Rehoboam's Folly and the Kingdom Divides
1 Kings 12:1-24
1 K.12.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- שכם: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- בא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להמליך: VERB,hiph,inf
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 10:1 (verbal): Direct parallel account in Chronicles: Rehoboam goes to Shechem because all Israel assembled there to make him king (same narrative event).
- Judges 9:6 (thematic): Abimelech is proclaimed king at Shechem—parallels Shechem’s role as a local political assembly place and site for establishing a ruler.
- Joshua 24:1 (structural): Joshua gathers all the tribes at Shechem for a national covenant and decision—Shechem functions as a central meeting place for nationwide deliberation and leadership decisions.
- 2 Samuel 5:3 (thematic): All the elders of Israel come to Hebron to make David king over all Israel—parallel motif of the nation’s leaders assembling to confer kingship.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
- And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
1 K.12.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמע: CONJ
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והוא: CONJ+PRON,3,m,sg
- עודנו: ADV
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- ברח: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- מפני: PREP
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- וישב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במצרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 11:26 (structural): Introduces Jeroboam son of Nebat as the figure who will oppose Solomon and later flee to Egypt; sets up the narrative background for 12:2.
- 1 Kings 11:40 (verbal): Explicitly reports that Jeroboam fled to Egypt to escape Solomon’s wrath — the same movement (flight to Egypt) described in 12:2.
- 2 Chronicles 10:2 (verbal): Parallel account in Chronicles noting Jeroboam’s return from Egypt at the time Rehoboam’s rule begins; repeats the key detail of Jeroboam’s sojourn and return.
- Hosea 11:1 (thematic): Offers the wider Israelite theme of going down into and coming out of Egypt; thematically echoes motifs of exile/return that surround Jeroboam’s flight and comeback.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard, (for he was yet in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon,) Jeroboam returned from Egypt.
- And when Jeroboam son of Nebat heard—while he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon—Jeroboam was staying in Egypt.
1 K.12.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- קהל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 10:2 (quotation): Parallel account of the same scene in the Chronicler’s history — Jeroboam and all Israel come to Rehoboam and speak to him (close verbal correspondence).
- 1 Kings 12:4 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same narrative: the demand the assembly makes to Rehoboam (asks him to lighten Solomon’s heavy yoke).
- 1 Kings 12:19 (structural): Describes the outcome of the assembly’s action: the people make Jeroboam king over Israel, showing the political consequence of the meeting described in 12:3.
- 1 Samuel 8:5 (thematic): Israelite assembly approaches leadership with a collective request (demanding a king); thematically similar as a communal petition altering national governance and leadership structure.
Alternative generated candidates
- And they sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
- And they sent and called him; Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
1 K.12.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- הקשה: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עלנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- עתה: ADV
- הקל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעבדת: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- הקשה: VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
- ומעלו: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg+3ms
- הכבד: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ונעבדך: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,pl
Parallels
- 2Chr.10.4 (quotation): Parallel report of the same event; the people's plea to Rehoboam is worded almost identically (a near-quotation of 1 Kings 12:4).
- 1Sam.8:11-18 (thematic): Samuel's warning about what a human king will do—taking sons, daughters, fields and making citizens servants—echoes the people's fear of a heavy royal 'yoke' and burdensome service.
- 1Kgs.5:13 (thematic): Describes Solomon's forced labor (levy of Israelites) for building projects; provides background for the people's complaint about the heavy service imposed by Solomon's rule.
- Exod.1:13-14 (thematic): The image of harsh, oppressive labor under Egyptian taskmasters parallels the language of a 'hard service' and heavy yoke—ancient metaphor for burdensome conscription and exploitation.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Your father laid a heavy yoke upon us; now therefore lighten the hard service and the heavy yoke that your father put on us, and we will serve you.”
- “Your father made our burden heavy; now lighten the harsh service and the heavy yoke that your father put on us, and we will serve you.”
1 K.12.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- לכו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- עד: PREP
- שלשה: NUM,m
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ושובו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Chr.10:5 (verbal): Chronicles retells the same episode; the king tells the assembly to return in three days — nearly identical wording to Kings 12:5.
- 1 Kgs.12:12 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the people returned after three days and the king then heeded the counsel of his peers — shows the function of the three‑day delay in the scene's structure.
- Exod.19:11 (thematic): God instructs Israel to be ready 'against the third day' — both passages use a three‑day interval as a period of preparation/waiting before a decisive meeting or revelation.
