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.

So Jeroboam {H3379} and all the people {H5971} came {H935} to Rehoboam {H7346} the third {H7992} day {H3117}, as the king {H4428} had appointed {H1696}, saying {H559}, Come to me again {H7725} the third {H7992} day {H3117}.

So Yarov'am and all the people came to Rechav'am the third day, as the king had requested by saying, "Come to me again the third day";

After three days, Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, since the king had said, “Come back to me on the third day.”

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

Commentary

1 Kings 12:12 marks a pivotal moment in the history of ancient Israel, detailing the return of the people and Jeroboam to King Rehoboam to receive his decision regarding their request for lighter burdens.

Context

Following the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended to the throne. The northern tribes, represented by Jeroboam, approached Rehoboam with a significant grievance: the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed by Solomon during his reign. They sought relief, promising loyalty if their burdens were eased. Rehoboam, rather than giving an immediate answer, requested three days to consider their plea and consult his advisors. This verse describes the delegation's punctual return on that appointed third day, setting the stage for one of the most significant turning points in Israelite history: the division of the united monarchy.

Key Themes

  • The Critical Juncture: This verse highlights a moment of high anticipation and suspense. The future of the kingdom hung in the balance, dependent on Rehoboam's response. It underscores the weight of leadership decisions.
  • The "Third Day" Motif: In biblical narratives, the "third day" often signifies a moment of divine revelation, a turning point, or the culmination of a significant event. Here, it marks the appointed time for a fateful decision that would alter the course of Israel's history.
  • Consequence of Counsel: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the people's return means Rehoboam has had time to consult. The subsequent verses reveal he rejected the wise counsel of the elders in favor of the foolish advice of his younger peers, leading to catastrophic results.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the third day" simply denotes the specified timeframe. There isn't a deep linguistic nuance beyond its literal meaning here, but its repeated mention emphasizes the king's deliberate delay and the people's patient expectation. The KJV's "as the king had appointed" reinforces the structured nature of this critical meeting, highlighting that this was a planned confrontation, not a spontaneous one.

Practical Application

This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership that genuinely listens to the concerns of the people it serves. It illustrates how even seemingly small decisions, or the counsel one chooses to heed, can have immense and lasting consequences. For believers, it underscores the need for wise counsel, humility, and seeking divine guidance when faced with significant choices, recognizing that pride and stubbornness can lead to downfall. It also teaches patience, as seen in the people waiting the appointed time.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 12:5 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 10:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, saying, Come again to me on the third day.

  • 2 Chronicles 10:14 (2 votes)

    And answered them after the advice of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I [will chastise you] with scorpions.