2 Chronicles 11:3

KJV

Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Speak {H559} unto Rehoboam {H7346} the son {H1121} of Solomon {H8010}, king {H4428} of Judah {H3063}, and to all Israel {H3478} in Judah {H3063} and Benjamin {H1144}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Speak to Rechav'am the son of Shlomo, king of Y'hudah, and to all Isra'el in Y'hudah and Binyamin; tell them

Berean Standard Bible

“Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah and all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin

American Standard Version

Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Chronicles 11:3 marks a pivotal moment in the history of the newly divided kingdom of Israel, highlighting God's direct and authoritative intervention through His prophet Shemaiah. This divine command, delivered to King Rehoboam, serves to prevent an impending civil war between Judah and the ten seceding northern tribes, thereby establishing God's sovereign will and preserving the integrity of the Davidic dynasty in Judah and Benjamin, even amidst national fragmentation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the dramatic account of the kingdom's division in [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Division of the Kingdom"). Following King Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. His arrogant refusal to lighten the heavy burdens imposed by his father led to the rebellion of ten northern tribes, who subsequently crowned Jeroboam as their king. This left Rehoboam ruling solely over the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty. Incensed by this secession and determined to reclaim his full dominion, Rehoboam mobilized a formidable army of 180,000 chosen men. It is at this critical juncture, on the brink of civil war, that 2 Chronicles 11:3 introduces the divine command given to the prophet Shemaiah, instructing him to intervene and halt Rehoboam's military campaign. The immediate next verse, [2 Chronicles 11:4](/2_chronicles/11-4 "2 Chronicles 11:4 - Rehoboam's Obedience to God's Word"), details Rehoboam's surprising obedience to this divine word, averting bloodshed. A parallel account, emphasizing the divine origin of this command, is found in [1 Kings 12:22-24](/1_kings/12-22 "1 Kings 12:22-24 - God's Intervention Through Shemaiah").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the immediate aftermath of the united monarchy's collapse, a period of immense political and religious upheaval. For centuries, Israel had been a unified nation under the leadership of figures like David and Solomon, with Jerusalem as its spiritual and political center. The division into two kingdoms—Israel (North) and Judah (South)—was a cataclysmic event, not merely a political schism but a theological crisis. The Davidic covenant, promising an eternal dynasty, was now challenged. Culturally, kings were expected to assert their authority, and military action to quell rebellion was standard. Rehoboam's decision to gather an army was entirely consistent with ancient Near Eastern royal practice. However, the intervention of a prophet like Shemaiah, delivering a direct word from Yahweh, highlights the unique covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where divine will could supersede human political and military strategies. The tribes of Judah and Benjamin formed the core of the southern kingdom, maintaining the lineage of David and the temple worship in Jerusalem.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes within 2 Chronicles and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention** is paramount; despite the political turmoil and Rehoboam's human desire for vengeance and reunification, God actively steps in to prevent further bloodshed and to ensure His pre-ordained will for the divided kingdom is established. This demonstrates that God's plans transcend human ambition and conflict, even when human actions lead to division, as seen in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand"). Secondly, **Obedience to God's Word** is highlighted as crucial. The instruction to "Speak unto Rehoboam" emphasizes the vital importance of heeding prophetic counsel. God communicates His will through His chosen messengers, and the response of the king and the people to this divine word is paramount. Their obedience, as detailed in [2 Chronicles 11:4](/2_chronicles/11-4 "2 Chronicles 11:4 - Rehoboam's Obedience"), averts a potentially devastating internal conflict within Israel. Thirdly, the **Consequences of Disobedience** are implicitly present. While not directly stated in this verse, the very need for God's intervention stems