- Gen.42:17 (thematic): Joseph detains his brothers 'three days' before speaking to them — another instance of a three‑day interval used as a pause before a consequential response or action.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to them, “Go away for three days, then return to me.” So the people went away.
- And he said to them, “Go away for three days, then return to me.” So the people went.
1 K.12.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויועץ: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- הזקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- עמדים: VERB,qal,part,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- פני: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- אביו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,sg
- בהיתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- איך: ADV
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- נועצים: VERB,qal,ptcp,0,m,pl
- להשיב: VERB,qal,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Kgs.12.7 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: the elders (the advisors Rehoboam consults) give their counsel to Rehoboam about how to answer the people.
- 2Chr.10.6 (verbal): Parallel retelling of the same scene in Chronicles — Rehoboam consults Solomon’s old advisors; wording and plot correspond closely to the Kings account.
- 1Sam.8.4 (thematic): Elders of Israel approach Samuel to request a king; parallels the motif of elders/representatives shaping decisions about kingship and royal counsel.
- 1Kgs.12.13-15 (structural): Immediate contrast within the same episode: Rehoboam rejects the elders’ advice and instead follows the counsel of his young peers, producing the decisive response to the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king consulted with the elders who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, “How do you advise that I should answer this people?”
- And the king consulted with the elders who had stood before Solomon his father in his lifetime, saying, “How do you counsel that I should answer this people?”
1 K.12.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אם: CONJ
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- עבד: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- לעם: PREP
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- ועבדתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ועניתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- ודברת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- דברים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- טובים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- והיו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- עבדים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- כל: DET
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 10:6-7 (quotation): Parallel account of Rehoboam receiving the same counsel from the elders to serve the people and speak kindly so they will remain his servants (verbal and narrative repetition).
- Matthew 20:25-28 (thematic): Jesus teaches that true leadership is servant-leadership—'whoever would be great among you must be your servant,' echoing the counsel that a ruler should serve the people to secure their loyalty.
- 1 Samuel 8:11-18 (thematic): Contrastive parallel: Samuel warns that a king will 'take' from the people (sons, fields, produce), presenting the opposite outcome to the elders' advice that a king should serve the people to retain their allegiance.
- Deuteronomy 17:14-20 (structural): Regulatory passage about the institution of a king who must keep the law, not exalt himself, and remain among his brethren—structurally related to the expectations and responsibilities of kingship reflected in the elders' counsel to Rehoboam.
Alternative generated candidates
- They spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and answer them kindly, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.”
- And they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to this people today, and serve them, and answer them with kind words, they will be your servants forever.”
1 K.12.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עצת: NOUN,f,sg,cstr
- הזקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעצהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ויועץ: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- גדלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff:3ms
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- העמדים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- לפניו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 10:8 (quotation): Near-verbatim parallel account of Rehoboam’s rejection of the elders’ counsel and his choosing of younger advisers (parallel narrative retelling the same event).
- 1 Kings 12:6-7 (structural): Immediate context: the elders’ counsel to Rehoboam and his initial consultation—shows the contrast between the older advisers’ recommendation and Rehoboam’s later decision in v.8.
- Exodus 18:19-24 (thematic): Jethro advises Moses to appoint capable elders and to share leadership—a positive model of heeding elder counsel, offered as a contrast to Rehoboam’s refusal to accept wise, experienced advice.
- Proverbs 15:22 (thematic): “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” A wisdom principle highlighting the value of listening to counsel, which Rehoboam rejects in v.8.
Alternative generated candidates
- But he abandoned the counsel of the elders which they had given him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.
- But he abandoned the counsel of the elders who had advised him, and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him, who stood before him.
1 K.12.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- מה: PRON,int
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- נועצים: VERB,qal,ptc,0,m,pl
- ונשיב: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- הקל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מן: PREP
- העל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- נתן: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- עלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 10:4 (verbal): Parallel retelling of the same episode; Chronicles repeats the Rehoboam–counsel episode with language and sequence closely matching 1 Kings 12 (verbatim/near-verbatim correspondence).
- Acts 15:10 (thematic): Uses the image of a 'yoke' as an imposed burden—Peter/James reject placing a burdensome yoke on Gentile believers, echoing the Israelites' complaint about the heavy yoke their king imposed (resonance of 'yoke' as oppressive obligation).
