2 Chronicles 11:4

KJV

Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house: for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Ye shall not go up {H5927}, nor fight {H3898} against your brethren {H251}: return {H7725} every man {H376} to his house {H1004}: for this thing {H1697} is done {H1961} of me. And they obeyed {H8085} the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, and returned {H7725} from going {H3212} against Jeroboam {H3379}.

Complete Jewish Bible

that this is what ADONAI says: 'You are not to go up and fight your brothers! Every man is to go back home, because this is my doing.'" They paid attention to the words of ADONAI and turned back from attacking Yarov'am.

Berean Standard Bible

that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers. Each of you must return home, for this word is from Me.’” So they listened to the words of the LORD and turned back from going against Jeroboam.

American Standard Version

Thus saith Jehovah, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house; for this thing is of me. So they hearkened unto the words of Jehovah, and returned from going against Jeroboam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Chronicles 11:4 chronicles a critical moment of divine intervention that prevented a devastating civil war between the newly formed kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Following the dramatic division of Solomon's kingdom, King Rehoboam of Judah had assembled a vast army to forcibly reclaim the northern tribes. However, the LORD, through the prophet Shemaiah, issued an unequivocal command forbidding the conflict, declaring that the kingdom's split was His sovereign doing. This verse powerfully illustrates God's active control over human affairs, even amidst political upheaval and human folly, and highlights the profound importance of immediate and unquestioning obedience to His revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after the tumultuous events of [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Kingdom Divides"), which vividly describes the dramatic schism of the united kingdom of Israel. Upon the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. When the people, led by Jeroboam, requested lighter burdens than those imposed by Solomon, Rehoboam, unwisely following the counsel of his young advisors, responded harshly. This precipitated the rebellion of ten tribes, who declared Jeroboam their king, leaving Rehoboam only with the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. Incensed and determined to reassert his authority, Rehoboam immediately mobilized a massive fighting force, setting the stage for an imminent and bloody confrontation. It is at this critical juncture, as Rehoboam's army is poised for battle, that the divine word recorded in [2 Chronicles 11:4](/2_chronicles/11-4 "2 Chronicles 11:4 - God Prevents Civil War") intervenes, preventing the conflict. The verses immediately following, [2 Chronicles 11:5-12](/2_chronicles/11-5-12 "2 Chronicles 11:5-12 - Rehoboam Fortifies Cities"), then detail Rehoboam's subsequent actions of fortifying cities in Judah, demonstrating his acceptance of God's command and the new reality.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The division of the united monarchy was a monumental event in Israelite history, marking the end of an era of unprecedented national unity and power under David and Solomon. This split was not merely a political coup but carried profound theological implications, as it was understood to be a divine judgment for Solomon's idolatry, as prophesied in [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon"). For Rehoboam to attempt to forcibly reunite the kingdom would have been to fight directly against God's declared will. The term "brethren" (Hebrew: _'ach_) is crucial here, emphasizing the shared lineage, covenant heritage, and religious identity of all twelve tribes, despite their political separation. Engaging in civil war, especially among those who shared a covenant relationship with Yahweh, was considered an egregious violation of communal solidarity and would have resulted in immense bloodshed and further spiritual fracturing. The intervention through a prophet like Shemaiah was a recognized and authoritative means of divine communication in ancient Israel, carrying absolute authority and demanding immediate obedience.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted in this verse is **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**. God's explicit declaration, "this thing is done of me," unequivocally asserts His absolute control over human history, even over events that appear to be the result of human sin or political machinations. The division of the kingdom, though stemming from human failure, was ultimately orchestrated by God as part of His larger, often mysterious, plan, as seen in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Prevention of Civil War** and the preservation of a remnant. Despite the political schism, God still viewed the northern tribes as "brethren," indicating a desire to limit the damage and prevent total annihilation, thus protecting the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Finally, the narrative powerfully demonstrates the importance of **Obedience to God's Word**. Rehoboam and the people, despite their military readiness and strong desire for reunification, submit to the divine command. This act of submission exemplifies prioritizing God's revealed will over personal ambition or strategic advantage, echoing the principle found in [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** This primitive root signifies "to say" or "to speak," but in the context of "Thus saith the LORD," it carries immense weight, denoting a direct, authoritative, and unchallengeable declaration from God. It establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the subsequent command, leaving no room for human negotiation or doubt regarding its source.
* **brethren (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** This word, meaning "brother" or "kinsman," is used in its widest sense to denote shared literal relationship and metaphorical affinity. Here, despite the political division, God refers to the northern tribes as "your brethren," emphasizing their shared ethnic, historical, and covenantal identity as descendants of Jacob (Israel). It highlights that internal conflict among God's covenant people is particularly grievous and contrary to His desire for their unity and well-being.
