1 Kings 12:24

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.

Thus saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}, Ye shall not go up {H5927}, nor fight {H3898} against your brethren {H251} the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: return {H7725} every man {H376} to his house {H1004}; for this thing {H1697} is {H1961} from me. They hearkened {H8085} therefore to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, and returned {H7725} to depart {H3212}, according to the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

that this is what ADONAI says: 'You are not to go up and fight your brothers the people of Isra'el! Every man is to go back home, because this is my doing.'" They paid attention to the word of ADONAI and turned back, as ADONAI had told them to do.

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

Thus saith Jehovah, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is of me. So they hearkened unto the word of Jehovah, and returned and went their way, according to the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

Context of 1 Kings 12:24

This pivotal verse occurs immediately after the dramatic division of the united kingdom of Israel. Following the death of King Solomon, his son Rehoboam ascended the throne. However, his refusal to lighten the burdens imposed by his father led to a rebellion of ten tribes, who chose Jeroboam as their king, forming the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Rehoboam was left with only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, forming the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Enraged by this secession, Rehoboam gathered an army of 180,000 chosen warriors from Judah and Benjamin, intending to fight against their "brethren" and forcibly restore the united monarchy. It is at this critical juncture, on the brink of a devastating civil war, that the Lord directly intervenes through His prophet Shemaiah.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty: The most striking message is God's explicit declaration, "for this thing is from me." This reveals that the political upheaval and division of the kingdom, though seemingly caused by human folly and rebellion, were ultimately part of God's sovereign plan. This judgment was prophesied against Solomon due to his idolatry (see 1 Kings 11:11-13). God's hand is at work even in chaotic human events, guiding them toward His purposes.
  • Obedience to God's Word: Despite their military preparedness and desire for revenge, Rehoboam and the people "hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD." This immediate and complete obedience prevented immense bloodshed and demonstrated their recognition of God's authority. It highlights the importance of listening to and following divine instruction, even when it contradicts human plans or desires.
  • Prevention of Civil Strife: God's command to "return every man to his house" underscores His desire to prevent His people from fighting each other. While the division itself was a divine judgment, God mercifully averted a fratricidal war, preserving both nascent kingdoms from self-destruction.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Thus saith the LORD" (Hebrew: koh amar Yahweh) is a powerful prophetic formula, indicating a direct, authoritative message from God Himself. It leaves no room for doubt about the origin or binding nature of the command. The declaration "this thing is from me" (Hebrew: me'itti hayetah haddavar hazzeh) emphatically asserts divine authorship and control over the event, signifying that it was not a random occurrence but a deliberate act of God's will, intended to fulfill previous prophecies and judgments.

Practical Application

1 Kings 12:24 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Plan: Even when circumstances are difficult, confusing, or seem contrary to our expectations, this verse reminds us that God is sovereign. Just as He declared the division of Israel was "from me," we can trust that He is at work in our lives and in the world, guiding events according to His perfect will (Proverbs 16:9).
  • The Power of Obedience: Rehoboam's army was ready for battle, but they chose to obey God's word. This demonstrates that true strength lies not in human might or stubbornness, but in humble submission to divine commands, which often lead to peace and blessing.
  • Seeking Peace Over Conflict: God's intervention to prevent civil war highlights His desire for harmony among His people. This encourages us to seek reconciliation, forgiveness, and peaceful resolution in our own relationships and communities, rather than engaging in destructive conflict.
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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

  • 1 Kings 12:15 (4 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Chronicles 11:4 (3 votes)

    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.

  • Numbers 14:42 (3 votes)

    Go not up, for the LORD [is] not among you; that ye be not smitten before your enemies.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:7 (3 votes)

    But there came a man of God to him, saying, O king, let not the army of Israel go with thee; for the LORD [is] not with Israel, [to wit, with] all the children of Ephraim.

  • 2 Chronicles 25:8 (3 votes)

    But if thou wilt go, do [it], be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down.

  • Hosea 8:4 (3 votes)

    They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew [it] not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.

  • 1 Kings 11:29 (3 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: