The priests and the Levites who were in all Israel stood with him out of all their territory. For the Levites left their pasture lands and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem; for Jeroboam and his sons cast them off, that they should not execute the priest’s office to Yahweh. He himself appointed priests for the high places, for the male goats, and for the calves which he had made. After them, out of all the tribes of Israel, those who set their hearts to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to Yahweh, the God of their fathers. So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong for three years; for they walked three years in the way of David and Solomon.
Parallel Translations
-
The priests and the Levites who were in all Israel stood with him out of all their territory.
For the Levites left their pasture lands and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem; for Jeroboam and his sons cast them off, that they should not execute the priest’s office to Yahweh.
He himself appointed priests for the high places, for the male goats, and for the calves which he had made.
After them, out of all the tribes of Israel, those who set their hearts to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to Yahweh, the God of their fathers.
So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong for three years; for they walked three years in the way of David and Solomon.
-
And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts.
For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest’s office unto the LORD:
And he ordained him priests for the high places, and for the devils, and for the calves which he had made.
And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.
So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years: for three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon.
Show all 3 translations
-
And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel presented themselves to him out of all their border.
For the Levites left their open land and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem; for Jeroboam and his sons cast them off, that they should not execute the priest's office unto the LORD;
and he appointed him priests for the high places, and for the satyrs, and for the calves which he had made.
And after them, out of all the tribes of Israel, such as set their hearts to seek the LORD, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice unto the LORD, the God of their fathers.
So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years; for they walked three years in the way of David and Solomon.
Cross-references (48)
- 2 Chronicles 12:1 (v17) When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and he was strong, he abandoned Yahweh’s law, and all Israel with him.
- 2 Chronicles 13:9 (v14) Haven’t you driven out the priests of Yahweh, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made priests for yourselves according to the ways of…
- 2 Chronicles 15:9 (v16) He gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those who lived with them out of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon; for they came to him out of Israel…
- Numbers 35:2-5 (v14) “Command the children of Israel to give to the Levites cities to dwell in out of their inheritance. You shall give pasture lands for the…
- 1 Kings 12:28 (v15) So the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold; and he said to them, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Look and behold…
Show all 47 cross-references
- 1 Kings 13:33 (vv14–15) After this thing Jeroboam didn’t return from his evil way, but again made priests of the high places from among all the people. Whoever…
- Deuteronomy 32:17 (v15) They sacrificed to demons, not God, to gods that they didn’t know, to new gods that came up recently, which your fathers didn’t dread.
- 1 Kings 12:28-33 (v14) So the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold; and he said to them, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Look and behold…
- 1 Kings 12:31 (v15) He made houses of high places, and made priests from among all the people, who were not of the sons of Levi.
- Exodus 9:21 (v16) Whoever didn’t respect Yahweh’s word left his servants and his livestock in the field.
- Exodus 32:4-8 (v15) He received what they handed him, fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it a molded calf. Then they said, “These are your gods,…
- Exodus 32:31 (v15) Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, “Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold.
- Leviticus 27:30-34 (v14) “ ‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh’s. It is holy to Yahweh. If a man…
- Numbers 18:21-28 (v14) “To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve,…
- Deuteronomy 12:5-6 (v16) But to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his name there, you shall seek his habitation, and you…
- Deuteronomy 12:11 (v16) then it shall happen that to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there, there you shall bring all that…
- Deuteronomy 12:13-14 (v16) Be careful that you don’t offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see; but in the place which Yahweh chooses in one of your…
- Deuteronomy 32:46 (v16) He said to them, “Set your heart to all the words which I testify to you today, which you shall command your children to observe to do, all…
- Joshua 21:20-42 (v14) The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, had the cities of their lot out of the tribe…
- Joshua 22:19 (v16) However, if the land of your possession is unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh, in which Yahweh’s tabernacle…
- 1 Samuel 7:3-4 (v16) Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you are returning to Yahweh with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and…
- 1 Kings 14:9 (v15) but have done evil above all who were before you, and have gone and made for yourself other gods, molten images, to provoke me to anger,…
- 1 Chronicles 6:66-81 (v14) Some of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim. They gave to them the cities of refuge,…
- 1 Chronicles 16:29 (v16) Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to his name. Bring an offering, and come before him. Worship Yahweh in holy array.
- 1 Chronicles 22:1 (v16) Then David said, “This is the house of Yahweh God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.”
