1 Kings 12:20

KJV

And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, when all Israel {H3478} heard {H8085} that Jeroboam {H3379} was come again {H7725}, that they sent {H7971} and called {H7121} him unto the congregation {H5712}, and made him king {H4427} over all Israel {H3478}: there was none that followed {H310} the house {H1004} of David {H1732}, but {H2108} the tribe {H7626} of Judah {H3063} only.

Complete Jewish Bible

On hearing that Yarov'am had returned, all Isra'el summoned him to the assembly and proclaimed him king over all Isra'el. No one followed the dynasty of David except the tribe of Y'hudah.

Berean Standard Bible

When all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, they summoned him to the assembly and made him king over all Israel. Only the tribe of Judah followed the house of David.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was returned, that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel: there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:20 records the definitive and permanent schism of the united monarchy of Israel, a pivotal moment in the nation's history. Following the rejection of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, by the northern tribes due to his oppressive policies, Jeroboam, who had previously been prophesied to rule, was formally recalled from exile and crowned king over ten tribes. This left only the tribe of Judah, and by extension Benjamin, loyal to the ancestral house of David, thus establishing the two separate kingdoms of Israel (North) and Judah (South).

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a dramatic narrative arc beginning in [1 Kings 11](/1-kings/11 "1 Kings 11 - Solomon's Apostasy and Divine Judgment"). The preceding verses detail Rehoboam's ascent to the throne, the people's plea for lighter burdens, and Rehoboam's disastrous decision to follow the counsel of his young, arrogant advisors rather than the wisdom of the elders ([1 Kings 12:1-15](/1-kings/12-1 "1 Kings 12:1-15 - Rehoboam's Folly and the Kingdom's Division")). The people's immediate response was a cry of rebellion ("What portion have we in David?"), followed by the stoning of Adoram, Rehoboam's tax collector, and Rehoboam's hasty flight back to Jerusalem. Verse 20 marks the formalization of this rebellion into a new political reality, with Jeroboam, who had been in exile in Egypt after Solomon sought to kill him ([1 Kings 11:40](/1-kings/11-40 "1 Kings 11:40 - Jeroboam Flees to Egypt")), being recalled and enthroned. The subsequent narrative in [1 Kings 12:25-33](/1-kings/12-25 "1 Kings 12:25-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry") immediately outlines Jeroboam's establishment of alternative worship centers and a non-Levitical priesthood, solidifying the spiritual as well as political division.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the kingdom was rooted in long-standing tensions between the northern tribes (often characterized by their independent spirit and loyalty to figures like Joseph) and the southern tribe of Judah (the stronghold of the Davidic dynasty). While David and Solomon had managed to unite these disparate elements, Solomon's later reign, marked by lavish building projects, forced labor, and heavy taxation, exacerbated these underlying resentments. His foreign alliances and promotion of idolatry also alienated many who remained faithful to Yahweh. The "congregation" (qahal) was a significant assembly in ancient Israel, representing the collective voice of the people, particularly in matters of national importance like kingship. The act of "making him king" involved a formal acclamation and covenant, signifying a legitimate transfer of power in their eyes. The return of Jeroboam from Egypt, a traditional refuge for those fleeing Israelite kings, signaled a new era of political realignment and the end of the united monarchy, a unique political entity in the ancient Near East that had previously brought unprecedented power and prestige to Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several overarching themes. Firstly, it highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience and Human Folly**. Solomon's apostasy ([1 Kings 11:1-13](/1-kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-13 - Solomon's Idolatry")) and Rehoboam's arrogant refusal to lighten the people's burden ([1 Kings 12:14](/1-kings/12-14 "1 Kings 12:14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Reply")) directly led to the kingdom's fragmentation. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and the Fulfillment of Prophecy**. Despite the human agency involved, the division was explicitly declared by God through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1-kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")) and reiterated as "from the Lord" to Rehoboam ([1 Kings 12:15](/1-kings/12-15 "1 Kings 12:15 - The Lord's Hand in the Division")), demonstrating God's ultimate control over history. