1 Kings 12:27

KJV

If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, [even] unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah.

KJV (with Strong's)

If this people {H5971} go up {H5927} to do {H6213} sacrifice {H2077} in the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} at Jerusalem {H3389}, then shall the heart {H3820} of this people {H5971} turn again {H7725} unto their lord {H113}, even unto Rehoboam {H7346} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and they shall kill {H2026} me, and go again {H7725} to Rehoboam {H7346} king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For if these people continue going up to offer sacrifices in the house of ADONAI in Yerushalayim, their hearts will turn back to their lord, Rechav'am king of Y'hudah. Then they will kill me and return to Rechav'am king of Y'hudah."

Berean Standard Bible

If these people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem, their hearts will return to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah; then they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.”

American Standard Version

if this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem, then will the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me, and return to Rehoboam king of Judah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures King Jeroboam I's profound political and personal insecurity as the newly appointed ruler of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He articulates a strategic fear that if his subjects continue their mandated pilgrimages and sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem, their spiritual and national allegiance will inevitably revert to Rehoboam, the king of Judah, thereby jeopardizing his own reign and ultimately, his life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This declaration by Jeroboam I is a pivotal moment immediately following the dramatic division of the united monarchy, as detailed in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom"). After the ten northern tribes seceded from Rehoboam's oppressive rule, they crowned Jeroboam as their king. The narrative prior to this verse establishes the historical backdrop of Solomon's death and Rehoboam's foolish rejection of the elders' counsel, leading to the rebellion ([1 Kings 12:1-19](/1_kings/12-1 "1 Kings 12:1-19 - Rehoboam's Folly and the Kingdom's Division")). Jeroboam's statement in [1 Kings 12:27](/1_kings/12-27 "1 Kings 12:27 - Jeroboam's Fear of Losing Loyalty") serves as the direct motivation for his subsequent, catastrophic religious innovations described in [1 Kings 12:28-33](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-33 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves"). It sets the stage for the chronic idolatry that would plague the Northern Kingdom for centuries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Temple in Jerusalem, built by Solomon, was not merely a religious edifice but the central symbol of Israelite national and spiritual identity, the divinely appointed place for worship and sacrifice for all twelve tribes ([Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Command for a Central Place of Worship")). Pilgrimages to Jerusalem for the annual feasts (Passover, Weeks, Booths) were mandatory for all Israelite males. For Jeroboam, the continued practice of these pilgrimages by his northern subjects posed an existential threat to his fledgling kingdom. Jerusalem was the capital of the rival Southern Kingdom (Judah), and regular interaction with its culture and leadership, especially within the sacred space of the Temple, could easily rekindle loyalty to the Davidic dynasty and Rehoboam. Jeroboam's fear was rooted in the socio-political reality that shared worship often fosters shared allegiance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates the tension between **political expediency and spiritual truth**. Jeroboam's decision to prioritize his reign over God's command for centralized worship highlights how fear and insecurity can drive leaders to make disastrous choices. His actions set a precedent for the **corruption of worship** in the Northern Kingdom, leading it into widespread idolatry. The verse also underscores the profound connection between **religious devotion and political allegiance**, as Jeroboam understood that where people worship, their "heart" and loyalty often follow. This fear of a divided "heart" ultimately led him to divide the people from God's prescribed path, initiating a pattern of sin that would define the Northern Kingdom's history, as seen in the subsequent accounts of its kings ([1 Kings 13:34](/1_kings/13-34 "1 Kings 13:34 - Jeroboam's Sin Persists")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **"go up" (עָלָה, _‘alah'_):** This Hebrew verb literally means "to ascend" or "to go up," and it carries both a literal and spiritual significance here. Geographically, Jerusalem is situated on a hill, requiring an ascent for pilgrims. Spiritually, "going up" to the "house of the LORD" implies an elevation of one's spirit in worship and an approach to God's presence. Jeroboam's concern is that this physical and spiritual ascent to Jerusalem would re-orient the people's loyalty away from him.
* **"house of the LORD" (בֵּית יְהוָה, _beit Yahweh'_):** This refers specifically to the Temple in Jerusalem, which was built by Solomon and consecrated to Yahweh. It was the singular, divinely ordained place for Israelite worship, sacrifice, and the dwelling of God's presence among His people. Jeroboam's concern is precisely with the spiritual authority and unifying power of this legitimate worship center, which stood in direct opposition to his political agenda.
* **"heart" (לֵב, _lev'_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is not merely the seat of emotions but the center of one's will, intellect, and moral character. It represents the core of a person's being, encompassing their loyalties, intentions, and allegiances. Jeroboam fears that the "heart of this people" – their deepest convictions, loyalties, and spiritual identity – would "turn again" (שָׁוַב, _shuv_, to return/turn back) to Rehoboam, signifying a complete shift in their allegiance, both religiously and politically.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the LORD at Jerusalem,"**: This clause establishes the condition that triggers Jeroboam's fear. It acknowledges the existing, divinely mandated practice of pilgrimage and sacrifice at the Jerusalem Temple. Jeroboam recognizes the magnetic pull of this central sanctuary and the spiritual obligation his people feel towards it.
* **"then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, [even] unto Rehoboam king of Judah,"**: This is the immediate consequence Jeroboam anticipates. He understands that religious loyalty is deeply intertwined with political allegiance. Regular worship in Jerusalem would foster a renewed sense of unity with the Southern Kingdom and its king, Rehoboam, potentially leading to a spiritual and political defection. The repetition of "this people" emphasizes his perceived loss of control over their core identity.
* **"and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah."**: This final clause reveals the ultimate, self-preservation motive behind Jeroboam's fear. He foresees not just a loss of power but a violent overthrow and assassination, with his people returning to the Davidic dynasty under Rehoboam. This extreme outcome drives his desperate measures to prevent the pilgrimages, highlighting the depth of his insecurity and the perceived threat to his life and throne.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jeroboam's articulated fear directly precedes and explains his subsequent actions of establishing alternative worship sites and golden calves, which become the defining sin of the Northern Kingdom. There is a strong element of **Irony** in Jeroboam's attempt to secure his throne through religious deviation; his actions, intended to prevent a return to Rehoboam, ultimately lead to the downfall of his dynasty and the eventual destruction of the Northern Kingdom, fulfilling a different kind of "turning away" from God. The phrase "they shall kill me" can be seen as **Hyperbole**, reflecting the intense paranoia and existential threat he feels, though it is a common fear for usurpers. Finally, the entire statement is a piece of **Political Rhetoric**, designed to justify his radical religious reforms to himself and perhaps his advisors, framing his self-serving actions as necessary for national stability.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse lays bare the profound tension between human political ambition and divine command, illustrating how fear can lead to spiritual compromise. Jeroboam's actions, driven by a desire to secure his earthly throne, directly contravened God's clear instruction for a centralized place of worship in Jerusalem, thereby initiating a pattern of idolatry that would plague the Northern Kingdom for generations. His fear of losing control over his people's loyalty led him to corrupt the very heart of their spiritual identity, demonstrating that true worship is not a tool for political manipulation but an act of sincere devotion to God alone. This episode serves as a stark warning against prioritizing self-preservation or worldly power over obedience to God's revealed will.

