1 Kings 12:23

Verse

“Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and the rest of the people

American Standard Version (1901)

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

Bible in Basic English

Say to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the men of Judah and Benjamin and the rest of the people:

Free Bible Version

“Tell Rehoboam, son of Solomon, king of Judah, to Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people:

Geneva Bible 1599

Speake vnto Rehoboam the sonne of Salomon King of Iudah, and vnto all the house of Iudah and Beniamin, and the remnant of the people, saying,

King James (Authorized) Version

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,

Translation for Translators

“Go and tell this to Solomon’s son Rehoboam, the king of Judah, and to all the people of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and the people from the northern tribe who live in Judah:

Unlocked Literal Bible

“Speak to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people; say,

Noah Webster Bible

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

World English Bible

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

Young's Literal Translation

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

Context

Shemaiah’s Prophecy

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 ²⁴that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this word is from Me.’” So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD.

Summary

In this verse, the prophet Shemaiah conveys God's message to King Rehoboam, instructing him not to go to war against the northern tribes of Israel who had rebelled. This serves as a reminder that God is sovereign over all nations and rulers, directing their paths according to His will. It also demonstrates the importance of seeking divine guidance and obeying God's commands rather than relying on human strength or wisdom. Ultimately, this verse highlights the consequences of pride and disobedience, showing that humility and submission to God's will lead to blessings and peace.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

Then Jeroboam built Shechem in Mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein,.... Not that this city had lain in ruins from the times of Abimelech, Jdg 9:45 for then it would not have been a proper place for the convention of the people, Kg1 12:1 but he repaired the walls of it, and fortified it, and built a palace in it for his residence: and went out from thence, and built Penuel; a place on the other side Jordan, the tower of which was beaten down by Gideon, Jdg 8:17 and might be now rebuilt, or at least the city was repaired by him, and anew fortified, perhaps for the better security of his dominions on that side Jordan; though Fortunatus Scacchus (p) is of opinion that this was an altar, the same as at Carmel, Kg1 18:30, which Jeroboam built, and called by this name in testimony of the common religion of the Israelites and Jews. (p) Elaeochrism. Myrothec. l. 2. c. 58. col. 593.