- Matthew 11:28-30 (thematic): Jesus’ claim 'my yoke is easy, my burden light' forms an intentional contrast with expressions of oppressive 'yoke' (here the people's complaint about Solomon's heavy yoke), highlighting competing images of burdens and leadership.
- 1 Samuel 8:10-18 (thematic): Samuel's warning about what a human king will exact (conscription, taxation, servitude) thematically parallels the people's grievance that Solomon's rule imposed heavy demands—both passages treat royal rule as a source of burdens.
- Proverbs 11:14 (thematic): The verse 'Where there is no guidance, a people falls; but in abundance of counselors there is safety' connects to Rehoboam's question about counsel—underscoring the narrative's focus on whose advice he heeds and the consequences of that choice.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said to them, “What counsel do you give that we should answer this people who have said to me, ‘Lighten the yoke which your father put on us’?”
- And he said to them, “What do you counsel that we should answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke that your father put upon us’?”
1 K.12.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וידברו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- גדלו: NOUN,m,sg,abs,suff:3ms
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- כה: ADV
- תאמר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לעם: PREP
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- אליך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- הכביד: VERB,piel,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עלנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- הקל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מעלינו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- כה: ADV
- תדבר: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- קטני: NOUN,m,pl,poss,1,sg
- עבה: ADJ,m,pl
- ממתני: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,poss,1,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:6-7 (structural): The alternative counsel Rehoboam receives from the older, experienced advisers—urging him to be kind to the people—provides the direct contrast to the young men’s harsher recommendation in 12:10.
- 1 Kings 12:4 (thematic): The people's petition that Rehoboam lighten the heavy burden imposed by his father (Solomon); 12:10 rehearses how the young men propose to answer that request.
- 1 Kings 12:11 (structural): Immediate literary continuation: Rehoboam heeds the young men’s counsel described in 12:10 and responds harshly to the people, showing the practical outcome of the advice.
- Proverbs 11:14 (thematic): A wisdom theme about the importance of sound counsel—where there is lack of wise guidance a people falls—echoing the contrast between the elders’ prudent advice and the young men’s unwise counsel to Rehoboam.
- Matthew 11:28-30 (thematic): Uses the imagery of 'yoke' and 'burden' (light vs. heavy). While in a different theological context, it thematically parallels the issue in 1 Kgs 12 of leadership making burdens lighter or heavier for the people.
Alternative generated candidates
- The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you shall say to this people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but make it lighter for us’—thus shall you say to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's waist.’”
- And the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus shall you say to this people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy; lighten it for us’—thus shall you say to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s loins.’”
1 K.12.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ועתה: CONJ
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- העמיס: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- עליכם: PREP+PRON,2mp
- על: PREP
- כבד: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אוסיף: VERB,qal,impf,1,m,sg
- על: PREP
- עלכם: PREP+PRON,2,m,pl
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יסר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- בשוטים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- איסר: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- בעקרבים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 10:10-11 (quotation): Chronicles retells the Rehoboam/Jeroboam exchange using the same language about adding to the yoke and chastising with whips/scorpions — a direct parallel quotation of the episode.
- Exodus 1:11 (verbal): Pharaoh sets taskmasters over Israel to afflict them with heavy burdens — similar diction and imagery of rulers imposing harsh yokes and burdens on people.
- Deuteronomy 28:48 (verbal): God’s curse includes placing a 'yoke of iron' on the necks of the disobedient — comparable yoke-imagery used to describe oppressive rule and punishment.
- Isaiah 10:27 (thematic): Speaks of a burden and yoke being lifted in the future — thematically related to the yoke imagery here (oppression versus removal of oppression).
- Matthew 11:29-30 (thematic): Jesus describes his 'yoke' as easy and light, offering an intentional contrast to Old Testament images of heavy yokes and harsh discipline like those in 1 Kings 12:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Now, my father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”
- “Now my father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips; I will chastise you with scorpions.”
1 K.12.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבוא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וכל: CONJ+PRON,indef
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ביום: PREP
- השלישי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- כאשר: CONJ
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- שובו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ביום: PREP
- השלישי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 10:5 (verbal): Direct parallel account of the same episode; the wording about Jeroboam and the people coming to Rehoboam 'on the third day' is repeated in the Deuteronomistic/Chronicler narrative.
- Exodus 19:11 (thematic): Uses 'on the third day' to mark a decisive theophanic encounter (the LORD coming down on Sinai on the third day), parallel to the motif of an appointed third-day meeting in 1 Kings 12:12.
- Genesis 22:4 (thematic): Abraham 'sees' the place on the third day—another biblical instance where the third day signals a crucial turning point or encounter, thematically resonant with the summoned meeting in 1 Kings 12:12.
- Genesis 42:17 (thematic): Joseph's instruction to detain his brothers 'three days' before presenting them echoes the use of a three-day period as a preparatory interval preceding a consequential confrontation or testing.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, “Return to me on the third day.”
- And Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had commanded, saying, “Return to me on the third day.”
1 K.12.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויען: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- קשה: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- ויעזב: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עצת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- הזקנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יעצהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Chr.10:8 (structural): Parallel narrative of Rehoboam’s response—explicitly records that the king rejected the elders’ counsel and followed different advisers.
- Prov.12:15 (thematic): Contrasts the fool who trusts his own way with the wise who heed counsel—highlights the foolishness of abandoning good advice.
- Prov.15:22 (thematic): Asserts that plans fail without counsel but succeed with many advisers, underscoring the negative consequences of forsaking elders’ advice.
- Exod.18:19-24 (thematic): Jethro’s counsel to Moses to appoint capable elders models the positive practice of accepting elders’ counsel for prudent governance, the opposite of Rehoboam’s refusal.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king answered the people harshly; and he rejected the counsel of the elders which they had given him.
- And the king answered the people harshly, for he had rejected the counsel of the elders that they had given him.
1 K.12.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- כעצת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cs
- הילדים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הכביד: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- עלכם: PREP+PRON,2,m,pl
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- אסיף: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,sg
- על: PREP
- עלכם: PREP+PRON,2,m,pl
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יסר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- בשוטים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- איסר: VERB,qal,imperfect,1,sg
- אתכם: PRT+PRON,2,m,pl
- בעקרבים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chr.10:11-12 (quotation): Chronicles recounts Rehoboam’s reply in almost identical language—same threat to increase the burden, using the whip/scorpion imagery.
- 1 Kgs.12:11 (verbal): Immediate adjacent verse containing the young men’s counsel that Rehoboam follows; shares the same phrasing about fathers’ scourges and adding to the yoke.
- Exod.1:13-14 (thematic): Pharaoh intensifies Israelite oppression by increasing forced labor and harsh treatment—parallel theme of a ruler escalating burdens to subdue the people.
- Prov.19:29 (thematic): Speaks of punishments and beatings prepared for fools—echoes the idea of physical chastisement as governmental or corrective coercion.
- Ps.129:3 (thematic): Image of the back being plowed (long furrows) as a metaphor for severe oppression—parallels the motif of harsh, physical subjugation described in 1 Kgs 12:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father laid a heavy yoke on you; I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.”
- And he spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips; I will chastise you with scorpions.”
1 K.12.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ולא: CONJ
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כי: CONJ
- היתה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- סבה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעם: PREP
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- למען: PREP
- הקים: VERB,hiph,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- דברו: INF,qal,inf+3ms
- אשר: PRON,rel
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ביד: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אחיה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- השילני: ADJ,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 11:31-39 (allusion): Ahijah the Shilonite's prophecy that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes is the specific prediction here said to be fulfilled—direct prophetic background for 1 Kgs 12:15.
- 2 Chronicles 10:15 (verbal): Parallel retelling of Rehoboam's refusal with wording closely matching 1 Kgs 12:15, explicitly stating the event was from the LORD to fulfill Ahijah's word.
- 1 Kings 12:16-20 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation describing Israel's rejection of Rehoboam and the ascent of Jeroboam—shows the outcome of the king's refusal and the fulfillment mentioned in v.15.
- Proverbs 21:1 (thematic): Affirms the theological theme that God directs the hearts of rulers ('the king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD'), parallel to the claim that the turn of events was from the LORD.
- 1 Samuel 8:7 (thematic): Touches the related theme of divine sovereignty and the people's relationship to kingship—God interprets popular demand for a king in light of divine will, echoing the tension between human choice and God's purpose in 1 Kgs 12:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- So the king did not listen to the people; for this thing was from the LORD, that he might accomplish his saying which the LORD had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat.
- But the king did not listen to the people; for this was the doing of the LORD, to fulfill the word that the LORD had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat.