- 2 Chronicles 1:1-12 (v17) Solomon the son of David was firmly established in his kingdom, and Yahweh his God was with him, and made him exceedingly great. Solomon…
- 2 Chronicles 7:17-19 (v17) “As for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep my…
- 2 Chronicles 8:13-16 (v17) even as the duty of every day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the Sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set…
- 2 Chronicles 30:11 (v16) Nevertheless some men of Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.
- 2 Chronicles 30:18-19 (v16) For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the…
- Job 34:14 (v16) If he set his heart on himself, if he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath,
- Psalms 62:10 (v16) Don’t trust in oppression. Don’t become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don’t set your heart on them.
- Psalms 84:5-7 (v16) Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage. Passing through the valley of Weeping, they make it…
- Psalms 106:19-20 (v15) They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped a molten image. Thus they exchanged their glory for an image of a bull that eats grass.
- Psalms 108:1 (v16) My heart is steadfast, God. I will sing and I will make music with my soul.
- Daniel 6:14 (v16) Then the king, when he heard these words, was very displeased, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored until the going…
- Hosea 4:8 (v16) They feed on the sin of my people, and set their heart on their iniquity.
- Hosea 6:4 (v17) “Ephraim, what shall I do to you? Judah, what shall I do to you? For your love is like a morning cloud, and like the dew that disappears…
- Hosea 8:5-6 (v15) Let Samaria throw out his calf idol! My anger burns against them! How long will it be until they are capable of purity? For this is even…
- Hosea 13:2 (v15) Now they sin more and more, and have made themselves molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of…
- Haggai 1:5 (v16) Now therefore this is what Yahweh of Armies says: Consider your ways.
- Matthew 13:20-21 (v17) What was sown on the rocky places, this is he who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; yet he has no root in himself, but…
- Acts 11:23 (v16) who, when he had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to…
- 1 Timothy 4:1 (v15) But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of…
- Revelation 16:14 (v15) for they are spirits of demons, performing signs; which go out to the kings of the whole inhabited earth, to gather them together for the…
- 1 Chronicles 22:19 (v16) Now set your heart and your soul to follow Yahweh your God. Arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of Yahweh God, to bring the ark of…
- 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 (v15) But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God, and I don’t desire that you would have…
47 distinct cross-references across this passage (48 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (20 sources)
Historical commentary, presented as a primary source — not an endorsement.
Private notes
Saved on this device only — never synced or sent anywhere.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On vv13, 15, 16, 17 Hebrew, stood.
Hebrew, stood.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv13, 15, 16, 17 2Ch 11:13 And the priests and the Levites that…
2Ch 11:13 And the priests and the Levites that [were] in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts.
Ver. 13. And the priests and the Levites.] This was to be like their worthy predecessors. {Exo 32:26}
Read full note →
For Jeroboam and his sons.] Who were as active against the truth as their father. See 1Ki 12:28. One main reason might be, to possess their cities and lands. The church bread is sweet bread, said William Rufus.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv14–17 They would not suffer them to instruct and assist…
They would not suffer them to instruct and assist the Israelites in the worship and service of God, nor to go up to Jerusalem to worship in their courses; and these priests would not join with them in the worship of the calves, as they were desired and commanded to do; and therefore they willingly forsook all their patrimonies and possessions for God’s sake.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain On v13 See here,
See here,
I. How Rehoboam was strengthened by the accession of the priests and Levites, and all the devout and pious Israelites, to him, even all that were true to their God and their religion.
Read full note →
1. Jeroboam cast them off, that is, he set up such a way of worship as he knew they could not in conscience comply with, which obliged them to withdraw from his altar, and at the same time he would not allow them to go up to Jerusalem to worship at the altar there; so that he totally cast them off from executing the priest's office, Ch2 11:14. And very willing he was that they should turn themselves out of their places, that room might be made for those mean and scandalous persons whom he ordained priests for the high places, Ch2 11:15. Compare Kg1 12:31. No marvel if he that cast off God cast off his ministers; they were not for his purpose, would not do whatever he might bid them do, would not serve his gods, nor worship the golden image which he had set up.
