1 Kings 12:22

KJV

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

But the word {H1697} of God {H430} came unto Shemaiah {H8098} the man {H376} of God {H430}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

But this word from God came to Sh'ma'yah the man of God:

Berean Standard Bible

But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:

American Standard Version

But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
At a pivotal moment following the dramatic division of the united monarchy, 1 Kings 12:22 records God's direct and authoritative intervention. With Rehoboam, the king of Judah, poised to launch a civil war against the newly formed northern kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam, the divine word came to Shemaiah, a prophet uniquely designated as "the man of God." This concise declaration marks a critical turning point, demonstrating God's sovereign control over human affairs and His ultimate purpose to prevent fratricidal bloodshed among His people, ensuring His predetermined plan for the divided kingdom would unfold without further human interference.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial, divinely orchestrated intervention point in the unfolding narrative of the divided kingdom. Immediately preceding it, Rehoboam, Solomon's son, had foolishly rejected the pleas of the northern tribes for lighter burdens, threatening even harsher rule. This disastrous decision directly led to the secession of ten tribes and their anointing of Jeroboam as king, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite found in [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy of the Divided Kingdom"). In response to this rebellion, Rehoboam had gathered a formidable army of 180,000 chosen men from Judah and Benjamin, fully intending to forcibly reclaim the northern tribes, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:21](/1_kings/12-21 "1 Kings 12:21 - Rehoboam Gathers His Army"). The stage was set for a devastating civil war, but just as the conflict was imminent, God's word broke into the human plans, halting the impending bloodshed and redirecting the course of the newly fractured nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the Israelite monarchy around 931 BC marked a profound shift in the nation's history, ending the era of the united kingdom under Saul, David, and Solomon. This period was characterized by significant political instability, the rise of religious syncretism in the north, and ongoing tensions between the northern and southern tribes, rooted in ancient tribal loyalties. In ancient Israel, prophets like Shemaiah played a vital and authoritative role as God's direct spokespersons, often intervening dramatically in national affairs, delivering divine commands, warnings, and promises to kings and the people. Their authority derived solely from God, and their messages frequently challenged human wisdom, political strategies, or military ambitions, as vividly seen in this instance where God's command directly countermanded the king's military objective, asserting divine prerogative over royal power.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context of 1 Kings 12:22 highlights several profound themes. First, the **Sovereignty of God** is paramount, demonstrating His active control over human history, even amidst political turmoil, human folly, and the consequences of sin. The division of the kingdom, while triggered by Rehoboam's poor judgment, was part of God's predetermined will, and He would not allow human conflict to thwart it. Second, the **Consequences of Disobedience** are starkly evident in Rehoboam's actions and the resulting schism, underscoring the importance of seeking divine wisdom and adhering to God's covenant. Third, the **Role of Prophecy and the Prophet** is central, as Shemaiah, "the man of God," serves as the divinely appointed messenger, emphasizing that God communicates His will and intervenes through chosen individuals. Finally, God's **Desire for Peace** among His people is strikingly displayed, as He steps in to prevent a fratricidal war that would have further destabilized the nascent kingdoms and caused immense suffering, a theme echoed in His commands throughout [the Book of Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/ "The Book of Deuteronomy") and [the Book of Leviticus](/leviticus/ "The Book of Leviticus") regarding internal conflict and the sanctity of Israelite life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term signifies more than just spoken sounds; it encompasses a matter, a thing, a decree, or a divine utterance that carries inherent power and authority. In this context, "the word of God" (dâbâr Elohim) is not merely information but a potent, active force that shapes events and executes God's will. It highlights the dynamic and efficacious nature of divine communication, capable of halting armies and redirecting national destinies.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** From H430, this plural noun for "God" (used here with a singular verb, indicating the one true God) emphasizes His supreme power, majesty, and universal authority. The use of _ʼĕlôhîym_ rather than the covenant name Yahweh (LORD) here might subtly underscore God's sovereignty over all nations and human affairs, not just Israel's covenant relationship, asserting His right to intervene in the political landscape of His people.
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** From H376, this term denotes an individual person, often used to emphasize a specific role or identity. When combined with "of God" (_ʼîsh hā’ĕlōhîm_), it forms a powerful title that designates Shemaiah as a person uniquely set apart, commissioned, and empowered by God Himself. This title immediately establishes his prophetic authority and the divine origin of the message he delivers, making it clear that his words are not personal opinions but divine commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the word of God came":** The conjunction "But" signals a dramatic and abrupt divine interruption of human plans and intentions. Rehoboam had gathered his army, and civil war seemed inevitable, driven by human pride and folly. This phrase asserts God's initiative and sovereign intervention, demonstrating that human actions, even those of kings, are ultimately subject to divine oversight and control. It highlights the direct, unmediated, and authoritative nature of the revelation, breaking into the human sphere with decisive power.
* **"unto Shemaiah the man of God":** This specifies the recipient of the divine message and simultaneously authenticates the messenger. Shemaiah is not merely a wise counselor or a political advisor; he is "the man of God," a title that immediately establishes his prophetic authority and the divine origin of the message he is about to convey. His identity as God's chosen instrument ensures that the subsequent command is recognized as God's own, demanding obedience from the king and the people.
* **"saying,":** This simple yet crucial word introduces the content of the divine message, which is elaborated in the subsequent verses ([1 Kings 12:23-24](/1_kings/12-23-24 "1 Kings 12:23-24 - Shemaiah Delivers God's Command")). It indicates that the "word of God" is not merely an abstract concept or a general principle but a concrete, verbal command intended for immediate action. The divine communication is precise, purposeful, and directly addresses the impending conflict, leaving no room for misinterpretation regarding God's will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Divine Intervention**, where God directly interjects into the human narrative at a critical juncture, altering the course of events that would otherwise lead to disaster. This serves as a powerful plot device, demonstrating God's active involvement in history and His ultimate sovereignty over human decisions, even those of kings. The phrase "the word of God came" functions as a **Prophetic Formula**, a recurring literary convention throughout the Old Testament that immediately signals divine revelation and absolute authority. This formula lends gravitas and indisputable truth to the message that follows, emphasizing its non-negotiable nature. There is also a strong element of **Contrast** between the chaotic human decision-making (Rehoboam's foolish rejection of counsel, the impending fratricidal war) and the calm, authoritative divine command that brings order and prevents further destruction. Furthermore, Shemaiah's designation as "the man of God" is a form of **Characterization through Title**, instantly conveying his spiritual authority and legitimizing his role as God's mouthpiece, ensuring the audience understands the weight of his pronouncement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the biblical theme of God's active sovereignty over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to His covenant purposes. Even when human leaders make disastrous choices that lead to division and conflict, God remains in control, intervening directly to ensure His ultimate plan is not thwarted. His direct communication through a prophet demonstrates that He is not a distant, detached deity but one who intimately engages with His people's history, guiding, correcting, and preserving them. This intervention also highlights God's profound desire for peace and unity among His chosen people, even when their actions have led them astray. It is a testament to His patience, His mercy, and His willingness to prevent further harm, even when the initial division was a consequence of sin and a judgment for Solomon's idolatry. God's word, once spoken, is effective and accomplishes its purpose, demonstrating His faithfulness even amidst human unfaithfulness.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the LORD")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [2 Chronicles 12:5-8](/2_chronicles/12-5-8 "2 Chronicles 12:5-8 - Shemaiah's Further Prophecy to Rehoboam")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intervention of God's word through Shemaiah in 1 Kings 12:22 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that even in moments of intense human conflict, political upheaval, national crisis, or deep personal struggles, God remains sovereign and actively involved in the affairs of His creation and His people. Just as He decisively halted an impending civil war, He often intervenes in our lives—sometimes through the clear directives of His written Word, sometimes through the wise counsel of trusted spiritual mentors, and sometimes through circumstances that redirect our paths in ways we could not foresee. This passage calls us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness to God's voice, diligently seeking His guidance and wisdom before making significant decisions, especially those with far-reaching consequences for ourselves and others. It encourages us to trust that His plans, though sometimes contrary to our immediate desires, strategic thinking, or even what seems "logical," are always for our ultimate good and the fulfillment of His greater purposes. True peace, alignment, and flourishing come not from stubbornly pursuing our own will, but from obediently yielding to the "word of God" when it comes, recognizing His supreme authority and benevolent intentions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern and respond to "the word of God" in our lives today, particularly when it contradicts our own plans, desires, or the prevailing wisdom of the world?**
* **In what "wars" or conflicts, whether personal, familial, or communal, might God be seeking to intervene and prevent further harm, and how might we be instruments of His peace?**
* **What does God's active sovereignty in this passage teach us about trusting His plan and His timing, even when circumstances seem chaotic, overwhelming, or beyond our control?**

