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?