2. They thereupon left their suburbs and possessions, Ch2 11:14. Out of the lot of each tribe the Levites had cities allowed them, where they were comfortable provided for and had opportunity of doing much good. But now they were driven out of all their cities except those in Judah and Benjamin. One would think their maintenance well settled, and yet they lost it. It was a comfort to them that the law so often reminded them that the Lord was their inheritance, and so they should find him when they were turned out of their house and possessions. But why did they leave their possessions? (1.) Because they saw they could do no good among their neighbours, in whom (now that Jeroboam set up his calves) the old proneness to idolatry revived. (2.) Because they themselves would be in continual temptation to some base compliances, and in danger of being drawn insensibly to that which was evil. If we pray, in sincerity, not to be led into temptation, we shall get and keep as far as we can out of the way of it. (3.) Because, if they retained their integrity, they had reason to expect persecution from Jeroboam and his sons. The priests they made for the devils would not let the Lord's priests be long among them. No secular advantages whatsoever should draw us thither, or detain us there, where we are in danger of making shipwreck of faith and a good conscience.
3. They came to Judah and Jerusalem (Ch2 11:14) and presented themselves to Rehoboam, Ch2 11:13, margin. Where should God's priests and Levites be, but where his altar was? Thither they came because it was their business to attend at the times appointed. (1.) It was a mercy to them that they had a place of refuge to flee to, and that when Jeroboam cast them off there were those so near that would entertain them, and bid them welcome, and they were not forced into the lands of the heathen. (2.) It was an evidence that they loved their work better than their maintenance, in that they left their suburbs and possessions in the country (where they might have lived at ease upon their own), because they were restrained from serving God there, and cast themselves upon God's providence and the charity of their brethren in coming to a place where they might have the free enjoyment of God's ordinances, according to his institution. Poverty in the way of duty is to be chosen rather than plenty in the way of sin. Better live upon alms, or die in a prison, with a good conscience, than roll in wealth and pleasure with a prostituted one. (3.) It was the wisdom and praise of Rehoboam and his people that they bade them welcome, though they crowded themselves perhaps to make room for them. Conscientious refugees will bring a blessing along with them to the countries that entertain them, as they leave a curse behind them with those that expel them. Open the gates, that the righteous nation, which keepeth truth, may enter in; it will be good policy. See Isa 26:1, Isa 26:2.
4. When the priests and Levites came to Jerusalem all the devout pious Israelites of every tribe followed them. Such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, that made conscience of their duty to God and were sincere and resolute in it, left the inheritance of their fathers and went and took houses in Jerusalem, that they might have free access to the altar of God and be out of the temptation to worship the calves, Ch2 11:16. Note, (1.) That is best for us which is best for our souls; and, in all our choices, advantages for religion must take place of all outward conveniences. (2.) Where God's faithful priests are his faithful people should be. If Jeroboam cast off God's ministers, every true-born Israelite will think himself obliged to own them and stand by them. Forsake not the Levite, the out-cast Levite, as long as thou livest. When the ark removes do you remove and go after it, Jos 3:3.
5. They strengthened the kingdom of Judah (Ch2 11:17), not only by the addition of so many persons to it, who, it is likely, brought what they could of their effects with them, but by their piety and their prayers they procured a blessing upon the kingdom which was a sanctuary to them. See Zac 12:5. It is the interest of a nation to protect and encourage religion and religious people, and adds more than any thing to its strength. They made him and his people strong three years; for so long they walked in the way of David and Solomon, their good way. But when they forsook that, and so threw themselves out of God's favour and protection, the best friends they had could no longer help to strengthen them. We retain our strength while we cleave to God and our duty, and no longer.
II. How Rehoboam was weakened by indulging himself in his pleasures. He desired many wives, as his father did (Ch2 11:23), yet, 1. In this he was more wise than his father, that he does not appear to have married strange wives. The wives mentioned here were not only daughters of Israel, but of the family of David; one was a descendant from Eliab, David's brother (Ch2 11:18), another from Absalom, probably that Absalom who was David's son (Ch2 11:20), another from Jerimoth, David's son. 2. In this he was more happy than his father, that he had many sons and daughters; whereas we read not of more than one son that his father had. One can scarcely imagine that he had no more; but, if he had, they were not worth mentioning; whereas several of Rehoboam's sons are here named (Ch2 11:19, Ch2 11:20) as men of note, and such active men that he thought it his wisdom to disperse them throughout the countries of Judah and Benjamin (Ch2 11:23), either, (1.) That they might not be rivals with his son Abijah, whom he designed for his successor, or rather, (2.) Because he could repose a confidence in them for the preserving of the public peace and safety, could trust them with fenced cities, which he took care to have well victualled, that they might stand him in stead in case of an invasion. After-wisdom is better than none at all; nay, they say, "Wit is never good till it is bought;" though he was dearly bought with the loss of a kingdom.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv13–17 And he ordained him priests for the high places,....…
And he ordained him priests for the high places,.... Of such who were not of the tribe of Levi, and family of Aaron; see Kg1 12:31.
