1 Kings 15:6

KJV

And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there was war {H4421} between Rehoboam {H7346} and Jeroboam {H3379} all the days {H3117} of his life {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was war between Rechav'am and Yarov'am as long as he lived.

Berean Standard Bible

And there was war between the houses of Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of Abijam’s life.

American Standard Version

Now there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This concise verse encapsulates the defining characteristic of Rehoboam's reign as king of Judah: a persistent state of war and animosity with Jeroboam, the first king of the newly formed Northern Kingdom of Israel. It highlights the enduring consequences of the kingdom's division following Solomon's death, marking an era of ongoing conflict between the two brother nations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Kings 15:6](/1_kings/15-6 "1 Kings 15:6 - War between Rehoboam and Jeroboam") is situated within the book of 1 Kings, which meticulously chronicles the history of the Israelite monarchy from the reign of Solomon through the division of the kingdom and the subsequent reigns of the kings of both Judah and Israel. Specifically, this verse appears in the account of Abijam's reign, Rehoboam's son, but it retrospectively summarizes the relationship between Rehoboam and Jeroboam, underscoring the foundational and enduring nature of their conflict. It serves as a concise statement of the political reality that immediately followed the kingdom's split, setting the stage for the ongoing strife that would characterize the relationship between the two entities for centuries.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop to this verse is the tumultuous period immediately following the death of King Solomon around 931 BC. His son, Rehoboam, ascended the throne, but his harsh response to the people's plea for lighter burdens led to the rebellion of ten northern tribes, who subsequently crowned Jeroboam as their king ([1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom")). This event irrevocably split the united monarchy into the Southern Kingdom of Judah (ruled by Rehoboam) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel (ruled by Jeroboam). The "war" mentioned in [1 Kings 15:6](/1_kings/15-6 "1 Kings 15:6 - War between Rehoboam and Jeroboam") refers not necessarily to a continuous, large-scale battle, but to a pervasive state of hostility, border skirmishes, and occasional military engagements that characterized the relationship between these two rival states. In the ancient Near East, such persistent animosity between neighboring kingdoms was common, often fueled by territorial disputes, political ambition, and religious differences.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 15:6](/1_kings/15-6 "1 Kings 15:6 - War between Rehoboam and Jeroboam") powerfully highlights several key themes central to the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience and Division**. The kingdom's division was a divine judgment against Solomon's idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment on Solomon's Idolatry")), and the subsequent perpetual warfare demonstrates the painful, long-term human cost of spiritual compromise and political folly. Secondly, it emphasizes **Political Fragmentation and Spiritual Apostasy**. Jeroboam's establishment of alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")) to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem deepened the divide, transforming a political split into a profound spiritual schism that fueled ongoing animosity. Lastly, the verse implicitly touches on **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**. While God ordained the split, the persistent conflict was exacerbated by the pride and poor decisions of both kings, such as Rehoboam's harshness ([1 Kings 12:14](/1_kings/12-14 "1 Kings 12:14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Response")) and Jeroboam's idolatry, demonstrating how human choices can perpetuate and intensify divine judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **War (Hebrew, _milchamah'_):** This term denotes not merely a single battle or skirmish, but a state of ongoing conflict, hostility, or military engagement. Its use here indicates that the relationship between Rehoboam and Jeroboam was defined by a pervasive atmosphere of tension, confrontation, and a lack of true peace, rather than isolated events.
* **All the days of his life (Hebrew, _kol yemei chayav'_):** This phrase emphasizes the persistent and enduring nature of the conflict. It signifies that the animosity and occasional warfare were not temporary occurrences but characterized and defined the entire reign of Rehoboam, making it a constant reality for the Southern Kingdom of Judah during his rule.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was war":** This opening clause immediately establishes the prevailing condition of the relationship between the two kingdoms. It's a declarative statement, setting the tone for the period and highlighting the absence of peace.
* **"between Rehoboam and Jeroboam":** This identifies the primary antagonists. Rehoboam, King of Judah (the Southern Kingdom), and Jeroboam, King of Israel (the Northern Kingdom), represent the two factions of the divided monarchy. Their personal rivalry symbolized the broader schism within God's people.
* **"all the days of his life":** This specifies the duration and pervasiveness of the conflict. The pronoun "his" refers to Rehoboam, indicating that this state of hostility was a defining and continuous feature throughout his entire reign as king of Judah.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 15:6](/1_kings/15-6 "1 Kings 15:6 - War between Rehoboam and Jeroboam") employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Its most striking feature is its **Conciseness**, delivering a profound historical summary in a mere ten words in the KJV. This brevity lends it a declarative force, stating a stark reality without elaboration. It functions as a **Summary Statement**, encapsulating a complex period of ongoing animosity and conflict between the two nascent kingdoms, rather than detailing specific battles. This summary also serves as a subtle **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the long and often bloody history of strife that would characterize the relationship between Israel and Judah throughout much of the subsequent narrative in Kings. Furthermore, the theme of "war" or conflict between the kingdoms becomes a **Recurring Motif** in the book, establishing a pattern of disunity and strife that underscores the tragic consequences of the initial division.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the tragic consequences of disobedience and division within God's people. The unity of Israel, once a hallmark of the Davidic kingdom, was shattered by sin—specifically, Solomon's idolatry, Rehoboam's folly, and Jeroboam's apostasy. The perpetual "war" is a tangible manifestation of a broken covenant relationship and a divided heart, both individually and corporately. It serves as a somber reminder that sin's ripple effects extend far beyond the immediate act, leading to prolonged suffering, instability, and the weakening of what God intended to be a unified witness to the nations. The absence of peace between these brother nations highlights the profound spiritual and political cost of turning away from God's commands and pursuing self-interest.

