not the only reason, another follows: return every man to his house, for this thing is from me; it was according to the will of God, as Josephus rightly says (o); it was by his ordination and appointment, though Jeroboam and the people sinned in the way and manner in which they brought it about; and therefore to fight against Israel, in order to regain the kingdom, would be fighting against God, and so to no purpose: they hearkened therefore to the word of the Lord, and returned to depart according to the word of the Lord; they knew Shemaiah was a prophet of the Lord, and they believed the message he brought came from him, and therefore hearkened and were obedient to it; and with the consent of Rehoboam were disbanded, and returned to their habitations, being satisfied with, and submissive to, the will of God, both king and people. (o) Ut supra. (Antiqu. l. 8. c. 8. sect. 3.)