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **Enduring Promise to David**, as God preserved the tribe of Judah for the "house of David" despite the widespread rebellion, ensuring the continuity of the Davidic covenant ([2 Samuel 7:16](/2-samuel/7-16 "2 Samuel 7:16 - The Davidic Covenant")) which pointed to the Messiah. Finally, it sets the stage for a profound **Political and Spiritual Division**, as Jeroboam would soon establish idolatrous worship sites in Dan and Bethel ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1-kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")) to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, thus cementing the spiritual rift between the two kingdoms.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **All Israel (Hebrew, _kol-Yisra'el_):** In this specific context, "all Israel" refers to the ten northern tribes that separated from the house of David. It signifies the vast majority of the nation, indicating the overwhelming rejection of Rehoboam's rule and the Davidic dynasty by the bulk of the population. This phrase highlights the scale of the division, contrasting sharply with the "tribe of Judah only."
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _'edah_):** This term denotes a formal assembly or gathering of the people, often with religious or political significance. The fact that Jeroboam was called "unto the congregation" implies a legitimate, collective decision-making process by the representatives of the northern tribes, lending a sense of formal legitimacy to his coronation in their eyes, despite it being a rebellion against the established Davidic line.
* **House of David (Hebrew, _beit David_):** This phrase refers to the dynasty established by King David, representing the legitimate, divinely appointed royal line according to God's covenant with David. The declaration that "none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only" underscores the complete and almost universal abandonment of this covenantal lineage by the northern tribes, isolating Judah as the sole remaining bastion of the Davidic dynasty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again":** This clause sets the scene, indicating that the northern tribes, having already rebelled against Rehoboam, were actively seeking a new leader. Jeroboam's return from Egypt, where he had fled from Solomon, was a direct response to the political vacuum and the people's desire for a king who would represent their interests. His recall signifies a deliberate and widely supported move by the northern factions.
* **"that they sent and called him unto the congregation, and made him king over all Israel":** This describes the formal act of coronation. The "sending and calling" implies a deliberate invitation, and "unto the congregation" suggests a public, communal assembly where the decision was ratified. The phrase "made him king" signifies a definitive and legitimate (from their perspective) transfer of power, establishing Jeroboam as the sovereign ruler of the newly formed Northern Kingdom.
* **"there was none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only.":** This final clause starkly articulates the outcome of the division. It emphasizes the absolute nature of the split: no other tribe, apart from Judah (which implicitly includes Benjamin, geographically and politically aligned with Judah), remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty. This highlights the profound political and spiritual rupture, leaving the Davidic line with a significantly diminished territory and population.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Foreshadowing** is evident as this political division immediately sets the stage for the spiritual apostasy under Jeroboam, which will plague the Northern Kingdom for centuries. There is a strong sense of **Irony** in Rehoboam's prideful attempt to assert absolute power, which paradoxically leads to the loss of the vast majority of his kingdom. The narrative also uses **Contrast** effectively, juxtaposing the "all Israel" (the ten northern tribes) with the "tribe of Judah only," highlighting the stark and complete nature of the schism. Furthermore, the entire event serves as a **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, emphasizing God's sovereign control over human affairs, even when those affairs are marked by rebellion and folly. The author presents these events not merely as historical happenings but as the unfolding of God's predetermined plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The division of the kingdom, as formalized in 1 Kings 12:20, is a profound theological statement on the consequences of covenant disobedience and the unwavering nature of God's promises. It demonstrates that while human sin (Solomon's idolatry, Rehoboam's pride) has devastating consequences, God's sovereign plan continues to unfold. The preservation of Judah for the house of David is not merely a political detail but a critical theological anchor, ensuring the continuity of the messianic line. This event underscores that leadership carries immense spiritual responsibility, and deviation from God's commands can lead to national catastrophe. Yet, even in judgment, God remembers His covenant and preserves a remnant for His ultimate purposes.

