Definition: And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard [of it], (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:2. It’s a really important part of understanding how things started to unfold in Israel after the Babylonian conquest. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it tells us that Jeroboam, who was living in Egypt while Solomon was still king of Israel, learned about the temple and the worship practices being done there. Let's unpack that a bit: Jeroboam the son of Nebat: This is a name – he was a young man who fled from the presence of King Solomon. He heard [of it]: This means he became aware of what was happening, likely through someone or something (perhaps a messenger or a traveler). (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;): This is the key part. Jeroboam left Solomon's kingdom – he went to live in Egypt. And because he was there, he started learning about the traditions and practices of worship that were happening in the Egyptian temple. So, what’s the big deal? This verse sets up a situation where there's a potential conflict later on. The Bible says that Jeroboam’s presence in Egypt led to a shift in how people worshipped – he started establishing his own altar and practices, which created tension with Solomon’s established religious traditions. In short, it's the beginning of a story about rivalry and a potential challenge to the established religious order. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from 1 Kings 12? Discuss the significance of this verse in the context of the Old Testament?

Definition: And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:20. It’s a really important passage about God’s plan for Israel. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling Israel to finally focus on the King David people. Here's a breakdown of each part: “And it came to pass…” : This is just a way of saying “This is happening now.” It’s a historical account. “…when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again…” : Jeroboam was a king who challenged God and tried to defy his commands. The people were worried about him returning. “that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel:” : This is the key part. The Israelites (and their leaders) sent someone – Jeroboam – to come to a special place, a “congregation,” where he could rule over them all. “and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David…” : This is the most important part! The Israelites completely turned away from King David. They didn’t want to be under his rule, and they refused to follow his line of succession. "The house of David" refers specifically to the royal family of David, who was a very important figure in the Old Testament. So, what's the big takeaway? God is showing that Israel has completely rejected the kingly tradition established by King David. They’re now firmly focused on his descendants – the line that led to Solomon and the building of the Temple in Jerusalem. Context & Significance: This verse sets up a significant shift in the story of Israel. It highlights God's plan for establishing a single, unchanging monarchy (rule by one king) – a pattern that would eventually lead to the nation’s eventual exile. --- Do you want me to explain any of these points further? For example, would you like me to: Explain why this verse is important in the Bible? Give you more context about the situation at the time?

Definition: And when Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin, an hundred and fourscore thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:21. It's a pretty serious warning about a potential conflict. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that after Rehoboam, the king of Israel, gathered a large army – around 100,000 men – to attack the Israelites again. Let's unpack it a little further: Rehoboam: This was King Rehoboam who ruled over Israel. He’s known for being a bit rebellious and making poor decisions. Assembly of Men: He brought together a large group of warriors, basically all the men from Judah (a tribe within Israel) and Benjamin (another tribe). 100,000 Chosen Men: This is the key part. He specifically asked for 100,000 chosen men . This indicates a significant and potentially dangerous plan. "Chosen" means they were selected by God or a powerful leader. Fight Against the House of Israel: This is the main conflict – it’s about a war against the Israelites themselves. Bring the Kingdom Again to Rehoboam: The goal of this battle was to restore the kingdom of Israel, which had been lost under Rehoboam's rule. What does this verse tell us about the situation? It's a warning that there’s a serious threat looming. It suggests a potential for a major conflict between the Israelites and their enemies. The verse highlights a moment of crisis and a difficult decision that King Rehoboam had to make. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a sign that Rehoboam's decisions were wrong, and leading to disaster for Israel. It’s a significant event in the Old Testament and points to potential problems with leadership and divine guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this period of history? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader sense (like its symbolism)?

Definition: But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse! It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is from the Book of 1 Kings, and it's about a secret message being revealed. It essentially says that God sent a special messenger named Shemaiah to reveal something important. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “But the word of God came unto…” - This means that God started communicating with someone through a special way – a message, a revelation. “…Shemaiah the man of God…” - Shemaiah is a figure from the Old Testament. He was known as a “man of God” – which suggests he was connected to the divine or holy aspects of God’s plan. "...saying," - This indicates that Shemaiah was speaking, delivering a message. So, what's the message? The verse doesn't give us exactly what Shemaiah said. But it suggests that He revealed a crucial part of God’s will – a command or instruction – to a specific person. It's a foundational moment in the story of Israel and their relationship with God. Why is this important? This verse is often interpreted as a key part of the story of how God established His covenant (a special agreement) with the Israelites. It’s considered one of the earliest examples of divine communication – a way for God to communicate directly with humanity before establishing laws and traditions through other means. In short, it's a starting point for understanding how God began to reveal Himself to people in ancient times. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant? Explore the context of the story it’s part of? Give you more details about Shemaiah's role?

