1 Kings 12:5

KJV

And he said unto them, Depart yet [for] three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto them, Depart {H3212} yet for three {H7969} days {H3117}, then come again {H7725} to me. And the people {H5971} departed {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "Leave me alone for three days, then come back to me." So the people left.

Berean Standard Bible

Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then return to me.” So the people departed.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 12:5 captures a pivotal moment in the nascent reign of Rehoboam, King Solomon's son, immediately following his father's death. Faced with a unified and urgent petition from the Israelite tribes to lighten the heavy burdens imposed by Solomon, Rehoboam responds by requesting a three-day delay before delivering his decision. This pause, seemingly a prudent measure, sets the stage for a series of consultations and choices that would ultimately lead to the tragic division of the united kingdom of Israel, marking a critical turning point in the nation's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of Rehoboam's reign, immediately after the death of his father, King Solomon, and the assembly of all Israel at Shechem to make Rehoboam king. The preceding verses (specifically [1 Kings 12:1-4](/1_kings/12-1 "1 Kings 12:1-4 - The People's Grievance to Rehoboam")) detail the people's grievance, led by Jeroboam, against the burdensome policies of Solomon. Rehoboam's request for a three-day delay is his initial, non-committal response to this critical demand, setting up the dramatic tension that will unfold in the subsequent verses as he consults different groups of advisors and ultimately makes his fateful decision, leading to the schism recorded in [1 Kings 12:16-19](/1_kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16-19 - The Division of the Kingdom").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shechem, where this assembly took place, was a historically significant location in Israel, often associated with covenant renewals and tribal gatherings (e.g., [Joshua 24:1](/joshua/24-1 "Joshua 24:1 - Joshua's Farewell Address at Shechem")). The people's grievances stemmed from Solomon's extensive building projects, which required heavy taxation and forced labor from all tribes, creating significant economic and social strain (cf. [1 Kings 11:28](/1_kings/11-28 "1 Kings 11:28 - Jeroboam's Rise")). Culturally, a new king was expected to demonstrate wisdom and a willingness to address the needs of his people, often through a pronouncement or policy statement at his accession. Rehoboam's delay, while seemingly a move towards prudence, also created a vacuum that heightened the people's anticipation and potentially their discontent.

* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate the narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Firstly, it highlights the **nature of leadership** and the critical importance of wise counsel and discernment in governance, as Rehoboam's initial pause for deliberation ultimately leads to a disastrous choice. Secondly, it underscores the deep-seated **discontent and division** simmering within the Israelite tribes, particularly regarding the oppressive policies of the united monarchy, foreshadowing the eventual schism. Finally, the "three days" signify a **moment of decision**, a critical juncture where the future trajectory of the nation hangs in the balance, illustrating how seemingly small delays can set in motion events of monumental consequence, as seen in the ultimate division of the kingdom into Judah and Israel (cf. [1 Kings 12:16](/1_kings/12-16 "1 Kings 12:16 - Israel Rejects Rehoboam")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Depart (Hebrew, _halakh_):** This verb, meaning "to go" or "to walk," is a simple command for the people to withdraw. In this context, it signifies Rehoboam's immediate dismissal of the assembly without a direct answer, asserting his authority while simultaneously buying himself time. It implies a temporary cessation of the immediate confrontation, but not a resolution.
* **Three days (Hebrew, שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים, _shloshet yamim'_):** This phrase is a common biblical idiom for a short, significant period of waiting, deliberation, or preparation before a crucial event. It often marks a turning point or a period of testing. In this instance, it creates a dramatic pause, building suspense for the momentous decision that Rehoboam must make, and emphasizes the weight of the impending choice that will determine the fate of the united kingdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto them,"**: This clause establishes Rehoboam as the speaker, addressing the assembled people of Israel who have just presented their petition. It highlights his position of authority, though it is yet to be fully solidified.
* **"Depart yet [for] three days,"**: This is Rehoboam's direct command, instructing the people to leave the immediate presence but to return after a specific, short interval. The "three days" indicates a period of deliberation, suggesting that Rehoboam intends to consider their request rather than give an immediate, impulsive answer. It reflects a desire for counsel, though the quality of that counsel will prove critical.
* **"then come again to me."**: This part of the command emphasizes the expectation of their return, indicating that a decision will be rendered at that time. It maintains the king's prerogative to control the timing and manner of his response, requiring the people to await his verdict.
* **"And the people departed."**: This final clause confirms the people's immediate obedience to Rehoboam's instruction. It shows their respect for the royal authority, at least initially, and their willingness to await his decision, underscoring the tension and anticipation building around the upcoming pronouncement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Foreshadowing** by establishing a critical delay that hints at the momentous and ultimately tragic events to follow. Rehoboam's pause, seemingly an act of prudence, ironically sets the stage for his catastrophic decision. There is an element of **Dramatic Irony** as the reader knows the outcome of this delay, while the characters within the narrative (Rehoboam and the people) are still in suspense. The "three days" itself functions as a **Pivotal Moment**, a literary device that marks a turning point in the narrative, emphasizing the high stakes and the irreversible nature of the choices to be made. The simple, direct language also creates a sense of **Urgency** and **Tension**, as the future of the kingdom hangs in the balance during this brief interlude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse carries profound theological weight, underscoring the critical nature of leadership and the consequences of human choices within God's sovereign plan. Rehoboam's delay, while an attempt at prudence, ultimately becomes a catalyst for the division of the kingdom, revealing that even well-intentioned pauses can lead to disaster if not accompanied by wisdom and a heart attuned to God's will and the welfare of His people. The narrative implicitly critiques leadership that prioritizes self-interest or ill-advised counsel over the well-being of the governed, a theme central to the Deuteronomic understanding of kingship. It highlights that God often allows human decisions, even flawed ones, to unfold, yet He remains sovereign over the larger historical trajectory, working His purposes through and sometimes despite human folly.

