1 Kings 12:24

KJV

Thus 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Ye shall not go up {H5927}, nor fight {H3898} against your brethren {H251} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: return {H7725} every man {H376} to his house {H1004}; for this thing {H1697} is {H1961} from me. They hearkened {H8085} therefore to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, and returned {H7725} to depart {H3212}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that this is what ADONAI says: 'You are not to go up and fight your brothers the people of Isra'el! Every man is to go back home, because this is my doing.'" They paid attention to the word of ADONAI and turned back, as ADONAI had told them to do.

Berean Standard Bible

that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers, the Israelites. Each of you must return home, for this word is from Me.’” So they listened to the word of the LORD and turned back according to the word of the LORD.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is of me. So they hearkened unto the word of Jehovah, and returned and went their way, according to the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:24 records the pivotal divine intervention that prevented a devastating civil war between the newly divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Following the secession of ten tribes from Rehoboam's rule, God, through the prophet Shemaiah, explicitly commanded Rehoboam and his assembled army not to fight against their Israelite brethren, declaring that the kingdom's division was His sovereign doing. Remarkably, both the king and the people heeded this divine word, demonstrating profound obedience and averting immense bloodshed, thereby illustrating God's ultimate control over human affairs and His desire to preserve His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic schism of the united monarchy of Israel. After King Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. When the people, led by Jeroboam, requested a lighter burden than Solomon had imposed, Rehoboam, against the counsel of his elders and following the advice of his young peers, responded harshly [1 Kings 12:6-15](/1_kings/12-6 "1 Kings 12:6-15 - Rehoboam's Folly"). This led to the rebellion of ten tribes, who crowned Jeroboam as their king, forming the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam was left with only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Enraged and determined to reclaim his full dominion, Rehoboam gathered a massive army of 180,000 chosen warriors from Judah and Benjamin, poised to launch a military campaign against their seceded "brethren" [1 Kings 12:21](/1_kings/12-21 "1 Kings 12:21 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army"). It is at this critical precipice of fratricidal war that God intervenes directly through the prophet Shemaiah, delivering the command recorded in this verse, which immediately halts the impending conflict.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following Solomon's reign marked a significant turning point in Israelite history, transitioning from a united monarchy to a divided kingdom. The concept of "brethren" (אחים, _achim_) was deeply significant, emphasizing a shared lineage, covenant identity, and religious heritage among all twelve tribes, despite their political divisions. Engaging in war against fellow Israelites was viewed as particularly grievous, a violation of the familial and covenantal bonds that ideally should have united them under Yahweh. Kings in the ancient Near East typically asserted their authority through military might, and Rehoboam's immediate response to rebellion was to muster an army, a standard practice. However, the unique element here is the role of the prophet Shemaiah, who acts as God's direct messenger, demonstrating that even royal authority was subject to divine will, a recurring theme in the Deuteronomistic history. This intervention highlights the tension between human political aspirations and God's overarching sovereign plan, which often superseded human desires for power or revenge.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is **Divine Sovereignty**, explicitly stated in God's declaration, "for this thing is from me." This reveals that the division of the kingdom, though seemingly a result of human folly and rebellion (Rehoboam's harshness, Jeroboam's ambition), was ultimately part of God's predetermined plan, a judgment prophesied against Solomon due to his idolatry [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon"). Another crucial theme is **Obedience to God's Word**. Despite their military readiness and desire for retribution, Rehoboam and the people "hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD," demonstrating a remarkable act of submission that prevented immense bloodshed. This underscores the profound importance of listening to and following divine instruction, even when it contradicts human logic or immediate desires. Finally, the verse highlights God's **Prevention of Civil Strife** among His people. While the division itself was a divine judgment, God mercifully intervened to avert a fratricidal war, preserving both nascent kingdoms from self-destruction and emphasizing His desire for peace within the covenant community, even amidst judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, _koh amar Yahweh'_):** This is a classic and powerful prophetic formula, frequently used in the Old Testament to introduce a direct, authoritative, and undeniable message from God Himself. Its presence leaves no room for doubt regarding the divine origin and binding nature of the command that follows. It signifies that the prophet Shemaiah is not speaking his own words but is a mere conduit for the divine will, emphasizing the absolute authority of the message.
* **"this thing is from me" (Hebrew: מֵאִתִּי הָיְתָה הַדָּבָר הַזֶּה, _me'itti hayetah haddavar hazzeh'_):** This phrase is an emphatic declaration of divine authorship and control. The preposition "from me" (מֵאִתִּי, _me'itti_) strongly asserts that the division of the kingdom was not a random political accident or solely the result of human sin, but a deliberate act of God's will. It signifies that God is actively orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes and prophecies, even through human actions that appear to be independent. This statement underscores God's absolute sovereignty over history and human affairs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel:"** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and the explicit prohibition. God directly addresses Rehoboam and his army, forbidding them from engaging in military action against the Northern Kingdom. The use of "brethren" (אחים, _achim_) highlights the shared lineage and covenantal identity of the two factions, making the prospect of civil war particularly abhorrent in God's eyes. This command directly counters Rehoboam's intent to forcibly reunite the kingdom.
* **"return every man to his house;"** This is the immediate, practical command that follows the prohibition. Instead of advancing to battle, the soldiers are instructed to disband and return home. This command ensures the cessation of hostilities and the prevention of bloodshed, emphasizing God's desire for peace and order, even in the midst of a divinely ordained political upheaval.
* **"for this thing is from me."** This crucial explanatory clause provides the theological rationale for the command. God reveals that the division of the kingdom, which Rehoboam sought to reverse, was not an accident or a human error, but an act of His sovereign will. This declaration connects the current political reality to earlier prophecies of judgment against Solomon due to his idolatry [1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment on Solomon"). It underscores God's ultimate control over historical events and His faithfulness to His word, both in judgment and in the preservation of His people.
* **"They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD."** This final clause describes the remarkable and immediate obedience of Rehoboam and his army. Despite their military might and their king's initial determination, they submitted to God's command. The repetition of "according to the word of the LORD" emphasizes the direct correlation between the divine instruction and the human response, highlighting the power of God's word and the people's recognition of His authority. This act of obedience averted a potentially catastrophic civil war.

