1 Kings 12:12

KJV

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Jeroboam {H3379} and all the people {H5971} came {H935} to Rehoboam {H7346} the third {H7992} day {H3117}, as the king {H4428} had appointed {H1696}, saying {H559}, Come to me again {H7725} the third {H7992} day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Yarov'am and all the people came to Rechav'am the third day, as the king had requested by saying, "Come to me again the third day";

Berean Standard Bible

After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.”

American Standard Version

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come to me again the third day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:12 marks a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Israel, detailing the punctual return of Jeroboam and the representatives of the northern tribes to King Rehoboam. They had come to receive his much-anticipated decision regarding their plea for lighter burdens, a request made three days prior. This encounter sets the immediate stage for the catastrophic division of the united monarchy, highlighting the immense weight of leadership decisions and the consequences of prideful counsel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture following the death of King Solomon and the ascension of his son, Rehoboam, to the throne. The narrative immediately preceding [1 Kings 12:12](/1_kings/12-12 "1 Kings 12:12 - The People Return to Rehoboam") describes the initial confrontation between the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, and Rehoboam at Shechem ([1 Kings 12:1-5](/1_kings/12-1 "1 Kings 12:1-5 - Rehoboam's Accession and the People's Plea")). The people, weary of Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor, requested relief, promising loyalty in return. Rehoboam, rather than giving an immediate answer, requested a three-day period for consultation ([1 Kings 12:5](/1_kings/12-5 "1 Kings 12:5 - Rehoboam Requests Three Days")). During this interval, he consulted first with the older, experienced advisors who had served his father ([1 Kings 12:6-7](/1_kings/12-6 "1 Kings 12:6-7 - Counsel of the Elders")), and then with the younger men with whom he had grown up ([1 Kings 12:8-11](/1_kings/12-8 "1 Kings 12:8-11 - Counsel of the Young Men")). [1 Kings 12:12](/1_kings/12-12 "1 Kings 12:12 - The People Return to Rehoboam") thus describes the people's return on the appointed day, creating intense narrative suspense as the future of the kingdom hangs in the balance, poised for the fateful decision detailed in the verses that follow ([1 Kings 12:13-19](/1_kings/12-13 "1 Kings 12:13-19 - The Kingdom Divides")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The request for lighter burdens stemmed from the oppressive policies of Solomon's later reign, particularly the extensive building projects (the Temple, his palace, fortifications) which required immense taxation and forced labor, often levied disproportionately on the northern tribes ([1 Kings 5:13-18](/1_kings/5-13 "1 Kings 5:13-18 - Solomon's Forced Labor")). Historically, the northern tribes had always maintained a degree of independence and distinct identity from Judah, and their loyalty to the Davidic dynasty was conditional. Jeroboam, who had previously rebelled against Solomon and received a prophecy from Ahijah the Shilonite promising him ten tribes ([1 Kings 11:26-40](/1_kings/11-26 "1 Kings 11:26-40 - Jeroboam's Rebellion and Ahijah's Prophecy")), served as their representative, embodying their collective grievance and prophetic destiny. Culturally, a three-day period for deliberation was a common practice for significant decisions, allowing time for counsel and a more considered response, but it also heightened the anticipation for all parties involved.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several critical themes. Firstly, it highlights the **critical juncture** and **weight of leadership decisions**. Rehoboam's choice would determine the fate of the united kingdom, underscoring the immense responsibility of those in authority to discern and respond wisely to the needs of their people. Secondly, the narrative emphasizes the theme of **counsel and its consequences**. Though not directly stated in this verse, the people's return means Rehoboam has had time to consult; the subsequent verses reveal his fatal error in rejecting the wise, empathetic counsel of the elders in favor of the harsh, prideful advice of his young peers ([1 Kings 12:10-11](/1_kings/12-10 "1 Kings 12:10-11 - The Young Men's Foolish Counsel")). This decision, driven by a desire to assert absolute power, ultimately leads to catastrophic division. Thirdly, the recurring mention of "the third day" serves as a **motif of culmination and divine turning point**. While often associated with positive divine intervention or revelation in biblical narratives, here it marks the appointed time for a fateful human decision that, while seemingly autonomous, is also presented as part of God's sovereign plan to judge Solomon's apostasy ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon"), [1 Kings 12:15](/1_kings/12-15 "1 Kings 12:15 - The Lord's Doing")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Day (Hebrew, _yôm_):** While seemingly straightforward, the specific mention of "the third day" is significant. In biblical narrative, "the third day" often marks a critical turning point, a moment of divine intervention, or the culmination of a significant event. Here, it is the appointed time for a decisive human action that will have divinely orchestrated consequences, emphasizing the gravity and finality of the impending decision.