* [1 Kings 12:19](/1_kings/12-19 "1 Kings 12:19 - Israel's Rebellion from the House of David")
* [2 Chronicles 12:15](/2_chronicles/12-15 "2 Chronicles 12:15 - Rehoboam's Reign and Wars")
* [Proverbs 28:25](/proverbs/28-25 "Proverbs 28:25 - Pride Stirs Up Strife")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The persistent conflict between Rehoboam and Jeroboam, as summarized in [1 Kings 15:6](/1_kings/15-6 "1 Kings 15:6 - War between Rehoboam and Jeroboam"), stands as a stark biblical warning against the destructive power of division, pride, and spiritual compromise. It challenges us to examine areas in our own lives, families, churches, and communities where unresolved conflict or deep-seated animosity might be hindering unity and flourishing. Just as the division weakened both kingdoms, so too does internal strife diminish our collective witness and effectiveness. The call to peace and reconciliation, even in the face of historical grievances, remains a profound spiritual imperative. We are invited to actively pursue harmony, recognizing that true strength comes not from dominance or self-assertion, but from unity rooted in shared faith, mutual respect, and a commitment to God's will. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the choices we make today, particularly those related to unity and reconciliation, can have far-reaching and lasting consequences.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see the destructive consequences of division in my own life, family, or community today?**
* **What role might pride or self-interest play in perpetuating conflict, rather than seeking reconciliation, in my relationships?**
* **How can I actively be a peacemaker in situations of tension, rather than contributing to division, reflecting Christ's call to unity?**

### FAQ
**Was the war a continuous, large-scale battle throughout Rehoboam's life?**

Answer: The term "war" (_milchamah_) in this context refers more to a persistent state of hostility, animosity, and occasional military skirmishes rather than a continuous, large-outbreak battle throughout Rehoboam's entire reign. While there were specific engagements and periods of heightened tension (e.g., [1 Kings 14:30](/1_kings/14-30 "1 Kings 14:30 - Rehoboam and Jeroboam Continually at War")), the verse primarily emphasizes the *ongoing nature* of the strained relationship and the absence of true peace between the two kingdoms. It signifies that the state of conflict was a defining characteristic of the era, rather than a series of isolated incidents.

**Why did God allow this division and ongoing conflict?**

Answer: The division of the kingdom was a direct consequence of King Solomon's idolatry and disobedience to God's covenant ([1 Kings 11:11](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). God, in His sovereignty, used this judgment to fulfill His prophetic word. While God ordained the division, the *ongoing* conflict was fueled by the human pride, political ambition, and spiritual apostasy of both Rehoboam and Jeroboam. Rehoboam's refusal to listen to the people's pleas ([1 Kings 12:14](/1_kings/12-14 "1 Kings 12:14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Response")) and Jeroboam's establishment of idolatrous worship centers ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")) solidified the divide and ensured perpetual strife. God's sovereignty works through human choices, even sinful ones, to accomplish His ultimate purposes, often demonstrating the painful consequences of rebellion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The perpetual "war" between Rehoboam and Jeroboam in [1 Kings 15:6](/1_kings/15-6 "1 Kings 15:6 - War between Rehoboam and Jeroboam") vividly illustrates the profound brokenness and division that sin introduces into human relationships, even among God's chosen people. This state of affairs stands in stark contrast to the perfect unity and peace offered in Christ. Jesus, the true King, came not to divide but to reconcile. He is the ultimate Peacemaker, who, by His sacrifice on the cross, broke down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between different peoples, creating one new humanity ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Unlike the earthly kings whose reigns were marked by strife and division, Christ's reign is characterized by the peace that surpasses all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")) and a kingdom where righteousness and peace prevail ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")). He calls His followers to be agents of reconciliation, to live in harmony, and to pursue peace with all, reflecting the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ([Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")). The ultimate fulfillment of the longing for peace and unity, so conspicuously absent in the days of Rehoboam and Jeroboam, is found in the Kingdom of God established through Christ, where every knee will bow and every tongue confess His Lordship, bringing an end to all strife and division ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow to 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 14:30

And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all [their] days.