* [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1-kings/11-11 "God's Judgment on Solomon")
* [2 Samuel 7:16](/2-samuel/7-16 "The Davidic Covenant")
* [Hosea 13:11](/hosea/13-11 "God's Giving and Taking Away Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic division of the kingdom in 1 Kings 12:20 serves as a powerful cautionary tale for all generations, particularly for those in positions of leadership. It reminds us that pride, stubbornness, and a refusal to heed wise counsel can have catastrophic consequences, not only for individuals but for entire communities. Rehoboam's folly illustrates the danger of prioritizing personal power and youthful arrogance over the well-being of the people and the wisdom of experience. Moreover, the narrative highlights the ripple effect of sin: Solomon's earlier disobedience paved the way for this national calamity. Yet, amidst this human failure, God's sovereignty shines through; His prophetic word is fulfilled, demonstrating His ultimate control and faithfulness to His covenant promises, even when His people are unfaithful. This should inspire both humility in our actions and unwavering trust in God's overarching plan, knowing that He works all things, even brokenness, for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Rehoboam's leadership failure in this chapter challenge or affirm your understanding of effective leadership, whether in a family, church, or community context?**
* **In what ways might personal choices or sins, like Solomon's idolatry, have far-reaching consequences that impact others or future generations?**
* **How does the fulfillment of God's prophecy in this event encourage your trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem chaotic or beyond human control?**
* **What lessons can be drawn from the people's decision to "make Jeroboam king" regarding the importance of discernment and spiritual loyalty in times of societal or religious upheaval?**

### FAQ
**Why did the northern tribes reject Rehoboam and choose Jeroboam?**

Answer: The rejection of Rehoboam stemmed from a combination of long-standing political tensions and his own catastrophic leadership failure. The northern tribes had historical grievances with the Davidic dynasty, particularly concerning the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon to fund his lavish building projects. When Rehoboam ascended the throne, the people appealed for relief from these burdens. However, Rehoboam, ignoring the wise counsel of the elders and listening instead to his inexperienced young advisors, responded with an arrogant and oppressive declaration: "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions" ([1 Kings 12:14](/1-kings/12-14 "1 Kings 12:14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Reply")). This direct insult and threat ignited the rebellion. Furthermore, the division was also a fulfillment of God's prophecy delivered through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam, declaring that God would tear ten tribes from Solomon's son due to Solomon's idolatry ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1-kings/11-29 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). Thus, it was a confluence of human folly and divine judgment.

**What happened to the tribe of Benjamin in this division?**

Answer: While 1 Kings 12:20 states that "none that followed the house of David, but the tribe of Judah only," it is generally understood that the tribe of Benjamin, due to its geographical proximity and historical ties to Jerusalem (which was situated on the border between Judah and Benjamin), remained loyal to the house of David and became part of the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Later texts and historical understanding confirm that the Southern Kingdom comprised both Judah and Benjamin. For instance, [1 Kings 12:21](/1-kings/12-21 "1 Kings 12:21 - Rehoboam Gathers Troops") mentions Rehoboam gathering "all the house of Judah, with the tribe of Benjamin," to fight against Israel, confirming their allegiance. The phrase "Judah only" in verse 20 serves as a rhetorical emphasis on the overwhelming loss of territory and population, highlighting the stark contrast with the ten northern tribes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic division of the kingdom in 1 Kings 12:20, while a consequence of human sin and divine judgment, ultimately serves to highlight the enduring faithfulness of God to His covenant promises, particularly the Davidic Covenant. The preservation of the "house of David" through the tribe of Judah, even when the vast majority of Israel abandoned it, was crucial for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This lineage, maintained through centuries of political upheaval and spiritual decline, ultimately led to Jesus Christ, who is explicitly identified as the "Son of David" ([Matthew 1:1](/matthew/1-1 "Matthew 1:1 - Genealogy of Jesus Christ")). Unlike the flawed kings of Israel and Judah, Jesus is the perfect and eternal King, whose kingdom "will have no end" ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Prophecy of Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). He is the true Shepherd who gathers not just the tribes of Israel, but all nations, into one new spiritual Israel ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). The political fragmentation of Israel under Jeroboam and Rehoboam foreshadows the need for a King who would transcend earthly divisions and establish a spiritual kingdom founded on righteousness and peace, not on human power or political allegiance ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). Christ, the ultimate Davidic heir, reunites God's people under His perfect reign, fulfilling the covenant promises in a way far grander than any earthly monarchy could achieve.

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 11:32

(But he shall have one tribe for my servant David's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel:)

1 Kings 11:13

Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; [but] will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

Hosea 11:12

Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

Hosea 8:4

They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

1 Kings 12:17

But [as for] the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

1 Samuel 10:24

And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that [there is] none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.

1 Kings 11:36

And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.