and for the devils; demons in the shape of goats, as this word signifies, in which form many of the Heathen deities were worshipped; idols of whatsoever kind are so called; for whosoever worships them worships not God, but devils, Co1 10:21 the images which Jeroboam set up may be meant, and the next clause may be rendered as explanative of them:
Read full note →
even for the calves which he had made; one of which he set up at Dan, and the other at Bethel, Kg1 12:28.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv14–17 Cast them off - They would not suffer them…
Cast them off - They would not suffer them to instruct the Israelites in the worship of God, nor to go up to Jerusalem to worship in their courses: and these priests would not join with them in the worship of the calves, as they were commanded to do; and therefore they, willingly forsook all their patrimonies and possessions for God's sake. No secular advantages whatsoever should detain us there, where we are in danger of making shipwreck of faith and a good conscience.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv14–17 Verse 14. The Levites left their suburbs] They and…
Verse 14. The Levites left their suburbs] They and the priests were expelled from their offices by Jeroboam, lest they should turn the hearts of the people to the true God, and then they would revolt to Judah, 1Kg 12:26; and therefore he established a new worship, and made new gods.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On vv13–17 2Ch 11:13. The priests and Levites resorted to him…
2Ch 11:13. The priests and Levites resorted to him out of all their coasts — So the tribe of Levi was added to the tribe of Judah; though not the cities, in general, wherein they dwelt, which they were forced to leave when they would not conform to the idolatrous worship which Jeroboam had set up. The tribe of Simeon, likewise, was so intermixed with Judah, that, in all probability, many cities thereof, if not all, became one body with it, which made Judah a very powerful kingdom.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv14, 15, 17 Jeroboam probably confiscated the Levitical lands for the benefit…
Jeroboam probably confiscated the Levitical lands for the benefit of this new priesthood. Under these circumstances the priests and Levites emigrated in large numbers to the southern kingdom; an act which was followed by a general emigration of the more pious Israelites 2Ch 11:16.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain On vv14–17 Off. This was done at different times; so that…
Off. This was done at different times; so that almost all the Levites took refuge in the dominions of Juda. Yet some prevaricated. Ezechiel (xliv. 12.) only exempts the family of Sadoc. (Calmet) --- The rest set before us a noble example to endure temporal loss, rather than to neglect the practice of religion, or to conform to a false one. (Worthington)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv13, 15, 17 the priests and the Levites . . . resorted…
the priests and the Levites . . . resorted to him out of all their coasts--This was an accession of moral power, for the maintenance of the true religion is the best support and safeguard of any nation; and as it was peculiarly the grand source of the strength and prosperity of the Hebrew monarchy, the great numbers of good and pious people who sought an asylum within the territories of Judah contributed greatly to consolidate the throne of Rehoboam. The cause of so extensive an emigration from the kingdom of Israel was the deep and daring policy of Jeroboam, who set himself to break the national unity by entirely abolishing, within his dominions, the religious institutions of Judaism. He dreaded an eventual reunion of the tribes if the people continued to repair thrice a year to worship in Jerusalem as they were obliged by law to do. Accordingly, on pretense that the distance of that city was too great for multitudes of his subjects, he fixed upon two more convenient places, where he established a new mode of worshipping God under gross and prohibited symbols [Kg1 12:26-33]. The priests and Levites, refusing to take part in the idolatrous ceremonies, were ejected from their living [Ch2 11:13-14]. Along with them a large body of the people who faithfully adhered to the instituted worship of God, offended and shocked by the impious innovations, departed from the kingdom.
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv14–17 14. For Jeroboam… cast them off — The priests…
14. For Jeroboam… cast them off — The priests and Levites probably opposed Jeroboam’s innovations, and for that reason suffered persecution, and many of them may have been obliged to leave their suburbs and possessions.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv13, 14, 15, 17 13. resorted to him] Lit. took their stand by…
13. resorted to him] Lit. took their stand by him.
all their coasts] R.V. all their border.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv13–17 (c) THE PRIESTS AND LEVITES, AND ALL WHO ARE…
(c) THE PRIESTS AND LEVITES, AND ALL WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO THE LEGITIMATE WORSHIP, DESERT THE NORTHERN KINGDOM (2Ch_11:13-17).
