12:1 to Shechem Located 40 miles north of Jerusalem. It is unclear why the Israelites held Rehoboam’s coronation at Shechem instead of Jerusalem, the capital.

12:4 Your father Refers to King Solomon.

made our yoke heavy Likely refers to heavy taxation (4:22–28) and perhaps forced labor (5:13–18).

12:5 three days A common literary phrase indicating a short period of time (see Gen 22:4; 34:25; 1 Kgs 3:18; 2 Kgs 20:5; Esth 5:1).

12:6 the old men The identity of this group is unknown; the Hebrew term used here, zaqen, can denote either “old man” or “elder,” and likely includes some of the officials listed in 1 Kgs 4:1–19.

12:7 good words The phrase used here is composed of two Hebrew words: davar (meaning “word,” “matter,” or “thing”) and tov (meaning “good” or “well”). The phrase means more than a favorable verbal response (Prov 12:25; Zech 1:13); it also means improving conditions by showing grace—in this case, by lightening the peoples’ burden.

12:8 he rejected the advice of Rehoboam acts with youthful rebellion and rejects the wisdom of Solomon’s former attendants.

youngsters Generationally identifiable with Rehoboam and lacking the wisdom of their predecessors.

had grown up with him The young men presumably grew up with Rehoboam in the royal court.

12:10 My little The Hebrew term used here, literally rendered as “my little [thing],” may be a euphemism for the penis.

12:11 scorpions While the Hebrew word used here usually denotes the animal, it also can refer to a barbed whip.

12:13 answered all the people harshly Rehoboam rejects the elders’ advice to speak with a “good word” (1 Kings 12:7).

12:15 a turning of events from Yahweh This brings the events in line with the prophecy of Ahijah (11:29–39) and validates the division of the kingdom.

12:16 To your tents, Israel! Now look to your house, David The statements here reflect the northern tribes’ decision to cut ties with Judah, the tribe of David and Rehoboam (v. 20).

12:17 the cities of Judah Includes Jerusalem, the capital city.

12:18 all of Israel Apparently refers to those who had not yet departed from Shechem (v. 1).

to Jerusalem The capital city since the time of David (2:11).

12:19 Israel rebelled This rebellion may have been caused by Solomon and Rehoboam conscripting their own people for labor to accomplish building projects (see 5:13 and note; v. 4 and note).

12:20 Jeroboam had returned Jeroboam had fled to Egypt because Solomon sought to kill him (11:26–40; 12:2). He returned after the death of Solomon (v. 2) and was present when Rehoboam declared that he would maintain his father’s heavy burden on the people (v. 12).

except the tribe of Judah alone The first time that Judah is named as the one tribe reserved for the sake of David (11:13, 32).

12:21 the house of Israel Refers to the 10 northern tribes.

Rehoboam the son of Solomon According to custom, Rehoboam is the rightful king. See note on vv. 1–15.

12:22 the man of God This title designates a prophet (17:18; 2 Kgs 4:9) or messenger of God (1 Kgs 13:1). It is used of Moses (Deut 33:1) and Elijah (1 Kgs 17:18). Shemaiah is unknown outside of this narrative and the Rehoboam narrative in 1–2 Chronicles (2 Chr 11:2; 12:5).

12:24 You shall not go up The Hebrew word here ('lh) denotes the sense of “going up.” In the context of war, 'lh conveys hostility (see Judg 1:4; 1 Sam 7:7; 1 Kgs 14:25; 2 Kgs 17:5).

this thing was from me Yahweh declares that the division in the kingdom fulfills His words (1 Kgs 11:11–13, 31–39; 12:15).

12:25 built Shechem Since Shechem was the site of Rehoboam’s coronation (v. 1), this likely means that Jeroboam either rebuilt or fortified the city.

12:26 said to himself The Hebrew word used here, lev, literally rendered as “heart,” refers to the inner person, mind, or will. People in the ancient Near East associated the heart with comprehension, not emotion.

12:27 to their master Rehoboam the king of Judah Jeroboam acknowledges Rehoboam as the rightful king. Similarly, Adonijah and Solomon acknowledge one another’s position as Israel’s rightful king (2:15, 22).

12:28 golden calves Echoes the golden calf incident of Exod 32.

your gods The Hebrew word used here, elohim, can be either singular or plural, allowing for the alternate renderings “your god” or “your gods.”

who brought you up from the land of Egypt The same phrase is used in Exod 32:4 to describe the golden calf Aaron and the people made in Moses’ absence. In both instances, the people viewed the calves as an acceptable means of approaching Yahweh.

12:29 Bethel City on the southern border of the new Israelite kingdom. Jacob’s statement in Gen 28:22 gave the city special significance as a place of worship.

Dan City on the northern border of the new Israelite kingdom. It had acquired religious significance based on the priestly activity of Moses’ grandson (see Judg 18:30).

12:30 This thing became a sin The institution of idolatrous worship practices and the establishment of high places (see 1 Kings 12:31) was a violation of the law (see Lev 26:30; Num 33:52). In addition, competition with the temple in Jerusalem had financial ramifications for both kingdoms.

12:31 the houses on the high places Presumably refers to temples to Yahweh or a comingling with pagan religious practices. The appointment of non-Levitical priests was also a violation of the law (see Deut 18:1–18).

12:32 like the religious feast which was in Judah The ot does not prescribe any festivals in the eighth month. This same festival may have been held in the Jerusalem temple but performed at a different time of year. Since Jeroboam’s festival did not follow the religious calendar prescribed by Yahweh, it was unofficial and offensive.

Israelite Festivals Table

12:33 month which his heart had devised Jeroboam instituted the festival on his own terms, violating the law regarding feasts to Yahweh following a specific calendar (see Exod 23:15; Num 9:2–13; 28:2).