1 Kings 12:16

KJV

¶ So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {H7725} when all Israel {H3478} saw {H7200} that the king {H4428} hearkened {H8085} not unto them, the people {H5971} answered {H1697} the king {H4428}, saying {H559}, What portion {H2506} have we in David {H1732}? neither have we inheritance {H5159} in the son {H1121} of Jesse {H3448}: to your tents {H168}, O Israel {H3478}: now see {H7200} to thine own house {H1004}, David {H1732}. So Israel {H3478} departed {H3212} unto their tents {H168}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When all Isra'el saw that the king wasn't listening to them, the people answered the king, "Do we have any share in David? We have no heritage in the son of Yishai! Go to your tents, Isra'el! Care for your own house, David!" So Isra'el left for their tents.

Berean Standard Bible

When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,

American Standard Version

And when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:16 records the dramatic and decisive moment of the division of the united kingdom of Israel. Following King Rehoboam's arrogant rejection of wise counsel and his declaration of an even harsher rule, the northern tribes of Israel publicly renounce their allegiance to the Davidic dynasty, signaling a complete and irreparable break. This pivotal verse marks the end of the united monarchy and the beginning of two separate kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south, a schism that profoundly shaped the subsequent history of God's people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a critical narrative arc in [1 Kings 12](/1-kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Division of the Kingdom"). Immediately preceding this, King Rehoboam, Solomon's son, had ascended to the throne. The people, burdened by Solomon's heavy taxation and forced labor, appealed to Rehoboam at Shechem for lighter burdens ([1 Kings 12:4](/1-kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Plea")). Rehoboam sought counsel, first from the seasoned elders who advised him to serve the people kindly, and then from the young men he had grown up with. Rejecting the wisdom of the elders, he chose the harsh counsel of his peers, threatening to increase the people's burdens ([1 Kings 12:13-14](/1-kings/12-13-14 "1 Kings 12:13-14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Reply")). The people's response in [1 Kings 12:16](/1-kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16 - Israel's Secession") is a direct, indignant reaction to Rehoboam's tyrannical pronouncement, leading directly to the subsequent anointing of Jeroboam as king over the northern tribes ([1 Kings 12:20](/1-kings/12-20 "1 Kings 12:20 - Jeroboam Becomes King")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Shechem, a historically significant site for Israelite assemblies and covenant renewals, which adds symbolic weight to the division. The phrase "What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse" is a powerful rhetorical question, culturally understood as a complete renunciation of any claim or loyalty to the Davidic lineage. It echoes similar declarations of disinheritance in ancient Near Eastern treaties and tribal disputes. "To your tents, O Israel" was a traditional rallying cry for tribal mobilization or, as in this case, for withdrawal from a central authority back to one's own tribal domain. The heavy burdens imposed by Solomon, particularly for his extensive building projects, had created deep resentment, especially among the northern tribes who felt disproportionately affected. This underlying discontent, combined with Rehoboam's folly, provided the fertile ground for the kingdom's fragmentation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes. Firstly, it highlights the **consequences of foolish leadership and pride**. Rehoboam's arrogance and refusal to heed wise counsel directly led to the disintegration of the united monarchy, serving as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power and hubris ([Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")). Secondly, it underscores the **rejection of the Davidic dynasty** by the majority of Israel, a profound theological and political shift. The Davidic covenant, promising an eternal dynasty ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")), was seemingly fractured by human sin and folly, though God's ultimate plan for the lineage remained intact. Finally, the verse is the historical turning point for the **division of the kingdom**, a direct fulfillment of God's earlier prophecy to Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah, indicating that this human failure was also part of God's sovereign, albeit disciplinary, plan due to Solomon's idolatry ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1-kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Division")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portion (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** This term, from H2506, often translated as "share" or "allotment," carries significant legal and covenantal weight. It properly refers to smoothness of the tongue, but by implication, an allotment. In this context, it signifies a rightful part or inheritance, particularly in the context of land division or tribal identity. To declare "no portion" in David is to assert a complete severance of any legal, familial, or covenantal ties, akin to disinheritance, indicating a rejection of shared destiny or benefit.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _nachălâh'_):** From H5159, this word denotes an ancestral possession, a heritage, or an enduring legacy, often tied to the land or a lineage. It means "something inherited" or "an estate, patrimony, or portion." The parallel use of "portion" and "inheritance" emphasizes the totality of their rejection—they claim no share in the Davidic legacy, no future under its rule, and no part in its covenantal blessings, signifying a complete disavowal of patrimony.
* **Tents (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** Derived from H168, this term refers to a tent as "clearly conspicuous from a distance," signifying a dwelling place or tabernacle. While literally referring to nomadic dwellings, "to your tents, O Israel" was a well-established military and tribal rallying cry. It signified a call for individual tribes or soldiers to return to their homes and tribal loyalties, effectively withdrawing from a central command or assembly. In this context, it became a powerful declaration of secession and a return to tribal autonomy, marking the dissolution of the united kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them":** This clause highlights Rehoboam's stubbornness and unwillingness to listen to the legitimate grievances and pleas of his people. His refusal to "hearken" (listen and respond favorably) is the immediate catalyst for the people's drastic action. It emphasizes the king's failure in his primary duty to serve his subjects, a profound breakdown of the covenantal relationship between king and people.
* **"the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse:":** This is the core declaration of secession. It's a rhetorical question expressing absolute repudiation. By rejecting "David" and "the son of Jesse" (referring to the entire Davidic dynasty), they are disavowing the very foundation of the united monarchy and the divine covenant associated with it. This is a profound statement of disinheritance and a severing of all allegiance, marking a complete political and spiritual break.
* **"to your tents, O Israel:":** This is the rallying cry for the northern tribes to withdraw. It's an instruction for the people to return to their own tribal lands and concerns, effectively declaring independence from Rehoboam's rule and the Jerusalem-based monarchy. It signifies a return to a pre-monarchical, tribal structure, albeit temporarily, before establishing their own king and forming a separate nation.
* **"now see to thine own house, David.":** This is a defiant challenge and an insult directed at Rehoboam and, by extension, the Davidic dynasty. It's a declaration that the northern tribes will no longer be concerned with the affairs or well-being of the Davidic house. This implies that the dynasty should focus solely on its own limited territory and people (Judah and Benjamin), as the rest of Israel has abandoned it, a bitter and contemptuous dismissal.
* **"So Israel departed unto their tents.":** This final clause records the immediate and decisive action taken by the northern tribes. It signifies the physical and political act of separation, confirming the division of the kingdom. The departure is not merely a retreat but a definitive break, solidifying the schism that would define Israelite history for centuries and usher in an era of two rival kingdoms.

