Key Verse Spotlight
1 Kings 12:16 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents. "
1 Kings 12:16
Verse in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made ➔ your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
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.
So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.
But as for the children of Israel which dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.
Then king Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the tribute; and all Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. Therefore king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.
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From This Chapter
1 Kings 12:1
"And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king."
1 Kings 12:2
"And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;)"
1 Kings 12:3
"That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying,"
1 Kings 12:4
"Thy father made ➔ our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee."
1 Kings 12:5
"And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed."
1 Kings 12:6
"And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people?"
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