* [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning Kingship")
* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Wisdom in Counsel")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - The Importance of Many Counselors")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rehoboam's initial response in 1 Kings 12:5 offers timeless lessons for leadership, decision-making, and the importance of wise counsel. While taking time for deliberation on significant matters is often a mark of prudence, the quality and source of that counsel are paramount. Rehoboam's subsequent choices reveal the danger of rejecting seasoned wisdom for the rash advice of those who flatter or encourage self-aggrandizement. For us today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that in moments of critical decision, whether in personal life, family, or leadership roles, we must not only pause but also diligently seek counsel from those who are wise, experienced, and grounded in truth. Furthermore, it highlights the profound responsibility of leaders to genuinely listen to the legitimate concerns of those they serve, demonstrating empathy and a willingness to alleviate burdens rather than exacerbate them. The consequences of our decisions, both personal and communal, often ripple far beyond the immediate moment, underscoring the need for prayerful discernment and humble reliance on divine guidance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with significant decisions, how often do I truly pause for reflection and seek counsel, rather than reacting impulsively?**
* **What criteria do I use to discern wise counsel from foolish or self-serving advice in my own life?**
* **How does Rehoboam's failure to listen to the elders challenge or affirm my understanding of compassionate and effective leadership?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be imposing unnecessary burdens on others, either directly or indirectly, and how can I seek to lighten those loads?**

### FAQ
**Why did Rehoboam ask for three days before giving his answer?**

Answer: Rehoboam likely requested a three-day delay to allow himself time to deliberate on the people's significant and challenging petition. It was a common practice for leaders to consult with advisors before making major decisions, especially those with national implications. This pause was intended to allow for careful consideration and the seeking of counsel, as indicated by his subsequent consultations with both the elders and the young men who grew up with him, as described in [1 Kings 12:6-8](/1_kings/12-6 "1 Kings 12:6-8 - Rehoboam Seeks Counsel").

**Was Rehoboam's decision to delay a wise one?**

Answer: While taking time for deliberation is generally wise, Rehoboam's delay itself was not inherently good or bad; it was the *use* of that time that proved disastrous. He sought counsel, which is commendable, but he ultimately rejected the wise, compassionate advice of the experienced elders in favor of the harsh, prideful counsel of his younger peers (see [1 Kings 12:6-11](/1_kings/12-6 "1 Kings 12:6-11 - The Two Counsels")). Thus, the delay, which could have led to a prudent resolution, instead became the prelude to the kingdom's division due to his poor judgment in choosing which advice to follow.

**What was the significance of Shechem as the place where this event occurred?**

Answer: Shechem held deep historical and religious significance for Israel. It was the place where Abraham first built an altar to the Lord upon entering Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham's First Altar")). It was also where Joshua gathered the tribes of Israel to renew their covenant with God before his death ([Joshua 24:1](/joshua/24-1 "Joshua 24:1 - Joshua's Farewell Address at Shechem")). Its selection for Rehoboam's coronation underscored its importance as a place of national assembly and covenant, making the subsequent division of the kingdom there even more poignant and symbolic of a broken covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Rehoboam's failure to provide compassionate leadership and his choice to impose a heavier yoke on the people stand in stark contrast to the perfect kingship of Jesus Christ. While Rehoboam sought to increase the burdens of his subjects, Christ invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him, promising rest for their souls and a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). Unlike Rehoboam, whose pride led to division, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")) and unites His people into one flock. Rehoboam's ill-advised counsel led to suffering, but Christ is the embodiment of divine wisdom, the Word made flesh ([John 1:1-14](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose counsel always leads to life and peace. His reign is not one of oppression but of grace, truth, and ultimate liberation from the true burdens of sin and death, establishing an everlasting kingdom that will never be divided ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End")).

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 12:12

So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day.