* **Appointed (Hebrew, _ya'ad_):** This verb signifies a fixed, determined, or designated time or place. Its use here highlights that the meeting was not spontaneous but a formal, pre-arranged encounter initiated by the king himself. This reinforces the structured nature of this critical negotiation and underscores the king's deliberate delay, which only heightened the people's anticipation and the tension of the moment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam":** This clause emphasizes the unified front of the northern tribes. Jeroboam, having been prophesied to rule over ten tribes ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")), acts as their appointed spokesman, representing the collective grievance and the substantial political power of the northern kingdom. Their coming to Rehoboam signifies their willingness to negotiate and their submission to the Davidic monarchy, provided their terms were met.
* **"the third day, as the king had appointed":** This phrase underlines the people's obedience and patience in adhering to the king's stipulated timeframe. It also serves as a narrative reminder of Rehoboam's initial request for a delay, setting the stage for the revelation of his decision. The tension built during these three days culminates in this moment of return.
* **"saying, Come to me again the third day":** This is a somewhat awkward rendering in the KJV, which can be confusing. It is not the people *saying* this to Rehoboam, but rather the narrator reminding the reader of Rehoboam's original instruction to the people, which they are now fulfilling. More modern translations clarify this, rendering it along the lines of "as the king had said, 'Come back to me on the third day'" (e.g., ESV, NIV). The repetition of "the third day" emphasizes the precise fulfillment of the king's command and the culmination of the waiting period.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Kings 12:12](/1_kings/12-12 "1 Kings 12:12 - The People Return to Rehoboam") masterfully employs **Anticipation** and **Suspense**. The three-day waiting period, explicitly mentioned and fulfilled, builds considerable tension, leaving the reader (and the people of Israel) on edge, wondering what Rehoboam's decision will be. The very act of the people's return on the appointed day is a dramatic moment, a quiet before the storm. This verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**; the presence of Jeroboam, whom God had already designated to receive ten tribes, and the palpable tension surrounding the king's decision, subtly hint at the impending division of the kingdom. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony**: Rehoboam's attempt to assert his authority by delaying the decision only serves to heighten the drama of a moment that will ultimately lead to the fracturing of his kingdom, a direct consequence of his subsequent prideful choice.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Kings 12:12](/1_kings/12-12 "1 Kings 12:12 - The People Return to Rehoboam") serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact of leadership decisions and the critical importance of wise counsel. Rehoboam's request for three days implies a period of discernment, yet his ultimate choice demonstrates a failure to genuinely weigh the needs of his people against his own pride and desire for absolute power. The narrative implicitly teaches that true leadership is characterized by humility, empathy, and a willingness to listen to diverse perspectives, especially those of experienced wisdom. This moment, while a human choice, is also presented as part of God's sovereign plan to fulfill His word concerning Solomon's idolatry, illustrating that even human folly can be woven into the tapestry of divine purpose.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Proverbs 28:16](/proverbs/28-16 "Proverbs 28:16 - A Ruler Who Lacks Understanding")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound lessons for all believers, particularly those in positions of leadership within their families, churches, workplaces, or communities. Rehoboam's failure to listen to the wise, empathetic counsel of the elders, opting instead for the harsh, self-serving advice of his peers, led to the tragic division of a kingdom. This serves as a powerful cautionary tale: true wisdom often lies in humility and a willingness to genuinely hear and consider perspectives that may challenge our own desires or assumptions. It underscores the danger of surrounding ourselves only with those who affirm our biases or tell us what we want to hear. For us, this means actively seeking godly counsel, praying for discernment, and being open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, even when it requires us to lay down our pride or perceived power. Our decisions, whether personal or corporate, have ripple effects, and seeking God's will through wise counsel is paramount to avoiding costly mistakes and fostering unity rather than division.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when faced with difficult decisions that require careful consideration and potentially unpopular choices?**
* **Whose counsel do I primarily seek when making important decisions, and am I genuinely open to wisdom that challenges my preconceived notions or desires?**
* **In what areas of my life might pride, a desire for control, or a fear of appearing weak be hindering me from making wise, long-term choices that prioritize the well-being of others?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater openness to receiving and applying godly wisdom, even when it means sacrificing my own immediate comfort or perceived authority?**