#### Literary Devices
The verse powerfully employs several **literary devices** to convey the gravity of the moment. The central declaration, "**What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse?**" is a potent **rhetorical question**, designed not to elicit an answer but to express a definitive and indignant rejection, emphasizing the finality of their decision. Its structure also demonstrates **parallelism**, with "portion in David" mirroring "inheritance in the son of Jesse," intensifying the sense of complete disavowal through repetition and synonymous phrasing. The use of "David" and "son of Jesse" serves as **metonymy** or **synecdoche**, where the name of the patriarch stands for the entire Davidic dynasty and its covenantal claims. The subsequent command, "**to your tents, O Israel**," functions as a **rallying cry** or **exhortation**, signaling a collective and decisive action. Finally, the direct address, "**now see to thine own house, David**," is an act of **apostrophe**, speaking directly to the Davidic line (represented by Rehoboam) in a tone of contempt and dismissal, underscoring the finality of their separation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The division of the kingdom, precipitated by Rehoboam's folly and the people's rejection, serves as a profound theological lesson on the interplay of human sin, divine sovereignty, and covenant faithfulness. While Rehoboam's pride and the people's indignation were the immediate human causes, the narrative explicitly states that this was "a turn of affairs brought about by the LORD" ([1 Kings 12:15](/1-kings/12-15 "1 Kings 12:15 - The LORD's Doing")), fulfilling the prophecy given to Jeroboam due to Solomon's idolatry. This demonstrates God's ability to orchestrate His purposes even through the sinful choices and failures of humanity. It highlights that while God's covenant with David was unconditional concerning the perpetuity of his lineage on the throne, the immediate blessing and unity of the kingdom were conditional upon the obedience of individual kings. The schism underscores the persistent challenge of leadership within God's people and the devastating consequences of forsaking wisdom and justice for self-serving ambition.