from Rehoboam's earlier pride and his rejection of wise counsel, which led to the division of the kingdom in the first place ([2 Chronicles 10:14](/2_chronicles/10-14 "2 Chronicles 10:14 - Rehoboam's Harsh Reply")). God, in His mercy, prevents the full, destructive consequences of that initial disobedience, demonstrating His long-suffering nature even in judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dabber'_):** This verb often implies a direct, authoritative, and formal communication, especially when referring to a divine message. It is not a mere suggestion or polite request but a clear, binding command from God, delivered through His prophet Shemaiah, to halt the military campaign. The imperative form emphasizes the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the divine instruction, leaving no room for misinterpretation or debate from Rehoboam.
* **Israel (Hebrew, _yiśrā’ēl'_):** In this context, "all Israel in Judah and Benjamin" refers specifically to the remnant of the unified nation that remained loyal to the Davidic dynasty and the Jerusalem temple. While the broader term "Israel" often encompassed all twelve tribes, here it delineates the portion of the people over whom Rehoboam still held legitimate rule, distinguishing them from the northern tribes who had seceded. It underscores the tragic reality of the division while identifying the specific audience of God's message.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah":** This clause precisely identifies the primary recipient of the divine message. Rehoboam is named by his lineage ("son of Solomon"), emphasizing his royal heritage and the Davidic covenant, which is now under threat. His title, "king of Judah," clearly defines the scope of his current authority, acknowledging the already established division of the kingdom. The direct address underscores the personal nature of God's intervention in the affairs of kings.
* **"and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin":** This expands the audience beyond the king to include the entire populace of the southern kingdom. It signifies that the message is not just for the monarch but for all those under his rule, implying that their participation in the war would also be against God's will. It also highlights the unity of the remaining loyal tribes.
* **"saying,":** This simple word introduces the content of the divine message that Shemaiah is commanded to deliver. It sets the stage for the specific prohibition against going to war against their brethren, which is detailed in the subsequent verses. It emphasizes that the prophet is merely a messenger, relaying a precise divine utterance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. Foremost is **Divine Command**, where God directly intervenes in human affairs through His chosen messenger, the prophet Shemaiah, to issue an authoritative directive. This highlights God's active sovereignty over political and military outcomes, demonstrating His control even in moments of human rebellion and conflict. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as this command anticipates the peaceful resolution detailed in the very next verse, where Rehoboam and his army obey God's word, thus averting a civil war. This sets up a narrative arc of divine intervention leading to a positive outcome. Furthermore, the verse presents a subtle **Contrast** between human intent and divine will. Rehoboam's intention is to wage war and forcibly reunite the kingdom, driven by anger and a desire for control. God's will, however, is for peace and the acceptance of the kingdom's division as His sovereign act, demonstrating that His purposes often run counter to human desires and strategies.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal verse profoundly illustrates God's active and sovereign involvement in the affairs of nations and kings, even when those affairs are marked by human sin and division. It reveals that God's overarching plan for His people supersedes human political ambitions and military might. Despite the catastrophic schism of the kingdom, which was a consequence of Solomon's disobedience and Rehoboam's folly, God mercifully intervenes to prevent further, self-destructive bloodshed. This demonstrates His commitment to preserving a remnant and maintaining the Davidic line through which the Messiah would eventually come. The immediate obedience of Rehoboam and the people serves as a powerful testament to the authority of God's Word delivered through His prophets, underscoring that true wisdom and security lie in submission to divine counsel rather than reliance on human strength or vengeful impulses.