This section also is peculiar to the chronicler, though indirectly confirmed by the notices in 1Ki_12:31; 1Ki_13:33.
Read full note →
(13) Resorted to him.—Presented themselves before him (Job_1:6; Job_2:1).
Coasts.—Border, domain. The term “Lévites” is here used in the general sense as including the priests.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv13–17 The priests and the Levites that were in all…
The priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts. The emphasis thrown into the contents of this verse is evident and agreeable; the ecclesiastical party acted worthily of itself. The priests and Levites could not bring themselves to offer sacrifice and service to the calves, or to forsake Jerusalem and the temple and the true altar. No doubt a stirring, throbbing history underlay the few hut suggestive words which point here the conduct of the priests and Levites. These would not content to stand shoulder to shoulder with priests made not from the tribe of Levi. (1Ki_12:31)
Vers. 13-18.
Read full note →
Fidelity to conscience.
This migration of priests and people from the other tribes of Israel to Judah and Jerusalem was a serious event in the history of the people of God, and it presents a striking and suggestive spectacle to all time. It is an early illustration of fidelity to conscience.
I THE SEVERITY OF THE STRUGGLE. These servants of Jehovah, priests and people, had to triumph over great obstacles in order to take the step on which they decided. They had:
1. To set at nought the commandments of the king. This was a moreserious thing then than it would be now; it meant more rebelliousness in action, and it involved more danger to the person.
2. To cut themselves adrift from old and sacred associations. They had toforsake their neighbours and (many of them, no doubt) their relatives; many had to leave their vocation or, at any rate, its exercise in familiar spots and among old and early acquaintances; they had to make little of those sentiments of which it is in our human heart to make much.
3. To sacrifice material advantages. Of the Levites we read that they "lefttheir suburbs and their possession" (ver. 14); and we may be sure that those who were not Levites, and who, consequently, would have a much greater interest in the occupancy and holding of the land, (Deu_10:9) made still greater sacrifices than they. The families must have gone forth "not knowing the things that would befall them," but knowing that they would encounter serious loss and discomfort, and would miss much which they had been accustomed to possess and to enjoy.
II THE WISDOM OF THEIR CHOICE.
1. They pleased God. God would accept and honour their fidelity, whichwas an act of faithfulness and obedience to himself.
2. They retained their self-respect. This they would not have done if theyhad conformed to the false rites which Jeroboam had instituted and on which he was insisting; in that case they would have sunk far and fast spiritually, and would soon have lost all hold upon the truth. For we cannot dishonour the truth in the eyes of men and retain our own appreciation of it.
3. They took a course which ennobled them a course by which they not only became entitled to the honour of their countrymen, but by which they committed themselves definitely to the service of God and confirmed their own faith in him. They did that for which their children and their children"s children would "call them blessed" and noble.
4. They added materially to the strength of the kingdom which borewitness to the truth (ver. 17), and helped to make durable its godly institutions.
5. They became located where they could take part in the worship of Godaccording to the requirements of their own conscience. Setting their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel, they came where they could "sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers" (ver. 16). They lost much temporal, but they gained much spiritual advantage. They sowed "not to the flesh, but to the Spirit." They left houses of brick behind them, but they came where they could build up the house of a holy character, of a noble and useful life. There are those in Christian lands who do not likewise, but otherwise. For some temporal considerations they leave the home where there is everything to illumine the mind and enlarge the spirit and enrich the soul, and go where all this is absent. Doubtless the removal from one town to another is an action in which many motives may and should have their force, but let spiritual considerations have a great weight in the balance. C.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v17 For three years they walked in the way of…
2Ch_11:17
For three years they walked in the way of David.
Read full note →
Experimental goodness
Three years of experimental goodness ought to be three years of personal consolidation. To get three years ahead of the enemy ought to be a great advantage. The doctors say that it takes three years to get drink really out of a man's system and no man is safe until he has quite passed the line of three years. These critical times in life are the making of life, when they are really seized aright as to their spirit and highest significance. (J. Parks, D. D.)
.
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v15 Lit. "hairy ones," i.e. satyrs, Isa 13:21.
devils
Lit. "hairy ones," i.e. satyrs, Isa 13:21.