1 K.12.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וירא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- שמע: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- את: PRT,acc
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- מה: PRON,int
- לנו: PREP+PRON,1,pl
- חלק: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- בדוד: PREP
- ולא: CONJ
- נחלה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בבן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישי: NOUN,prop,sg,m
- לאהליך: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עתה: ADV
- ראה: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- ביתך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2ms
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וילך: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לאהליו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 2 Sam.20.1 (verbal): Almost identical wording: Sheba’s rebellion uses the exact slogan “We have no part in David; we have no portion in the son of Jesse; every man to his tents, O Israel,” showing an earlier occurrence of the same repudiation of Davidic rule.
- 2 Chr.10.16 (verbal): Chronicles’ parallel retelling of the Rehoboam episode repeats the same language and narrative point — the northern tribes refuse to serve David’s house and return to their tents.
- 1 Kgs.12.20 (structural): Immediate narrative consequence in Kings: the northern tribes depart and make Jeroboam king, explicating the result of the declaration in 12:16 (the formal split of the united monarchy).
- 2 Chr.11.14-17 (thematic): Aftermath theme: Chronicles describes the consolidation of Judah around Rehoboam and the departure/establishment of the northern tribes under their own leaders (priests and Levites leaving Jerusalem), reflecting the long-term effects of the rejection expressed in 12:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- When all Israel saw that the king would not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now see to your own house, O David.” So Israel departed to their tents.
- And all Israel saw that the king would not listen to them. So the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? What inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Now see to your own house, O David.” And Israel went to their tents.
1 K.12.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הישבים: PART,qal,ptc,3,m,pl,def
- בערי: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,const
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- וימלך: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליהם: PREP,3,m,pl
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:16 (structural): Immediate preceding verse explains that the rest of Israel returned to their tents, setting up verse 17's statement that those remaining in Judah made Rehoboam king.
- 1 Kings 12:20 (thematic): Contrast passage: the northern tribes rebelled and made Jeroboam king, paralleling verse 17’s account of who remained under Rehoboam.
- 1 Kings 12:1 (structural): Earlier scene at Shechem where all Israel initially assembled to make Rehoboam king — provides context for the later split and who stayed with him.
- 2 Chronicles 11:4–5 (verbal): Parallel retelling in Chronicles: Rehoboam’s rule is described as applying to Judah (and Benjamin), recounting the same division and his ensuing rule over those in Judah.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Israelites who lived in the cities of Judah remained under the rule of Rehoboam.
- But the Israelites who were dwelling in the cities of Judah—Rehoboam reigned over them.
1 K.12.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- אדרם: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- אשר: PRON,rel
- על: PREP
- המס: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וירגמו: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,pl
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אבן: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וימת: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- והמלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התאמץ: VERB,hitpael,perf,3,m,sg
- לעלות: VERB,qal,inf
- במרכבה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לנוס: PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 10:18 (quotation): Direct parallel retelling of the same incident: Rehoboam's officer Adoram (Adoniram) is stoned by Israel and the king flees to Jerusalem.
- 1 Kings 12:16 (structural): Immediate narrative context within the same chapter: the people's rejection of Rehoboam's rule precedes and explains the violent response against the king's tax officer.
- 1 Kings 21:13 (thematic): Naboth is stoned at the instigation of the royal household—another instance of a crowd executing a victim for political/property motives, paralleling mob violence tied to royal affairs.
- 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 (verbal): Zechariah son of Jehoiada is seized and stoned by the people ('stoned with stones')—a verbal and thematic parallel of prophetic/official violence by an enraged populace.
- Acts 7:58 (thematic): The mob stoning of Stephen in the New Testament echoes the motif of communal, extrajudicial stoning as the violent response of a people to perceived offense or authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram who was over the forced labor; and all Israel stoned him with stones, and he died. So King Rehoboam hastened to mount his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.
- And the king sent Adoram who was over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him with stones, and he died; and the king made haste to get into his chariot to flee to Jerusalem.
1 K.12.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפשעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בבית: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,def
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עד: PREP
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:20 (verbal): Immediate continuation/parallel wording in the Masoretic text and English translations: repeats that the people of Israel rejected the house of David and made Jeroboam king over Israel.
- 2 Chronicles 10:19 (verbal): The Chronicler's parallel account of the same split uses almost the same language about Israel rebelling against the house of David, providing a canonical doublet of the event.
