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;)

1 KINGS 12:2KJV
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1 Kings 12:2 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 12:2 mean?

1 Kings 12:2 tells us that Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, was living in Egypt because he had fled from King Solomon. When Jeroboam heard news about what was happening in Israel, he was still staying in Egypt at that time.

This verse sets the stage for Jeroboam’s return to Israel after Solomon’s death. Jeroboam had escaped to Egypt to avoid Solomon’s anger, and now, with the political situation changing, he hears about events back home. The verse highlights Jeroboam’s background and his connection to Egypt, which becomes important for understanding the power shifts in the chapters that follow.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 12:2

  • "Fled" (נָסַע, nasá): This word means to escape or run away, emphasizing that Jeroboam left Israel out of fear for his life, not just for travel or trade.
  • "Presence" (פָּנִים, paním): This term often means "face" or "presence," so fleeing from Solomon’s "presence" means Jeroboam deliberately avoided any contact or confrontation with the king.
  • "Dwelt" (יָשַׁב, yasháv): This word means to settle or live somewhere, showing that Jeroboam was not just visiting Egypt but had made it his home for a period.

Why 1 Kings 12:2 matters

  • This verse clarifies why Jeroboam was not in Israel during Solomon’s reign and how his time in Egypt set him apart from other Israelites.
  • It connects Jeroboam’s story to the larger narrative of political unrest and leadership changes after Solomon’s death.
  • The mention of Egypt hints at the longstanding relationship between Israel and Egypt, and how Egypt often served as a place of refuge for those fleeing danger in Israel’s history.

Where else these words appear

“Nebat” Hebrew H5028 · used in 25 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 2 Kings 3:3 Nevertheless he cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin; he departed not therefrom.
  • 2 Kings 15:24 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD: he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.

“fled” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

“Jeroboam” Hebrew H3379 · used in 95 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.
  • 1 Kings 15:1 Now in the eighteenth year of king Jeroboam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over Judah.
  • 2 Kings 15:8 In the thirty and eighth year of Azariah king of Judah did Zachariah the son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.