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Paul E. Kretzmann 1924 · Public Domain On v13 Rehoboam’s Worship, Idolatry, and Family
Rehoboam’s Worship, Idolatry, and Family
v. 13. And the priests and the Levites that were in all Israel resorted to him out of all their coasts, thus giving Rehoboam a great increase of moral power, for they placed themselves at his disposal.
Read full note →
v. 14. For the Levites left their suburbs, the commons or pasture-grounds assigned to them, and their possession, namely, those in the cities set apart for them in the various northern tribes, and came to Judah and Jerusalem; for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from executing the priest’s office unto the Lord, since he, for reasons of policy, wanted to keep the members of the northern tribes from journeying to Jerusalem, especially for the three great festivals, 1Ki 12:26-30;
v. 15. and he, Jeroboam, ordained him priests for the high places, such as were not of the tribe of Levi, 1Ki 12:31, and for the devils, a term sometimes used for idols in general, Lev 17:7, and for the calves which he had made, 1Ki 12:28, the abominable idols of Bethel and Dan which caused Israel to sin.
v. 16. And after them, namely, the priests and Levites who remained faithful to the true God, out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem to sacrifice unto the Lord God of their fathers; being forbidden to do so in their own country, in the midst of their native tribe, they emigrated and settled in Jerusalem, where the true worship was still practiced until Rehoboam. too, forsook the Lord, 2Ch 12:1.
v. 17. So they, coming in considerable numbers, strengthened the kingdom of Judah, both numerically and morally, and made Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, strong three years; for three years they, all the people of the southern nation, including the newcomers, walked in the way of David and Solomon. Afterwards, when foreign and idolatrous customs were encouraged by Rehoboam, the accession of pious Israelites from the neighboring kingdom ceased.
v. 18. And Rehoboam took him Mahalath, the daughter of Jerimoth, the son of David, to wife, apparently the daughter of a concubine’s son, and Abihail, the daughter of Eliab, the son of Jesse, his cousin;
v. 19. which bare him children: Jeush and Shamariah and Zaham.
v. 20. And after her he took Maachah, the daughter of Absalom, in the wider sense, for she was Absalom’s granddaughter, by his daughter Tamar, 2Sa 14:27; which bare him Abijah and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.
v. 21. And Rehoboam loved Maachah, the daughter of Absalom, above all his wives and his concubines (for he took eighteen wives and threescore concubines, having a full harem according to Oriental custom, and begat twenty and eight sons, and threescore daughters).
v. 22. And Rehoboam made Abijah, the son of Maachah, his most beloved wife, the chief, to be ruler among his brethren, he designated him as his successor; for he thought to make him king.
v. 23. And he dealt wisely, with prudent foresight, and dispersed of all his children throughout all the countries of Judah and Benjamin, unto every fenced city, making them officers of fortresses, laying responsibility upon them and keeping them out of mischief, into which they might have fallen If they had been idle in Jerusalem; and he gave them victual in abundance, thus providing for them also in this respect and obviating dissatisfaction. And he desired many wives, namely, for his sons, he arranged marriages for them with the daughters of the land, thus making them contented and establishing firmer connections between his house and the people of the country. In a way, at least, Rehoboam hereby redeemed the mistake made at the beginning of his reign.
Paul E. Kretzmann, Popular Commentary of the Bible (1921–1924) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv13, 16 The priests and the Levites ... went over to…
The priests and the Levites ... went over to him from within their borders
Possible meanings are 1) "The priests and Levites ... supported Rehoboam from within their borders" or 2) "The priests and Levites ... traveled from within their borders to join Rehoboam."
Read full note →
pasturelands
lands used for animals
Jeroboam and his sons had driven them away
To "drive away" is an idiom that means to forcefully cause someone to leave. AT: "Jeroboam and his sons had forced them to leave" (See: Idiom)
the goat and calf idols he had made
It might be best to translate so that the reader understands that other people helped Jeroboam make these idols. AT: "the goat idols and calf idols that he had his craftsmen make" (See: Metonymy)
translationWords
priest
Levi
Yahweh
appoint
high place
goat
cow
false god
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv13, 15 11:13-17 The apostasy that Jeroboam initiated in the north…
11:13-17 The apostasy that Jeroboam initiated in the north (see 1 Kgs 12:26-33) led those who sincerely wanted to worship the Lord to emigrate to the south. Rehoboam followed the Lord faithfully for three years, but he was unfaithful in the fourth year of his reign (2 Chr 12:1). God then immediately punished Rehoboam by sending Shishak to invade from Egypt (12:2-5).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.