Definition: 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,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 12:23. It's a pretty important and somewhat dramatic verse in the Old Testament! Here's what it means, explained simply: “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…” Basically, this is a warning from God to King Solomon. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Speak unto Rehoboam…” : This refers to King Solomon himself – the king who built the Temple in Jerusalem. “…the son of Solomon…” : We know he’s the son of King David, and his father was King Solomon. “…king of Judah…” : This means he's the ruler of the kingdom of Judah, which is a very important region within Israel. “…and unto all the house of Judah and Benjamin…” : This is crucial – it’s everyone within the tribe of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin. These were two of the most powerful and influential tribes in ancient Israel. “And to the remnant of the people…” : This means that God is warning him about the future fate of his people. “Remnant” implies a group who might still exist after the main population has been lost. So, what's the message? God is telling Solomon to give a clear and serious warning to all of his people: “Don’t be foolish! Don’t make choices that will lead to disaster.” He’s essentially saying that if he makes a bad decision, it could have devastating consequences for everyone. What does this mean in the grand scheme of things? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of: Pride: Solomon was known for his ambition and desire to be seen as powerful. This verse suggests that excessive pride could lead him to make a disastrous choice. Ignoring God’s Will: The verse highlights the importance of listening to wise counsel and following God's guidance, even when it means making difficult decisions. In short, it’s a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing personal ambition over wisdom and obedience. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What "remnant" refers to? How this verse relates to the story of Solomon’s downfall?

Definition: Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:24. It's a really important passage about obedience and God’s will. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, God is telling Israel to stop their conflict with the Israelites and return home. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thus saith the LORD…”: This is just a formal way of saying “God speaks.” It's a powerful statement. “…Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel:” This means God is forbidding them from continuing to wage war with the Israelites. It’s stopping them from attacking or fighting against them – essentially, it’s stopping the conflict that started with Moses. “return every man to his house; for this thing is from me.”: This is the key part! God is saying he's giving them a choice. He’s telling them to go back home, meaning everyone should return to their homes and live peacefully. It’s like God saying, “This is a command – you need to go back to your families and lives.” “They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.” This means they listened to what God said and decided to leave. "Heard" refers to following or obeying the command. “Returned” signifies returning home. "According to the word of the Lord" emphasizes that they’re doing this because God instructed them to do so. What's the big takeaway? This verse is about divine authority and obedience. God has given a clear instruction, and it’s up to the people to follow it – by returning home and living peacefully with their neighbors. In essence, it’s a message of rest, reconciliation, and obeying God's will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this story in the Bible? Answer any specific questions you have about this passage?

Definition: Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Kings 12:25. It's a bit complex at first, but we can understand it as a story about conflict and how power is gained – or lost – quickly. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a period of intense conflict between two men, Jeroboam and Penuel, after they both became king. It’s essentially a story of someone gaining power very quickly through violence and disregard for others. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim…” – This means Jeroboam started building a city called Shechem, located on Mount Ephraim (which is a prominent mountain area). “…and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.” - He then moved into this new city and began to expand it. He then left the original city of Shechem and established a new settlement called Penuel. The Key Takeaway – It’s about injustice and disregard for others: This verse is a warning against: Uncontrolled Power: Jeroboam gained power by using violence and building his own kingdom, even though it was built on the ruins of previous settlements. Lack of Respect for the Past: He disregarded the people who had lived in Shechem before, creating a situation where he could simply displace and destroy them. Why is this important? This story highlights that power without justice and respect for those around you can be very dangerous. It’s a reminder to always strive for fairness and to protect the rights of others. In short: Jeroboam gained his position through violence, but he did so at the expense of the people who had come before him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you another Bible passage?