### FAQ
**Who was Shemaiah, and why is he called "the man of God"?**

Answer: Shemaiah was a prophet of God who lived during the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, in the early period of the divided monarchy. He is specifically called "the man of God" in this verse, a significant and recurring title in the Old Testament that designates an individual specially chosen, commissioned, and empowered by God to deliver His message or perform His work. This title emphasizes his divine commission and authority, indicating that his words were not his own opinions but originated directly from God, making them binding and authoritative. He is also mentioned in [2 Chronicles 12](/2_chronicles/12 "2 Chronicles 12 - Rehoboam's Reign and Shemaiah's Prophecies"), where he again delivers prophecies to Rehoboam and the leaders of Judah, warning them about the consequences of their unfaithfulness and calling them to repentance. His role here is crucial in preventing a civil war, demonstrating God's direct intervention through His chosen messenger to preserve His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The intervention of "the word of God" through Shemaiah in 1 Kings 12:22 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect "Word of God" in the person of Jesus Christ. While Shemaiah delivered a spoken word that halted a physical war and prevented immediate bloodshed, Jesus *is* the living Word, through whom God has fully and finally spoken to humanity ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Just as God intervened to prevent fratricidal conflict among His people, Christ intervened to reconcile humanity to God, offering profound peace not just between tribes or nations, but between a holy God and sinful humanity ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). He is the ultimate "man of God," perfectly embodying divine authority and delivering God's truth, not merely as a messenger, but as the very message itself. His coming brought an end to the spiritual warfare of sin and death, establishing a new covenant of peace and unity for all who believe, transcending ethnic, national, and social divisions ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Shemaiah's prophetic intervention points to the greater intervention of the Prince of Peace, Jesus, who brings eternal reconciliation, true spiritual unity, and the definitive end to the enmity between God and man.

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 Chronicles 11:2

But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,

1 Kings 13:4

And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.

1 Kings 13:5

The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.

2 Kings 4:16

And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, [thou] man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid.

Deuteronomy 33:1

¶ And this [is] the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.

1 Kings 13:11

¶ Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father.

2 Kings 4:22

And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again.