That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,

1 KINGS 12:3KJV
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1 Kings 12:3 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 12:3 mean?

1 Kings 12:3 describes how the people of Israel sent for Jeroboam and, together with the whole assembly, approached Rehoboam to speak with him. This verse sets up a key moment where the people, through Jeroboam, are about to make a request or demand of their new king, Rehoboam.

At this point in the story, Solomon has died, and his son Rehoboam is about to become king. Jeroboam, who had previously been in conflict with Solomon, is called back from Egypt by the Israelites. The "congregation of Israel" refers to a large, representative group of the people. Their approach to Rehoboam signals the beginning of a negotiation about how he will rule, which becomes a turning point in Israel's history.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 12:3

  • "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This word often means to send out or dispatch. Here, it shows that the people took the initiative to reach out to Jeroboam, indicating organized action.
  • "congregation" (קָהָל, qahal): This term refers to an assembly or gathering, often used for significant public gatherings in Israel. It emphasizes that this was not just a few individuals but a representative body of the nation.
  • "spake" (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means to speak or communicate. The use here highlights that the people, through their representatives, are formally addressing the new king, not just having a casual conversation.

Why 1 Kings 12:3 matters

  • This verse marks the beginning of the division between the northern tribes and the house of David, setting the stage for the split of the kingdom.
  • The involvement of the whole "congregation" shows that the request to Rehoboam was not just Jeroboam's idea but had broad support among the people.
  • The verse highlights the importance of leadership transition moments in Israel's history, where the people's voice and the king's response would shape the future of the nation.

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,

“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.

“congregation” Hebrew H6951 · used in 116 verses

  • Genesis 28:3 And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;
  • 1 Kings 8:22 And Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven:
  • Nehemiah 7:66 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,