1 Kings 12:20

JEROBOAM IS MADE KING OF ISRAEL; REHOBOAM VAINLY ATTEMPTS TO SUBDUE THE REBELLION, 1 Kings 12:20-24.

20. All Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again The representatives of the people, when they were about to assemble at Shechem to demand of Rehoboam a lightening of their burdens, had sent and called Jeroboam from Egypt, and he was at the head of the assembly at Shechem when they made their demands; (compare 1 Kings 12:2-3; 1 Kings 12:12;) but it was not till after the congregation at Shechem was broken up, and the people had departed to their tents, (1 Kings 12:16,) that all Israel, in the wider sense, (that is, the masses who went not to Shechem but were only represented there by their elders or delegates,) heard of Jeroboam’s return.

Sent and called him unto the congregation The congregation that had assembled to anoint him king. Here we have an instance of the rapidity with which the sacred writer passes over the minor details of his history. The call for this assembly the time, and place, and manner, of its coming together and the ceremonies of the election and crowning of their new king, are all passed over in silence.

Judah only Though Benjamin seems to have adhered to Rehoboam, (1 Kings 12:21,) and also many Israelites of other tribes that dwelt in the cities of Judah, (1 Kings 12:17,) yet they are all looked upon thenceforth as absorbed in the tribe of Judah. See on 1 Kings 19:3.