#### Literary Devices
The passage powerfully employs **Divine Intervention** as a central literary device, where God directly steps into human affairs through a prophet to alter the course of history. This is underscored by the **Prophetic Formula** "Thus saith the LORD," which lends absolute authority and gravity to Shemaiah's message, leaving no doubt about its divine origin. There is also an element of **Narrative Irony** present: human ambition and folly (Rehoboam's harshness) lead to a division, yet God declares this very division to be "from me," revealing His sovereign hand even in seemingly chaotic or sinful events. The swift and complete **Obedience as a Motif** on the part of Rehoboam and the army contrasts sharply with much of Israel's later history, serving as a rare and powerful example of immediate submission to God's word, preventing a national catastrophe. This narrative choice highlights the transformative power of divine command when met with humble submission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 12:24 profoundly illustrates God's active and absolute sovereignty over human history, even in moments of political turmoil and national division. It teaches that even when events appear to be the result of human sin, folly, or ambition, God remains in ultimate control, orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His predetermined purposes and prophecies. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God's will is not thwarted by human actions but often works through them, bringing about His righteous judgments and preserving His people. The immediate obedience of Rehoboam and the army also underscores the critical importance of hearkening to God's word, demonstrating that true wisdom and strength lie in submission to divine authority, which can avert disaster and lead to peace.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, particularly concerning our posture towards difficult circumstances and our response to divine guidance. In a world often characterized by conflict, division, and seemingly random events, 1 Kings 12:24 calls us to remember God's unwavering sovereignty. Just as He declared the division of Israel was "from me," we can trust that He is at work in our personal lives and in the broader world, guiding events according to His perfect, often mysterious, will. This understanding invites us to cultivate a spirit of trust rather than anxiety, knowing that even in chaos, God's purposes prevail. Furthermore, Rehoboam's immediate obedience, despite his initial military readiness and desire for revenge, challenges us to prioritize God's word above our own plans, desires, or perceived rights. It reminds us that true strength is found not in human might or stubbornness, but in humble submission to divine commands, which often lead to peace, reconciliation, and the prevention of deeper harm. This passage encourages us to seek God's will in all matters, especially when faced with conflict, and to choose paths of peace and obedience, even when they contradict our natural inclinations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the declaration "this thing is from me" challenge your understanding of God's sovereignty in difficult or painful circumstances in your own life or in the world?**
* **What "battles" or conflicts are you inclined to fight, where God might be calling you to "return to your house" and trust His sovereign plan instead?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to immediate and complete obedience to God's word, even if it goes against your natural desires or logic?**
* **How can the example of Rehoboam's obedience inspire you to seek peace and reconciliation in your relationships, rather than pursuing conflict or retribution?**

### FAQ

**Why did God command them not to fight, if the division was "from Him" anyway?**

Answer: While the division of the kingdom was indeed God's sovereign act—a judgment against Solomon's idolatry and a fulfillment of prophecy [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")—God's command not to fight prevented a fratricidal civil war. The division was a divine judgment, but God mercifully intervened to prevent His people from destroying themselves. This demonstrates that God's sovereignty does not negate His desire for peace among His people or His aversion to unnecessary bloodshed. He allows the consequence of sin (division) but limits its destructive potential (civil war), showcasing both His justice and His compassion.

**What was the significance of the prophet Shemaiah's role in this event?**

Answer: Shemaiah's role was crucial as God's direct messenger. In ancient Israel, prophets served as the primary means through which God communicated His will to kings and the people. Shemaiah's intervention underscores the principle that even the king's authority was subject to God's ultimate rule. His prophetic word, introduced with the authoritative "Thus saith the LORD," carried divine weight and compelled obedience, demonstrating that God's voice, delivered through His chosen servant, could override human military and political ambitions, preventing a national catastrophe.

**How did Rehoboam and the army manage to obey so quickly and completely?**

Answer: The text states simply, "They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD." This immediate and complete obedience is remarkable, especially given their military preparedness and Rehoboam's initial determination to fight [1 Kings 12:21](/1_kings/12-21 "1 Kings 12:21 - Rehoboam Gathers an Army"). Their swift compliance likely stemmed from a combination of factors: a genuine fear of the Lord, a recognition of the prophet's divine authority, and perhaps the sheer weight of the declaration "this thing is from me," which revealed the futility of fighting against God's sovereign plan. It stands as a rare and powerful example of national submission to divine command in Israel's history.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 12:24, with its profound declaration of God's sovereignty and His intervention to prevent fratricidal conflict, foreshadows the ultimate work of reconciliation and the establishment of a new, undivided kingdom in Christ. The division of Israel, though "from me," was a consequence of sin and a precursor to the deeper spiritual division of humanity from God. Yet, just as God mercifully averted physical bloodshed among His people, so too in Christ does He provide the means for ultimate peace and unity. Jesus, the true Son of David, comes not to lead an army to reclaim a physical kingdom, but to establish a spiritual one, reconciling "both Jew and Gentile in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the hostility" [Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross"). He is the Prince of Peace [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), whose kingdom is "not of this world" [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"), and who commands His followers to love their enemies and seek peace [Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies"). The obedience of Rehoboam's army to God's word, which brought immediate peace, points to the perfect obedience of Christ, whose submission to the Father's will on the cross secured eternal peace and reconciliation for all who believe, uniting them into one spiritual Israel, the Church, where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus").

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 12:15

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.

2 Chronicles 11:4

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.

Numbers 14:42

Go not up, for the LORD [is] not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.

2 Chronicles 25:7

But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim.

2 Chronicles 25:8

But if thou wilt go, do [it], be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

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 11:29

And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two [were] alone in the field: