1 Kings 12:25

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 12:25-33

We have here the beginning of the reign of Jeroboam. He built Shechem first and then Penuel?beautified and fortified them, and probably had a palace in each of them for himself (1 Kgs. 12:25), the former in Ephraim, the latter in Gad, on the other side Jordan. This might be proper; but he formed another project for the establishing of his kingdom which was fatal to the interests of religion in it. I. That which he designed was by some effectual means to secure those to himself who had now... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 12:25

Then Jeroboam built Shechem in Mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein ,.... Not that this city had lain in ruins from the times of Abimelech, Judges 9:45 for then it would not have been a proper place for the convention of the people, 1 Kings 12:1 but he repaired the walls of it, and fortified it, and built a palace in it for his residence: and went out from thence, and built Penuel ; a place on the other side Jordan, the tower of which was beaten down by Gideon, Judges 8:17 and might be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:21-33

I. AN ERROR THAT COULD NOT BE REPAIRED ( 1 Kings 12:21-24 ). Rehoboam had zeal and strength behind him in his attempt to bring back the tribes by force. One hundred and eighty thousand men responded to his call; but all were dispersed at the lifting up of God's hand. The attempt was forbidden, 1 . Because of the ties of kindred . These were forgotten by Rehoboam when he threatened the people with a heavier yoke. Tyranny is possible only in the denial of the brotherhood... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:25

EXPOSITION THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF ISRAEL , AND THE SCHISM IN THE CHURCH .—The historian, after describing the great rebellion of the Jewish people, proceeds, in the rest of this chapter, to relate the measures which the new king took to secure his position. These were both external and internal. The external means were the erection of fortresses; the internal, the provision of new sanctuaries, priests, and ordinances. Then Jeroboam built [ ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 12:25-27

Jeroboam's Despondency. "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown." Jeroboam's ambition was to be a king, and God gave him his desire. This was to punish Solomon and his house for their apostasy, and the men of Israel who had been led away in it. The sequel proved that the ambition of Jeroboam also brought its punishment, for he soon found his throne the reverse of a comfortable seat. I. HIS FAITH IN HIS PEOPLE WAS SHAKEN . 1 . They seem to have become resistive under... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 12:25

Built Shechem - In the sense of “enlarged and fortified.” See Daniel 4:30. The first intention of Jeroboam seems to have been to make Shechem his capital, and therefore he immediately set about its fortification. So also he seems to have fortified Penuel for the better security of his Trans-Jordanic possessions (marginal reference). read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 12:25

1 Kings 12:25. Jeroboam built Shechem He repaired, enlarged, and fortified it; for it had been ruined long since, Judges 9:45. He might choose it as a place both auspicious, because here the foundation of his monarchy was laid; and commodious, as being near the frontiers of his kingdom. And built Penuel A place beyond Jordan; to secure that part of his dominions. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 12:25-33

False religion in the north (12:25-33)Shechem, where Rehoboam had hoped to unite all Israel, now became the capital of Jeroboam’s breakaway kingdom. Jeroboam established a second capital at Penuel, east of Jordan, probably with the aim of holding the allegiance of the two and a half eastern tribes (25). Later he moved his capital a short distance north to Tirzah, which remained the capital during the reigns of several kings (see 14:17; 15:21,33).Jeroboam saw that his people might be tempted to... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Kings 12:25

built = rebuilt, or repaired. This doubtless included increased fortification (2 Chronicles 11:11 ). mount = hill-country. Penuel. On east of Jordan (Genesis 32:30 . Judges 8:8 ), read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Kings 12:25

JEROBOAM ESTABLISHED HIS IDOLATROUS KINGDOM"Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and he went out from thence and built Penuel. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now will the kingdom return to the house of David: if this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of Jehovah at Jerusalem, then will the heart of this people turn again to their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah; and they will kill me and return to Rehoboam king of Judah. Whereupon the... read more

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