* [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1-kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Division")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2-samuel/7-12-16 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - God's Covenant with David")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the kingdom's division in 1 Kings 12:16 offers timeless lessons for leaders and individuals in every sphere of life. Rehoboam's catastrophic failure underscores the critical importance of humility and the willingness to receive wise counsel, especially when it challenges one's preconceived notions or desires for power. His pride, coupled with a lack of empathy for the people he was called to serve, led directly to the fracturing of a divinely established kingdom. This narrative reminds us that true leadership is characterized by service, listening, and a genuine concern for the well-being of those being led, rather than an authoritarian imposition of will. For individuals, it highlights the ripple effect of decisions—how personal choices, particularly those made from a place of arrogance or self-interest, can have far-reaching and devastating consequences, impacting not just oneself but entire communities and generations. It challenges us to examine our own hearts for pride, to cultivate a posture of humility, and to actively seek and heed wise counsel in our personal and professional lives, recognizing that genuine wisdom often comes from those with experience and a heart for others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Rehoboam's leadership style contrast with what is considered wise and godly leadership today?**
* **What are the potential long-term consequences of rejecting experienced counsel in favor of advice that confirms one's own biases or desires?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to prioritize my own power or comfort over the needs and well-being of others?**
* **How does this narrative inform my understanding of God's sovereignty and justice, even when human actions lead to brokenness and division?**

### FAQ
**Why did the people reject Rehoboam so decisively, even though he was Solomon's legitimate heir?**

Answer: The people's decisive rejection of Rehoboam stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, they had endured the heavy burdens of forced labor and taxation under King Solomon, and they hoped for relief under the new king. Secondly, Rehoboam's arrogant and dismissive response, threatening to make their burdens even heavier ([1 Kings 12:13-14](/1-kings/12-13-14 "1 Kings 12:13-14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Reply")), demonstrated a profound lack of empathy and wisdom. Culturally, the northern tribes had a history of independent spirit and occasional tension with the southern tribe of Judah, where the Davidic dynasty was centered. This underlying tension, coupled with Rehoboam's folly, provided the immediate catalyst for their secession. Ultimately, the Bible states that this division was part of God's sovereign plan, a judgment on Solomon's idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1-kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")).

**What is the significance of the phrase "What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse"?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful declaration of disinheritance and absolute renunciation of allegiance. "David" and "son of Jesse" refer to the entire Davidic dynasty, the royal line established by God through King David. By asking "What portion have we?" and denying "inheritance," the northern tribes are asserting that they have no share, no claim, no loyalty, and no future connection to this lineage, its covenant, or its rule. It's a legal and covenantal declaration, signifying a complete break from the centralized monarchy and a return to their own tribal identities and autonomy. This public rejection effectively dismantled the united kingdom that had flourished under David and Solomon.

**Was the division of the kingdom God's will or a result of human sin?**

Answer: The division of the kingdom was a complex interplay of both human sin and divine will. From the human perspective, it was a direct consequence of Rehoboam's pride, foolishness, and tyrannical leadership, as well as the people's justified indignation. However, the biblical narrative explicitly states that this turn of events was "from the LORD" ([1 Kings 12:15](/1-kings/12-15 "1 Kings 12:15 - The LORD's Doing")). God had previously prophesied this division through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam, as a judgment against King Solomon's idolatry and unfaithfulness ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1-kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Division")). Thus, while human sin was the immediate cause, it served as the instrument through which God's righteous judgment and sovereign plan were fulfilled. God, in His sovereignty, can use even the failures and rebellion of humanity to accomplish His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic division of the kingdom in 1 Kings 12:16, a direct result of human folly and sin, powerfully foreshadows the need for a true and ultimate King who would not only unite His people but rule with perfect wisdom and justice. The Davidic dynasty, though divinely promised to endure, was shown to be fallible and fractured by the sin of its human occupants. Rehoboam’s burdensome rule stands in stark contrast to the reign of Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). While Israel cried, "What portion have we in David?", Jesus, as the rightful heir to David's throne ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - Angel Gabriel's Prophecy to Mary")), invites all people to find their ultimate "portion" and "inheritance" in Him—an eternal kingdom that will never be divided or fall. Unlike Rehoboam, who sought to increase his own power, Christ came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His kingdom is not of this world, nor is it subject to the whims of human pride or the consequences of sin; it is an everlasting spiritual reign that unites believers from every tribe and nation into one body, under one perfect King ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, the brokenness of 1 Kings 12:16 points forward to the holistic restoration and eternal unity found only in the reign of Christ.

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

2 Samuel 20:1

¶ And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name [was] Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.

2 Chronicles 10:16

And when all Israel [saw] that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and [we have] none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: [and] now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.

Jeremiah 23:5

Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

Jeremiah 23:6

In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah 33:15

In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.

Jeremiah 33:16

In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this [is the name] wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness.

Jeremiah 33:21

[Then] may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he should not have a son to reign upon his throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.