### FAQ

**Why did Rehoboam ask for three days before giving his answer?**

Answer: Rehoboam requested three days to consider the people's petition and consult his advisors. This was a common practice for important decisions in ancient Near Eastern kingship, allowing time for deliberation, weighing options, and perhaps to assert his authority and create a sense of anticipation. It also gave him the opportunity to seek counsel from both the experienced elders who had served his father Solomon ([1 Kings 12:6-7](/1_kings/12-6 "1 Kings 12:6-7 - Counsel of the Elders")) and his younger peers ([1 Kings 12:8-11](/1_kings/12-8 "1 Kings 12:8-11 - Counsel of the Young Men")).

**What is the theological significance of "the third day" in this context?**

Answer: In biblical narratives, "the third day" often signifies a moment of culmination, a critical turning point, or divine intervention. While it is most famously associated with resurrection and restoration (e.g., [Hosea 6:2](/hosea/6-2 "Hosea 6:2 - Revival on the Third Day"), [Luke 24:46](/luke/24-46 "Luke 24:46 - The Christ Must Suffer and Rise")), here in [1 Kings 12:12](/1_kings/12-12 "1 Kings 12:12 - The People Return to Rehoboam"), it marks the appointed time for a fateful human decision that, tragically, leads to division and judgment rather than renewal. It underscores the gravity of the moment and how human choices, even when given time for deliberation, can lead to devastating consequences that align with God's sovereign will, in this case, judgment for Solomon's idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of Rehoboam's failed leadership and the division of Israel in [1 Kings 12:12](/1_kings/12-12 "1 Kings 12:12 - The People Return to Rehoboam") finds its ultimate contrast and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Rehoboam, driven by pride and a desire to increase his people's burdens, rejected wise counsel and brought about the fracturing of his kingdom. In stark contrast, Jesus, the true King of Israel, came not to impose heavier burdens but to offer rest and lighten the load of humanity's sin and toil ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). While Rehoboam's pride led to division, Christ's profound humility, culminating in His self-sacrificial death, became the basis for true unity and reconciliation, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility and bringing Jew and Gentile together into one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Rehoboam foolishly rejected wise counsel; Jesus, however, is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the "wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")), who perfectly discerns the will of the Father and leads His people in righteousness. Furthermore, the "third day" motif, which in [1 Kings 12:12](/1_kings/12-12 "1 Kings 12:12 - The People Return to Rehoboam") tragically culminates in national division, finds its glorious and redemptive fulfillment in Christ's resurrection on the third day ([Luke 24:46](/luke/24-46 "Luke 24:46 - The Christ Must Suffer and Rise")). His resurrection inaugurated the new covenant, establishing a spiritual kingdom that will never be divided and offering eternal rest and true liberty to all who come to Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 12:5

And he said unto them, Depart yet [for] three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.

2 Chronicles 10:12

¶ So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day.

2 Chronicles 10:14

And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I [will chastise you] with scorpions.