* [1 Kings 12:22-24](/1_kings/12-22 "1 Kings 12:22-24 - God's Intervention Through Shemaiah")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Chronicles 11:3 serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even in times of intense political strife, deep division, and personal grievances. It challenges us to recognize that our natural inclinations, especially when fueled by anger, pride, or a desire for vindication, may lead us down paths of conflict and destruction. Just as God intervened to prevent a devastating civil war in ancient Israel, He often works in our lives to bring peace and order out of chaos, calling us to align our plans with His righteous and often counter-intuitive will. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of humility and discernment, actively seeking God's guidance through His Word and trusted spiritual counsel, especially when faced with difficult decisions or perceived injustices. Our willingness to listen to and obey divine counsel, even when it means sacrificing our own desires for control or retribution, can avert significant negative outcomes and lead to God's blessing, fostering reconciliation and peace where division once threatened.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When do I find it most challenging to submit my will to God's revealed word, especially when it contradicts my natural desires or perceived rights?**
* **How can I better discern God's voice and guidance amidst conflicting advice, personal emotions, or societal pressures?**
* **What "battles" or conflicts in my life—whether personal, relational, or communal—might God be calling me to lay down rather than fight, trusting in His sovereign intervention?**

### FAQ
**Why did God intervene to stop Rehoboam from fighting the northern tribes?**

Answer: God intervened primarily to prevent a devastating civil war among His own people, which would have resulted in immense bloodshed and further weakened the nation. While the division of the kingdom itself was 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 purpose for the division was not to annihilate His people. He also sought to preserve the integrity of the Davidic line in Judah and Benjamin, through which the Messiah would eventually come. This intervention demonstrates God's sovereign control over history, His mercy, and His commitment to His covenant promises, even in the midst of human sin and political turmoil.

**Who was Shemaiah, and what was his role?**

Answer: Shemaiah was a prophet of God, specifically identified as a "man of God" in [2 Chronicles 11:2](/2_chronicles/11-2 "2 Chronicles 11:2 - Shemaiah, the Man of God"). His role was to serve as God's direct messenger, delivering the divine command to King Rehoboam and the people of Judah and Benjamin. Prophets in ancient Israel often acted as God's spokespersons, calling kings and the nation to repentance, declaring God's judgments, or, as in this case, revealing His specific will to prevent a disastrous course of action. Shemaiah's intervention underscores the authority of the prophetic word and God's active involvement in the political landscape of His people.

**Was the division of the kingdom God's will, or a result of human failure?**

Answer: The division of the kingdom was both a consequence of human failure (Solomon's idolatry and Rehoboam's pride) and a direct act of God's sovereign will and judgment. [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon") explicitly states that God would tear the kingdom from Solomon's son because of his unfaithfulness, though He would leave one tribe for David's sake. Therefore, while human sin provided the occasion, God's divine purpose and judgment orchestrated the division. His intervention in 2 Chronicles 11:3 to prevent war confirms that the division was His doing, and He would not allow human efforts to undo what He had ordained.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine intervention in 2 Chronicles 11:3, where God's authoritative word prevents civil war and preserves a remnant, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This Old Testament account showcases God's sovereign control over human history and political affairs, a control perfectly embodied in Christ, the true [King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings"). Just as God sent His prophet Shemaiah to deliver a word of peace and avert destruction, He sent His Son, Jesus, as the ultimate [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), whose coming brings reconciliation not only between God and humanity but also among divided peoples ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Rehoboam's obedience to the divine command foreshadows the perfect obedience of Christ, who humbly submitted to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")), thereby securing our salvation. The preservation of the Davidic line in Judah and Benjamin, ensured by God's command, was crucial for the eventual birth of the [Messiah](/jeremiah/23-5 "Jeremiah 23:5 - A Righteous Branch from David"), Jesus, who is the "root of David" ([Revelation 22:16](/revelation/22-16 "Revelation 22:16 - Jesus, the Root and Descendant of David")). Ultimately, the peace God brought to a divided Israel points to the spiritual peace and unity found in the [body of Christ](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity in the Spirit"), where all who believe are brought together, transcending earthly divisions, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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

2 Kings 17:34

Unto this day they do after the former manners: they fear not the LORD, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law and commandment which the LORD commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel;

Philippians 3:5

Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

Genesis 49:28

¶ All these [are] the twelve tribes of Israel: and this [is it] that their father spake unto them, and blessed them; every one according to his blessing he blessed them.

Exodus 24:4

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Revelation 7:4

And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Revelation 7:8

Of the tribe of Zabulon [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph [were] sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin [were] sealed twelve thousand.