1 Kings Chapter 12 · Verse 22
But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
וַֽיְהִי֙
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
דְּבַ֣ר
But the word
H1697
דְּבַ֣ר
But the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 8
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
שְׁמַעְיָ֥ה
came unto Shemaiah
H8098
שְׁמַעְיָ֥ה
came unto Shemaiah
Strong's:
H8098
Word #:
5 of 8
shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites
אִישׁ
the man
H376
אִישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. The kingdom division (c. 930 BCE) created the northern kingdom (Israel, 10 tribes) and southern kingdom (Judah, 2 tribes).
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How can leaders today avoid Rehoboam's mistakes and lead with wisdom rather than pride?
- What does the kingdom division teach about the long-term consequences of generational sin and compromise?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of kingdom divided: rehoboam and jeroboam, within the book's focus on kingdom division as judgment for Solomon's idolatry.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.