Why did Rehoboam go to Shechem to be made king over Israel? Scripture Focus: 1 Kings 12:1 “Then Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone to Shechem to make him king.” Why Shechem? Deep Roots in Israel’s Story • Abraham first built an altar there (Genesis 12:6–7). • Jacob bought land and dug a well there (Genesis 33:18–20; John 4:5–6). • Joseph’s bones were buried there (Joshua 24:32). • Joshua renewed the covenant with “all the tribes of Israel” at Shechem (Joshua 24:1, 25–27). • Gideon’s son Abimelech was proclaimed king there (Judges 9:6). Shechem was thus a time-honored place for national gatherings and covenant decisions. Central and Accessible to “All Israel” • Located in the hill country of Ephraim, Shechem sat between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal—geographically central, especially for the northern tribes. • By traveling north from Jerusalem, Rehoboam demonstrated willingness to meet the majority of Israel where they were, affirming their inclusion. • Similar pattern: David first became king over Judah at Hebron and later over all Israel (2 Samuel 5:1–3). Each coronation happened where the relevant tribes could assemble easily. A Political Calculation • Solomon’s heavy taxation and labor projects had wearied the people (1 Kings 11:27–28, 40). • The northern tribes, led by influential Ephraimites, expected concessions. Meeting them on their own turf sent a conciliatory signal. • Verse 3 shows they had already “sent for Jeroboam,” a sign that loyalty was uncertain. Rehoboam needed their public acclamation to secure legitimacy. Prophetic Overtones • The prophet Ahijah had foretold the split of the kingdom (1 Kings 11:29–31). • By choosing Shechem—soon to become Jeroboam’s capital (1 Kings 12:25)—God positioned events so that His word would unfold exactly as spoken. • Rehoboam’s presence there highlights both human choice and divine sovereignty working in concert. Summary Points • Rehoboam went to Shechem because “all Israel” was already assembled there for the coronation. • Shechem’s covenant history made it a natural, symbolic venue for national decisions. • Its central location served practical logistics and political optics, especially toward the northern tribes. • God used Shechem as the stage on which prophecy regarding the division of the kingdom would come to pass, underscoring the reliability of His word. |
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