1 Kings Chapter 12 · Verse 5
And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.
Original Language Analysis
לְכוּ
H1980
לְכוּ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 10
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
עֹ֛ד
H5750
עֹ֛ד
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
yet for three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה
yet for three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
5 of 10
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
יָמִ֖ים
days
H3117
יָמִ֖ים
days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 10
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
וְשׁ֣וּבוּ
then come again
H7725
וְשׁ֣וּבוּ
then come again
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
7 of 10
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
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
And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.
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.