1 Kings 12:15
Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
Original Language Analysis
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 24
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שָׁמַ֥ע
hearkened
H8085
שָׁמַ֥ע
hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 24
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
הָעָ֑ם
not unto the people
H5971
הָעָ֑ם
not unto the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 24
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הָיְתָ֤ה
H1961
הָיְתָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 24
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מֵעִ֣ם
H5973
מֵעִ֣ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
9 of 24
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
יְהוָה֙
was from the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
was from the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
10 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לְמַ֜עַן
H4616
לְמַ֜עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
11 of 24
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
הָקִ֣ים
that he might perform
H6965
הָקִ֣ים
that he might perform
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
12 of 24
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
דְּבָר֗וֹ
his saying
H1697
דְּבָר֗וֹ
his saying
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
14 of 24
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
15 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֤ר
spake
H1696
דִּבֶּ֤ר
spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
16 of 24
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָה֙
was from the LORD
H3068
יְהוָה֙
was from the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
17 of 24
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
בְּיַד֙
by
H3027
בְּיַד֙
by
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
18 of 24
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
Cross References
Deuteronomy 2:30But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.1 Kings 12:24Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.Judges 14:4But his father and his mother knew not that it was of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.1 Kings 11:11Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.2 Chronicles 25:20But Amaziah would not hear; for it came of God, that he might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they sought after the gods of Edom.2 Chronicles 22:7And the destruction of Ahaziah was of God by coming to Joram: for when he was come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the LORD had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.2 Chronicles 10:15So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
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.