From Newsgroup: alt.bible

people (18x)

The word rCLpeoplerCY functions as the driving human force in the chapter.
It refers primarily to the assembled tribes who come to Shechem to make demands of the new ruler (12:1rCo4). In this sense, rCLpeoplerCY denotes a covenant community acting corporately, not a scattered population. The
term also highlights accountability. The people voice their grievance, evaluate RehoboamrCOs response, and render a collective verdict on his
rule (12:16). By repeating the word, the text stresses that kingship in
Israel never operates in isolation. Rule exists in relationship to the
people, and failure to serve them faithfully results in fracture rather
than unity.

king (15x)

The repeated use of rCLkingrCY emphasizes the question dominating the
chapter: what kind of king will Rehoboam be? The word identifies office, authority, and responsibility. It appears in contexts of succession
(12:1), counsel (12:6rCo11), and rejection (12:16). The term also carries covenant weight. A king in Israel rules under God, not above Him. The
frequent repetition underscores how quickly royal authority can collapse
when exercised with pride instead of wisdom. The chapter contrasts the
title rCLkingrCY with the behavior expected of one, exposing the gap between position and character.

Israel (14x)

rCLIsraelrCY refers to the nation as a whole early in the chapter, but gradually narrows to the northern tribes who reject Rehoboam (12:1,
16rCo20). The word shifts in sense from unity to division. At first,
Israel stands together to seek relief from oppression. By the end,
Israel stands opposed to the house of David. The repetition of the name highlights the tragedy of covenant rupture. What once identified GodrCOs redeemed people now marks a divided kingdom. The word reinforces the
theme that unfaithful leadership fractures what God had joined together.

Rehoboam (12x)

The frequent naming of Rehoboam places personal responsibility at the
center of the narrative. The chapter does not treat the division as an abstract political shift but as the result of one manrCOs decisions.
Rehoboam appears as a son who rejects wise counsel, a king who chooses harshness, and a leader who provokes rebellion. Each repetition of his
name reinforces the lesson that leadership choices shape national
outcomes. The focus on Rehoboam shows that covenant decline often begins
with personal arrogance before it becomes national judgment.

all (10x)

The word rCLallrCY stresses the collective and decisive nature of the
events. All Israel comes to Shechem (12:1). All the people speak (12:3).
All Israel sees that the king does not listen (12:16). The repetition
removes ambiguity. The division does not arise from a fringe group or
secret conspiracy. It emerges openly and publicly. rCLAllrCY underscores the completeness of the rupture and the clarity of the cause. The peoplerCOs response matches the kingrCOs failure in full measure.

father (10x)

rCLFatherrCY appears almost entirely in reference to Solomon and frames the chapter around legacy. The people contrast SolomonrCOs heavy yoke with
their request for relief (12:4). Rehoboam repeatedly appeals to his
father as a benchmark, but he does so selectively and wrongly. The word exposes a critical tension. Rehoboam inherits the throne but
misunderstands what he should inherit from his father. Instead of
learning restraint and wisdom, he amplifies severity. The repetition of rCLfatherrCY highlights how unexamined loyalty to past methods can
perpetuate sin rather than correct it.

Concluding observation

Together, these repeated words reveal the chapterrCOs central theme:
covenant leadership requires humility, wisdom, and service. The people
act collectively. The king bears responsibility. Israel moves from unity
to division. Rehoboam stands as the hinge point. rCLAllrCY confirms the
public nature of the break. rCLFatherrCY exposes the danger of repeating
past failures instead of learning from them. The vocabulary of 1 Kings
12 presses one sober truth. When a king refuses to listen, God allows
division to speak.
--
Have you heard the good news Christ died for our sins (rCa), and God
raised Him from the dead?

That Christ died for our sins shows we're sinners who deserve the death penalty. That God raised Him from the dead shows Christ's death
satisfied God's righteous demands against our sin (Romans 3:25; 1 John
2:1-2). This means God can now remain just, while forgiving you of your
sins, and saving you from eternal damnation.

On the basis of Christ's death and resurrection for our sins, call on
the name of the Lord to save you: "For 'everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord will be saved'" (Romans 10:13, ESV).

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