* **done (Hebrew, _hâyâh'_):** This primitive root means "to exist," "to be," or "to become," often with an emphatic sense of "come to pass." In the phrase "this thing is done of me," it asserts divine initiative and responsibility. It means that the division did not merely happen or was permitted by God, but that it actively originated from His sovereign will and agency, demonstrating His ultimate control over all history and human affairs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren:"** The verse opens with an emphatic declaration of divine authority, immediately followed by a clear, negative command. The LORD directly forbids Rehoboam and his army from initiating military action against the northern tribes. The use of "your brethren" underscores the deep familial and covenantal ties that still bound the divided people, making the prospect of civil war particularly abhorrent in God's eyes.
* **"return every man to his house:"** This is the positive command, instructing the assembled army to disband and return peacefully to their homes. It is the practical implication of the preceding prohibition, demanding an immediate cessation of hostile intent and preparation. This command signifies a complete reversal of their aggressive posture, replacing military mobilization with peaceful dispersion.
* **"for this thing is done of me."** This clause provides the divine rationale for the command. God explicitly claims responsibility for the division of the kingdom. This powerful statement removes any human justification for war, as fighting to reunite the kingdom would be tantamount to fighting against God's sovereign decree. It reveals that the political schism, though painful, was part of God's larger, overarching plan for His people, a judgment for Solomon's sin.
* **"And they obeyed the words of the LORD, and returned from going against Jeroboam."** This final clause records the immediate and complete obedience of Rehoboam and the people. Despite their military readiness and apparent desire for vengeance or restoration, they heeded the divine word delivered through Shemaiah. This act of submission demonstrates a profound trust in God's authority and wisdom, choosing to prioritize His command over their own strategic or emotional inclinations, thus averting a national catastrophe.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices that amplify its theological message. Foremost is **Divine Command**, delivered through the classic prophetic formula "Thus saith the LORD," which imbues the subsequent words with absolute authority and undeniable truth. This is immediately followed by a **Sovereign Declaration** in "this thing is done of me," a powerful statement of divine agency that recontextualizes the entire political upheaval as part of God's overarching plan, emphasizing His active role rather than mere permission. There is also an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as Rehoboam's human ambition and the might of his assembled army are rendered utterly impotent by a single divine word, highlighting the vast disparity between human power and divine omnipotence. The narrative also presents a stark **Contrast** between Rehoboam's initial foolishness in [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Kingdom Divides"), which directly led to the division, and his surprising, albeit wise, obedience here, showcasing a moment of humility and submission to God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Second Chronicles 11:4 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over human history and political affairs. It reveals that even the most disruptive and painful events, such as the division of a kingdom, are not outside of God's control but are often part of His divine plan and judgment. The verse underscores that God's purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of human intentions or resistance. Furthermore, it highlights the immense value God places on peace and unity among His people, even when they are fractured, viewing them still as "brethren" bound by covenant. The immediate obedience of Rehoboam and the people provides a powerful example of faith, demonstrating that true wisdom lies in submitting to God's revealed will, even when it contradicts human logic, ambition, or perceived self-interest. This act of obedience prevented immense bloodshed and preserved a remnant of God's people, allowing His ongoing redemptive plan to unfold through the southern kingdom.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart is in the Hand of the LORD")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This powerful account from 2 Chronicles 11:4 offers profound lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that appear chaotic, unjust, or beyond our control. When faced with conflict, especially among those who are "brethren" in faith or within the broader human family, this passage calls for a pause and a diligent seeking of God's will rather than an immediate recourse to force, retaliation, or self-assertion. The remarkable obedience of Rehoboam and his army, despite having a massive, prepared force and a strong desire to restore what they believed was rightfully theirs, stands as a compelling example of trusting God's wisdom and timing. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of humility and submission, recognizing that God's plans, though sometimes mysterious or counter-intuitive to our natural inclinations, are always ultimately for a greater, redemptive purpose. It challenges us to ask whether our actions align with God's revealed will, even when that will demands sacrificing our own desires, perceived rights, or strategic advantages.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or relationships are you tempted to fight for your own way, rather than seeking God's sovereign will?**
* **How does the declaration "this thing is done of me" impact your understanding of difficult or painful circumstances in your own life or in the world?**
* **What does Rehoboam's obedience teach us about the nature of true faith and submission to God, especially when it goes against our natural inclinations?**
* **When is it difficult for you to see those with whom you disagree as "brethren," and how might this passage encourage a different, more unifying perspective?**

### FAQ

**Why did God allow the kingdom to split if He prevented the war?**

Answer: The division of the kingdom was a direct consequence of Solomon's idolatry and Rehoboam's foolishness, prophesied by God as a judgment (see [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")). While God does not cause sin, He is sovereign over its consequences and can use them to fulfill His greater purposes. The split was a divine judgment, but God's prevention of civil war demonstrated His mercy and desire to preserve a remnant of His people. He allowed the political separation as a consequence of sin but prevented the complete destruction that would have resulted from internal conflict, thus protecting the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come. This illustrates God's complex interaction with human free will and sin, always working toward His ultimate redemptive plan.

**What was the significance of calling them "brethren" despite the division?**

Answer: The term "brethren" (Hebrew: _'akheychem_) is highly significant. It emphasizes that despite the political and geographical schism, the northern and southern tribes still shared a common heritage, a common covenant with Yahweh, and a common ancestry from Jacob (Israel). God's use of this term underscored that their familial and spiritual bond transcended their political separation. It was a divine reminder that internal conflict among God's covenant people was particularly grievous and contrary to His desire for their unity and well-being. It highlighted that even in judgment, God's underlying desire for the welfare of His people remained, and bloodshed among those bound by covenant was to be avoided, preserving the possibility of future reconciliation and the continuation of His redemptive purposes.

**How does Rehoboam's obedience here contrast with his earlier actions?**

Answer: Rehoboam's obedience in [2 Chronicles 11:4](/2_chronicles/11-4 "2 Chronicles 11:4 - God Prevents Civil War") stands in stark contrast to his earlier actions in [2 Chronicles 10](/2_chronicles/10 "2 Chronicles 10 - The Kingdom Divides"). In chapter 10, Rehoboam rejected the wise counsel of the elders, who advised him to serve the people, and instead followed the harsh, prideful advice of his young companions. This led directly to the rebellion and the division of the kingdom. His initial response was characterized by arrogance, stubbornness, and a profound lack of wisdom. However, in chapter 11, when confronted with a direct, unambiguous word from the LORD through the prophet Shemaiah, Rehoboam surprisingly submits. This demonstrates a moment of humility and a recognition of a higher authority, preventing further catastrophe. It shows that even those who make grave mistakes can, by God's grace, choose to obey Him, illustrating the transformative power of divine intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine intervention in 2 Chronicles 11:4, where God sovereignly prevents civil war among His people, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate peace and unity brought about through Jesus Christ. The declaration "this thing is done of me" points to God's meticulous orchestration of history, not merely for the preservation of an earthly kingdom, but for the unfolding of His grand redemptive plan culminating in Christ. While the earthly kingdom of Israel was divided by sin and folly, Christ comes as the true King who, through His sacrificial work on the cross, breaks down all dividing walls (as seen in [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He is the ultimate reconciler, uniting not just the estranged tribes of Israel but bringing together Jew and Gentile into one new humanity, the Church (as described in [Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation Through the Cross")). The obedience of Rehoboam and the people to God's word, though imperfect, reflects a dim anticipation of the perfect obedience of Christ, who came not to do His own will but the will of the Father who sent Him (as affirmed in [John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Ultimately, Christ is the greater Shemaiah, the Word made flesh, who speaks peace to our warring hearts and brings us back to the Father's house, preventing the eternal separation that our sin would otherwise cause. His reign is one of true and lasting peace, uniting all who believe under His sovereign and gracious rule, fulfilling God's desire for a people who are truly "brethren" in Him (as prayed for in [John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")).

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

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; [but] God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as [it is] this day, to save much people alive.

2 Chronicles 28:8

And the children of Israel carried away captive of their brethren two hundred thousand, women, sons, and daughters, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

2 Chronicles 28:15

And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brethren: then they returned to Samaria.

2 Chronicles 10:15

So the king hearkened not unto the people: for the cause was of God, that the LORD might perform his word, which he spake by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

2 Chronicles 10:16

And when all Israel [saw] that the king would not hearken unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? and [we have] none inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to your tents, O Israel: [and] now, David, see to thine own house. So all Israel went to their tents.

1 Kings 11:29

And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two [were] alone in the field:

1 Kings 11:38

And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, and do [that is] right in my sight, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did; that I will be with thee, and build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel unto thee.