Definition: And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:26. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage about a shift in power and destiny. Here's what it means in simple terms: Essentially, Jeroboam is saying to himself that the kingdom of David – which has been lost – will be restored. Let’s unpack that a little further: “And Jeroboam said…” : This tells us this is a moment of reflection by Jeroboam, likely after some decision or event. “…in his heart…” : This shows the depth of his thinking and perhaps a feeling of regret or a sense of responsibility. "...Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David:" This is the core of the verse. “Kingdom” in this context refers to the kingdom of David – the dynasty that ruled Israel for a long time. “Return” means it’s going back, coming back into focus. So, what's happening? Jeroboam is contemplating a change of leadership. He believes that David’s rightful place in power has been lost or diminished, and he feels the need to reassert his authority. It suggests there might be a struggle or a challenge ahead where someone will step into the role traditionally held by David. Important Context: This verse is part of a larger story about conflict and succession. It’s often linked to the story of Solomon's reign, which saw the division of the kingdom. This verse suggests that a new leader is coming – a leader who will be aligned with David’s lineage and potentially challenge or restore his authority. In short: It’s a declaration of a potential shift in power, suggesting a return to the throne of David. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain its significance within the larger biblical narrative? Discuss what it might mean for the future?

Definition: If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, [even] unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:27. It’s a really serious warning about the dangers of disobedience and idolatry in Israel. Here's a simplified explanation: What it says: “If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.” Let’s unpack it: “If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem…” This is the key point. It refers to a specific, momentous event – a large, elaborate ritual sacrifice offered to God in Jerusalem. It was a really important and central part of their religious life. “…then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord…” This means that if they were to participate in this sacrifice, it would be a turning away from true devotion to God. They would become obsessed with the ritual itself, rather than focusing on worshipping and obeying God’s will. “…even unto Rehoboam king of Judah.” Rehoboam was King of Judah, which is part of Israel. This emphasizes that this wasn't just any person who might be tempted; it was a specific group of people – the people of Judah – who were being urged to disobey God. “…and they shall kill me…” This is the most alarming part. It’s a direct threat of violence. The verse says that if they do participate in this sacrifice, they will be killed . This suggests a terrifying consequence for their disobedience. “And go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.” They would flee from Jerusalem and return to the area ruled by King Rehoboam. This is a clear signal that they are actively rejecting God’s authority. What's the big takeaway? The verse warns about the dangers of idolatry – worshipping idols instead of the true God. It’s a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing rituals and traditions over genuine relationship with God. It speaks to the idea that if people lose their focus on God, they become susceptible to temptation and evil. Context is important: This verse comes before King Solomon's wisdom speech, which offers a solution – Solomon should listen to the people's counsel and not follow Rehoboam’s flawed leadership. It's a moment of crisis for Israel, highlighting the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss its historical significance? Connect it to other biblical stories or themes?

Definition: Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves [of] gold, and said unto them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: behold thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 12:28. It's a really important and somewhat troubling passage in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: King Solomon is having a problem: The verse describes King Solomon, one of the most powerful kings in ancient Israel, engaging in a very unusual and risky activity. He made two calves of gold: This is the core of the issue. Solomon was creating two golden calves – essentially, elaborate, incredibly valuable animal sculptures – to be offered as sacrifices to God. He told the calves, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem": This is a crucial part. He's telling the calves that they shouldn’t try to travel to Jerusalem. The message is clear: Don’t go there! What it Means – The Key Message: This verse highlights a few important things about Solomon and his priorities: Pride & Vanity: It speaks to a deep problem of pride. Solomon was so focused on his own power, wealth, and status that he prioritized these extravagant gifts over what truly mattered to God. He was acting like a king obsessed with himself. Disobedience to God's Will: The verse is essentially a warning about disobedience. Solomon’s actions were a rejection of God’s instructions – the command to offer sacrifices to the gods in the land of Egypt, which had been a pivotal moment in Israel’s history. The Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's law and guidance. Solomon's actions demonstrated that he wasn't truly following God's will, even though he was powerful. In essence, it’s a story about a king who prioritized his own desires over what was right and holy. It's important to note: This verse is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and vanity. It’s a reminder that true leadership comes from serving God and obeying His commands. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you some context – like why this story is significant in biblical history?