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,

1 KINGS 12:23KJV
Know the Bible

1 Kings 12:23 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 12:23 mean?

1 Kings 12:23 records a message being given to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon and king of Judah, as well as to the people of Judah, Benjamin, and the rest of the people present. The verse sets up a direct communication from God, instructing these specific groups to listen to what is about to be said.

The context is that after the kingdom of Israel split, Rehoboam was left ruling only Judah and Benjamin. God’s message is delivered through a prophet, and this verse lists exactly who needs to hear it: Rehoboam as king, the main tribes loyal to him (Judah and Benjamin), and any remaining people. This careful listing shows the message is meant for all those still under Rehoboam’s rule.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 12:23

  • "Speak" (אָמַר, ’amar): This word is often used for giving a direct message or command, highlighting that what follows is not just advice but a clear instruction from God.
  • "Remnant" (יֶתֶר, yether): This word means those who remain or are left over. Here, it points to the fact that not everyone had left with the northern tribes; some people from other tribes stayed with Judah and Benjamin, and God includes them in His address.
  • "House" (בַּיִת, bayit): This term refers to a family or clan, not just a physical house. Mentioning the "house of Judah and Benjamin" emphasizes the collective identity and unity of these tribes under Rehoboam.

Why 1 Kings 12:23 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God’s message is not only for the king but also for all the people still loyal to him, showing that everyone’s actions matter in the unfolding events.
  • By naming Judah, Benjamin, and the remnant, the verse highlights the fractured state of Israel after the split, making the political and tribal situation clear.
  • This careful address sets the stage for the following verses, where God’s instructions will prevent a civil war, showing God’s concern for His people even in times of division.

Where else these words appear

“Rehoboam” Hebrew H7346 · used in 41 verses

  • 1 Kings 11:43 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 14:30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

“remnant” Hebrew H3499 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 49:3 Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
  • 1 Kings 22:45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he shewed, and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • 2 Chronicles 28:26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel.