1 Kings 12:25

ยถ Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.

Then Jeroboam {H3379} built {H1129} Shechem {H7927} in mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}, and dwelt {H3427} therein; and went out {H3318} from thence, and built {H1129} Penuel {H6439}.

Then Yarov'am built up Sh'khem in the hills of Efrayim and lived there. After that, he left and built up P'nu'el.

Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel.

Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and he went out from thence, and built Penuel.

Commentary

1 Kings 12:25 details the early actions of King Jeroboam after the dramatic division of the united monarchy of Israel. Having been chosen by God to rule over the ten northern tribes, Jeroboam immediately began to establish his reign by fortifying key cities.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic split of the kingdom of Israel, where the northern tribes rejected King Rehoboam due to his harsh policies (1 Kings 12:16). Jeroboam, who had previously fled from Solomon (1 Kings 11:40) and received a prophetic promise of kingship (1 Kings 11:29), was made king of the newly formed northern kingdom of Israel. His first strategic move was to secure his capital and borders, driven by the fear that if his people continued to go to Jerusalem for worship, their hearts might return to the house of David (1 Kings 12:26).

Key Themes

  • Consolidation of Power: Jeroboamโ€™s immediate action to build and dwell in Shechem, and then Penuel, demonstrates his effort to establish administrative and military centers for his new kingdom, distinct from Jerusalem. This was a crucial step in asserting his authority over the northern tribes.
  • Security and Strategy: The fortification of these cities was a strategic move to ensure the stability and defense of the northern kingdom of Israel against potential threats, especially from the southern kingdom of Judah. It reflects a king's natural inclination to secure his domain.
  • Foundation for Future Actions: These building projects lay the groundwork for Jeroboam's subsequent, more controversial actions, particularly his establishment of alternative worship sites at Dan and Bethel to prevent his people from returning to the Jerusalem Temple (1 Kings 12:28-29).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated as "built" (ื‘ึผึธื ึธื”, banah) can mean to construct, rebuild, or fortify. In this context, it implies more than just erecting new structures; it suggests strengthening existing sites or establishing them as significant administrative or military strongholds. Shechem, an ancient city, was likely fortified and perhaps rebuilt to serve as Jeroboam's initial capital, while Penuel was established as an important eastern outpost.

Historical Significance of Locations

  • Shechem (in Mount Ephraim): This city held immense historical and religious significance. It was the first place Abraham built an altar in Canaan (Genesis 12:6-7), where Jacob settled after returning from Padan-aram (Genesis 33:18-20), and where Joshua gathered the tribes for a covenant renewal ceremony (Joshua 24:1). Its choice as a capital symbolized a break from the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem and a return to older Israelite traditions, though Jeroboam would soon corrupt these.
  • Penuel: Located east of the Jordan River, Penuel is famous as the place where Jacob wrestled with God (Genesis 32:30-31), hence its name, meaning "face of God." Its fortification by Jeroboam suggests its strategic importance for controlling the Transjordanian regions of his new kingdom.

Practical Application

This verse highlights how leaders often seek to establish their authority and secure their position through physical means, even when their underlying motives are rooted in fear or distrust rather than faith. Jeroboam's actions, though seemingly practical for consolidating his kingdom, ultimately led him down a path of spiritual compromise and grave sin, setting a pattern of idolatry for the northern kingdom. It serves as a reminder that true security and lasting stability come not from human fortifications or political maneuvering, but from trusting in God's provision and guidance.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 8:17 (5 votes)

    And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.

  • Judges 8:8 (4 votes)

    And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered [him].

  • Judges 9:45 (3 votes)

    And Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and he took the city, and slew the people that [was] therein, and beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.

  • Judges 9:49 (3 votes)

    And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put [them] to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.

  • Genesis 32:30 (3 votes)

    And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.

  • Genesis 32:31 (3 votes)

    And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.

  • Judges 9:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying,