What is the meaning of 1 Kings 12:23? Tell “ ‘Say to them,’ ” (1 Kings 12:22–24) begins the charge God gives through Shemaiah. • In Scripture, when God says “tell,” He is asserting His authority (Jeremiah 1:7; Ezekiel 3:17). • The command reveals that the upcoming words are not optional counsel but divine direction, echoing how the Lord previously instructed Samuel to “tell” Saul (1 Samuel 15:16). • By front–loading the imperative, God underscores that obedience will guard His covenant people from bloodshed, as later confirmed when Rehoboam obeys and the civil war is averted (2 Chronicles 11:4). Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah The directive singles out the new monarch. • Rehoboam inherited the throne (1 Kings 11:43) yet lacked the wisdom of his father, a contrast highlighted in his harsh response to Israel’s plea (1 Kings 12:13–14). • God’s personal address reminds Rehoboam that kings answer to a higher King. This echoes Deuteronomy’s requirement that a ruler keep the Law beside him (Deuteronomy 17:18–20). • By calling him “son of Solomon,” God ties Rehoboam to both the blessings and responsibilities flowing from David’s covenant line (2 Samuel 7:12–16; Psalm 89:28–29). all the house of Judah and Benjamin The southern tribes remained loyal after the split. • Their identity as the remnant under Davidic leadership is emphasized again in 1 Kings 12:21. • Benjamin’s inclusion fulfills earlier assurances that Judah would not stand alone (1 Kings 11:32, 36). • This tribe–specific mention shows God’s intimate knowledge of His people’s tribal distinctions, paralleling how He later addresses Judah and Benjamin by name during reforms under Asa (2 Chronicles 15:8–9). and the rest of the people Beyond Judah and Benjamin, there were still Israelites dwelling in their cities. • 1 Kings 12:17 notes that Rehoboam ruled “those Israelites living in the cities of Judah.” These refugees had chosen covenant faithfulness over Jeroboam’s idolatry (2 Chronicles 11:16–17). • God values every individual, not merely tribal leaders, mirroring the prophetic concern for “the remnant” in passages like Micah 2:12 and Zephaniah 3:12–13. • Including “the rest” highlights corporate responsibility: the coming decision to refrain from war affects the entire community (compare Numbers 14:2; Acts 15:22). summary 1 Kings 12:23 shows God stepping into a fragile moment to stop fratricidal conflict. By addressing each group—king, tribes, and common people—He affirms His sovereignty, the accountability of leaders, and the worth of every believer. Obedience to His clear word preserves unity and fulfills covenant purposes, reminding us that even in national upheaval, the Lord’s voice guides His people toward peace and faithfulness. |
    |