* [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Command for Centralized Worship")
* [Psalm 122:1-4](/psalm/122-1 "Psalm 122:1-4 - A Song of Ascent to Jerusalem")
* [Hosea 8:4-6](/hosea/8-4 "Hosea 8:4-6 - Consequences of Israel's Idolatry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jeroboam's fear-driven decision in 1 Kings 12:27 offers a timeless lesson on the dangers of allowing insecurity and self-interest to dictate our spiritual choices. When we prioritize our own comfort, security, or worldly gain over God's clear commands, we risk not only personal spiritual decay but also leading others astray. This passage challenges us to examine the "altars" we build in our own lives—are they places of true worship and obedience to God, or are they convenient substitutes designed to protect our own perceived interests or alleviate our anxieties? True security and lasting peace are found not in human schemes or political maneuvering, but in unwavering trust and allegiance to the Lord. Our hearts will always turn towards what we worship; therefore, it is paramount that our ultimate loyalty remains with God, regardless of the perceived cost.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Jerusalems" or "Temples" in your life might you be tempted to avoid or replace out of fear or convenience?**
* **How does fear of losing control or security influence your spiritual decisions?**
* **In what ways might our "hearts" be subtly turning away from God's true path towards something more comfortable or politically expedient?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of compromising spiritual truth for short-term gain, both personally and communally?**

### FAQ
**Why was Jerusalem so important for worship, and why did Jeroboam see it as a threat?**

Answer: Jerusalem was the divinely chosen and consecrated place for Israelite worship, specifically the site of the Temple built by King Solomon. According to the Law of Moses, particularly [Deuteronomy 12:5-7](/deuteronomy/12-5 "Deuteronomy 12:5-7 - The Chosen Place for Worship"), all Israelites were commanded to bring their sacrifices and offerings to "the place the LORD your God will choose." This centralized worship was crucial for maintaining the unity and purity of Israel's faith, preventing the spread of idolatry. Jeroboam viewed Jerusalem as a direct threat to his political stability because it was the capital of the rival Southern Kingdom (Judah) and the seat of the Davidic dynasty. He feared that regular pilgrimages by his northern subjects to Jerusalem would rekindle their loyalty to Rehoboam and the house of David, leading to his own assassination and the reunification of the kingdom under Judah's rule.

**What were the "golden calves" Jeroboam set up, and what was their significance?**

Answer: To prevent his people from going to Jerusalem, Jeroboam established two alternative worship centers, one in Bethel (south) and one in Dan (north), and placed golden calves in each, declaring, "Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" ([1 Kings 12:28](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). These calves were likely intended as pedestals or representations of Yahweh, similar to the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant, rather than new gods entirely. However, this was a direct violation of the second commandment against making graven images ([Exodus 20:4](/exodus/20-4 "Exodus 20:4 - The Second Commandment")) and a blatant attempt to manipulate worship for political ends. This act became the "sin of Jeroboam" ([1 Kings 13:34](/1_kings/13-34 "1 Kings 13:34 - The Sin of Jeroboam")), setting a precedent for idolatry and apostasy that plagued the Northern Kingdom until its destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jeroboam's fear-driven compromise of true worship in 1 Kings 12:27 stands in stark contrast to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. While Jeroboam sought to control access to God's presence for political gain, establishing false centers of worship, Christ Himself is the true "house of the LORD," the ultimate Temple where God dwells among His people ([John 2:19-21](/john/2-19 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus Predicts the Destruction and Resurrection of the Temple")). There is no longer a need to "go up" to a physical location in Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, for Jesus is the perfect and final sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered once for all ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). Unlike Jeroboam, who feared losing his earthly throne, Jesus, the true King, willingly laid down His life to secure an eternal kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Our "heart" now turns to Him, the one who truly unites His people, not through political allegiance to an earthly king, but through spiritual allegiance to the [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords"), in whom all true worship and security are found ([Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9-10 - The Fullness of God in 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

Proverbs 29:25

¶ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Deuteronomy 12:5

¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

Deuteronomy 12:7

And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.

Deuteronomy 16:6

But at the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacrifice the passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that thou camest forth out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 12:14

But in the place which the LORD shall choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command thee.

1 Corinthians 1:19

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where [is] the wise? where [is] the scribe? where [is] the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?