- 1 Kings 11:36 (allusion): Divine promise to Jeroboam that a tribe would be given to him — the earlier prophetic promise explains the origin of the schism referenced in 12:19.
- 1 Kings 12:25-33 (thematic): Description of Jeroboam's establishment of rival shrines and cultic centers; these actions are presented later in the narrative as the reason Israel remained apart from the house of David.
Alternative generated candidates
- Thus Israel rebelled against the house of David to this day.
- So Israel revolted from the house of David to this day.
1 K.12.20 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- כשמע: CONJ
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- שב: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ירבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישלחו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- ויקראו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- אל: NEG
- העדה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- וימליכו: VERB,hiph,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחרי: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זולתי: PREP
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- לבדו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:16 (verbal): Immediate narrative precursor: records Israel's rejection of Rehoboam ('What share have we in David?') that leads directly to their selecting Jeroboam as king.
- 1 Kings 11:31-39 (allusion): Ahijah's prophecy predicting Jeroboam's rule over ten tribes provides the ideological/prophetic background for Israel's later anointing of Jeroboam.
- 2 Chronicles 10:18-19 (quotation): Chronicles' parallel account repeats the revolt and the people's setting up of Jeroboam, offering a closely corresponding retelling of the event.
- 2 Chronicles 11:1-4 (thematic): Describes Rehoboam's return to Jerusalem and his consolidation of Judah alone, echoing and expanding the outcome stated in 1 Kings 12:20 (that only Judah remained for the house of David).
Alternative generated candidates
- When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the congregation and made him king over all Israel. There was none who followed the house of David but the tribe of Judah alone.
- And when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had come back, they sent and called him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. There was no one left for the house of David but the tribe of Judah alone.
1 K.12.21 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ירושלם: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ויקהל: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואת: CONJ
- שבט: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בנימן: NOUN,m,sg,proper
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- ושמנים: CONJ+NUM,card,m,pl
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- בחור: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- להלחם: VERB,hitp,inf
- עם: PREP
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- להשיב: VERB,hiphil,inf
- את: PRT,acc
- המלוכה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- לרחבעם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Chronicles 11:1-4 (verbal): Near-verbatim retelling of Rehoboam assembling Judah and Benjamin with 180,000 men; includes the prophetic rebuke (Shemaiah) that they should not fight their brothers.
- 1 Kings 12:19-20 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel within the same chapter describing Israel's rejection of Rehoboam and the establishment of Jeroboam as king—provides the causal background for Rehoboam's military assembly.
- 2 Chronicles 13:2-12 (thematic): Account of Abijah of Judah raising forces and confronting Jeroboam of Israel to defend/restore Davidic authority—parallels the conflict between the northern and southern kingdoms over rightful rule.
- 1 Kings 12:25-33 (thematic): Jeroboam's subsequent institutional measures (golden calves, new shrines) to prevent pilgrimages to Jerusalem and consolidate his throne—thematically connected to the political-military struggle described in 12:21.
Alternative generated candidates
- When Rehoboam came to Jerusalem, he gathered together all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin, one hundred and eighty thousand chosen warriors to fight against Israel, to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon.
- And Rehoboam went to Jerusalem and assembled all the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—one hundred and eighty thousand valiant men—to war against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom back to Rehoboam son of Solomon.
1 K.12.22 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- שמעיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 2 Chron.11:2 (structural): Parallel retelling of the same episode: Chronicles records the word of the LORD coming to Shemaiah and his instruction to Rehoboam not to wage war against Israel.
- Jer.1:4 (verbal): Uses the same prophetic formula 'The word of the LORD came to...' — a common introduction to divine revelation given to a prophet.
- Ezek.1:3 (verbal): Another instance of the formula describing God's direct address to a prophet, underscoring the canonical prophetic convention of 'the word of the LORD came to...'.
- 1 Kgs.13:1-2 (thematic): Another 'man of God' who receives and proclaims a divine message against the actions of a ruler/altar — parallels the authoritative role and function of a prophet in the kings material.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
- And the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
1 K.12.23 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- רחבעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שלמה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ואל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובנימין: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויתר: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg,abs
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:22 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel — the verse begins the speech sequence; 12:22 introduces the consultation and sets up the reply addressed to Rehoboam and the people.
- 1 Kings 12:14 (quotation): The substantive words that follow this introductory formula — Rehoboam's harsh reply (‘my father chastised you with whips… I will chastise you with scorpions’) are the content introduced by the phrase in 12:23.
- 1 Kings 12:20 (thematic): Related moment in the same episode — contrasts the divided loyalties of the tribes, naming Judah and Benjamin (the audience addressed in 12:23) and the breakaway northern tribes under Jeroboam.
- 2 Chronicles 10:3 (structural): Parallel account of the same scene in Chronicles — similarly reports Rehoboam assembling/being addressed by the house of Judah and Benjamin and the ensuing exchange.
- 1 Samuel 8:4-5 (thematic): Thematic parallel — another scene where Israel's leaders/elders assemble to request/decide about kingship, echoing motifs of communal address to royal authority and leadership decisions.
Alternative generated candidates
- “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people,
- “Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin and to the rest of the people:
1 K.12.24 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תעלו: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- ולא: CONJ
- תלחמון: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,pl
- עם: PREP
- אחיכם: NOUN,m,sg,abs+2,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שובו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לביתו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,cs+PRON,3,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- מאתי: PREP,1,sg
- נהיה: VERB,niphal,impf,1,pl
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- וישמעו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- דבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- וישבו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ללכת: VERB,qal,inf
- כדבר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 12:21 (structural): Immediate narrative context: Rehoboam assembles 180,000 chosen men to fight Israel — the situation to which God responds in 12:24.
- 1 Kings 12:22-23 (quotation): Shemaiah the man of God delivers the LORD’s message to Rehoboam and the people, using the same formulation forbidding attack and commanding return to houses (direct verbal parallel).
- 1 Kings 11:31-39 (allusion): Earlier prophetic promise to Jeroboam that God would tear the kingdom from Solomon and give ten tribes to him — explains the theological claim in 12:24 that the schism ‘is from me.’
- Psalm 133:1 (thematic): Expresses the ideal of brothers dwelling together in unity (’how good and pleasant’), thematically related to the prohibition against fraternal warfare in 12:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- ‘Thus says the LORD, You shall not go up and you shall not fight against your brethren; return every man to his house, for this thing is from me.’ ” So they listened to the word of the LORD and returned and went their way according to the word of the LORD.
- ‘Thus says the LORD: You shall not go up, nor shall you fight against your brothers the people of Israel. Return every man to his house, for this thing is from me.’ So they listened to the word of the LORD and returned, each to his house, as the LORD had commanded.
And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.
When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard—and he was still in Egypt, for he had fled from before King Solomon—and was living in Egypt,
they sent and called him; and Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying,
“Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore lighten the service of your father and the heavy burden that he put upon us, and we will serve you.”
He said to them, “Come back to me after three days.” So the people departed.
Then the king consulted with the elders who had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived: “How do you advise that I should answer these people?”
They spoke to him, saying, “If you will be kind to this people and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be your servants always.” But he forsook the counsel of the elders that they had given him, and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him.
He said to them, “What counsel do you give that we should answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Light the yoke that your father put upon us’?”
The young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “Thus you shall say to this people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, and you make it light for us’—thus shall you say to them: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father's loins.’”
“Now my father laid upon you a heavy yoke; I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips; I will discipline you with scorpions.” So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king had spoken, saying, “Return to me on the third day.”
The king answered the people harshly and rejected the counsel of the elders.
He spoke to them according to the advice of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to it. My father disciplined you with whips; I will discipline you with scorpions.” So the king did not heed the people; for the turn was from the LORD, in order to fulfill the word that the LORD had spoken by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam son of Nebat.
When all Israel saw that the king would not listen to them, the people answered the king, “What portion do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now look to your own house, O David!” So all Israel went to their tents. And the Israelites who dwelt in the cities of Judah remained loyal; Rehoboam reigned over them.
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the levy; and all Israel stoned him with stones, so he died. The king made haste to get into his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. Thus Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.
When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they sent and called him to the assembly, and made him king over all Israel. There was none left to the house of David except the tribe of Judah alone.
Rehoboam went to Jerusalem and gathered the house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—one hundred eighty thousand chosen men who were warriors—to fight against Israel, to restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon. But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
“Say to Rehoboam son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people,
‘Thus says the LORD: Do not go up, and do not fight against your brothers. Return every man to his house, for this thing is from me.’” And they obeyed the word of the LORD and returned, and did as the LORD commanded.