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1 Kings 12:15

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Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

Wherefore the king {H4428} hearkened {H8085} not unto the people {H5971}; for the cause {H5438} was from the LORD {H3068}, that he might perform {H6965} his saying {H1697}, which the LORD {H3068} spake {H1696} by {H3027} Ahijah {H281} the Shilonite {H7888} unto Jeroboam {H3379} the son {H1121} of Nebat {H5028}.

So the king didn't listen to the people; and that was something ADONAI brought about, so that he could fulfill his word, which ADONAI had spoken through Achiyah from Shiloh to Yarov'am the son of N'vat.

So the king did not listen to the people, and indeed this turn of events was from the LORD, to fulfill the word He had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.

So the king hearkened not unto the people; for it was a thing brought about of Jehovah, that he might establish his word, which Jehovah spake by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.

Commentary

1 Kings 12:15 is a pivotal verse that explains the divine hand behind the dramatic division of the ancient kingdom of Israel, a turning point in its history.

Context

Following the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. The people of Israel, weary of the heavy taxation and forced labor imposed during Solomon's reign, approached Rehoboam at Shechem with a plea to lighten their burdens. Rehoboam initially sought advice from older, experienced counselors who wisely advised him to serve the people and speak kindly to them, promising their lifelong loyalty. However, Rehoboam rejected their counsel and instead listened to his younger, more aggressive companions, who urged him to declare an even harsher rule than his father's (1 Kings 12:13-14). The verse at hand reveals the profound theological reason behind Rehoboam's stubborn and foolish decision: his refusal to listen was not merely a political blunder but a divinely orchestrated event. This was the direct fulfillment of a prophecy given years earlier by the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam, indicating that God would tear ten tribes from the house of David because of King Solomon's widespread idolatry and disobedience (1 Kings 11:29-39).

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The central message of the verse is "the cause was from the LORD." This powerfully underscores God's ultimate control over all human affairs and historical outcomes. Even seemingly arbitrary or foolish human decisions, like Rehoboam's, can serve as instruments for God's larger purposes and the fulfillment of His word. This highlights a profound aspect of God's overarching and sovereign plan.
  • Fulfillment of Prophecy: This verse is a clear testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and warnings. The tragic division of the united kingdom of Israel was a direct consequence of King Solomon's spiritual unfaithfulness, as foretold by Ahijah. God's word, once spoken, is sure and will always "perform his saying," meaning it will come to pass exactly as declared.
  • Human Responsibility within Divine Will: While God's sovereign hand is unmistakably evident in orchestrating the division, Rehoboam is still portrayed as responsible for his prideful and unwise choice. His decision was a genuine exercise of his will, yet it perfectly aligned with God's preordained plan. This complex interplay between divine will and human action is a consistent theme throughout biblical narrative.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the cause was from the LORD" (Hebrew: sibbâh mim-YHWH) conveys a strong sense of divine initiation or orchestration. It implies more than mere permission; it suggests that the underlying reason or impetus for Rehoboam's obstinacy originated with God. This does not mean God compelled Rehoboam to sin, but rather that God sovereignly utilized Rehoboam's free, yet ultimately foolish, choice to bring about His decreed purpose—the division of the kingdom as a just judgment on Solomon's house. The phrase "perform his saying" (Hebrew: leqayem et-debaro) further highlights God's active role in ensuring the complete fulfillment of His prophetic word.

Practical Application

This verse offers several enduring lessons for believers today. First, it serves as a powerful reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all events, even those that appear chaotic, unjust, or simply the result of human folly from our limited perspective. We can find comfort and trust in knowing that God is always working His purposes, even through the actions of imperfect people. Second, it underscores the certainty of God's word; His prophecies, promises, and warnings will inevitably come to pass. Finally, while God's sovereignty is paramount, our choices still profoundly matter. Rehoboam's pride and poor judgment had real, devastating consequences for him and the nation. We are called to seek wisdom, listen to godly counsel, and diligently obey God's commands, recognizing that our actions, though part of God's larger plan, have significant implications for our lives and those around us.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Judges 14:4 (7 votes)

    But his father and his mother knew not that it [was] of the LORD, that he sought an occasion against the Philistines: for at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel.

  • Deuteronomy 2:30 (7 votes)

    But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as [appeareth] this day.

  • 1 Kings 12:24 (7 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

  • 1 Kings 11:29 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:20 (6 votes)

    But Amaziah would not hear; for it [came] of God, that he might deliver them into the hand [of their enemies], because they sought after the gods of Edom.

  • 1 Kings 11:11 (5 votes)

    Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.