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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/12-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/11_1Ki_12_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 12:25 - Jeroboam's Idolatry" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. 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From there he went out and built up Peniel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Jeroboam then built up the city of Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and it became his capital. Later he went and built up the town of Peniel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the mountains of Ephraim, and dwelt there. Also he went out from there and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived there. And he went out from there and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem [as his royal city] in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. He went out from there and rebuilt Penuel [as a stronghold].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. From there he went out and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. From there he went out and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and he went out from thence, and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jeroboam rebuilt Shechem in Ephraim and made it a stronger town, then he moved there. He also fortified the town of Penuel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and he went out from thence, and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jeroboam rebuilt Shechem in the hills of Ephraim and lived there. Then he left that place and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />King Jeroboam of Israel fortified the town of Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there for a while. Then he left and fortified the town of Penuel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later on, Jeroboam fortified Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. He also expanded from there and built Penuel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. And from there he went out and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jeroboam built up Shechem in the Ephraimite hill country and lived there. From there he went out and built up Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived in it; and he went out from there, and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt in it, and went out from thence, and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived in it; and he went out from there and built Penuel. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Jeroboam builds Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and dwells in it, and goes out there, and builds Penuel;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Jeroboam buildeth Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and dwelleth in it, and goeth out thence, and buildeth Penuel;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jeroboam will build Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwell in it; and he will go forth from there and build Penuel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Jeroboam built Sichem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt there, and going out from thence he built Phanuel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built up Shechem, on mount Ephraim, and he lived there. And departing from there, he built up Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jeroboam built up Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. Then he left it and built up Penuel. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and resided there; he went out from there and built Penuel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.<CL>And, behold, men passed by and saw the corpse cast in the way and the ass standing beside it, and the lion also standing beside the corpse; and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Yorbaam built Shekim in the mountain of the tribe of the house of Aphrim, and he dwelt in it, and he went out from there and built Phanuel.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill-country of Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and he went out from thence, and built Penuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Jeroboam built Sikima in mount Ephraim and dwelt in it, and went forth thence and built Phanuel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/12-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=4996" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Jeroboam's Idolatry</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3379.htm" title="3379: yā·rā·ḇə·‘ām (N-proper-ms) -- From riyb and am; people will contend; Jarobam, the name of two Israelite kings.">Then Jeroboam</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: way·yi·ḇen (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">built</a> <a href="/hebrew/7927.htm" title="7927: šə·ḵem (N-proper-fs) -- Ridge, a district in N. Pal., also a son of Hamor. The same as shkem; ridge; Shekem, a place in Palestine.">Shechem</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: bə·har (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">in the hill country</a> <a href="/hebrew/669.htm" title="669: ’ep̄·ra·yim (N-proper-ms) -- Dual of masculine form of 'Ephraath; double fruit; Ephrajim, a son of Joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory.">of Ephraim</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: way·yê·šeḇ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">and lived there.</a> <a href="/hebrew/bāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">And from</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: miš·šām (Prep-m:: Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">there</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">he went out</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: way·yi·ḇen (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">and built</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6439.htm" title="6439: pə·nū·’êl (N-proper-fs) -- Or Pniylel; from panah and 'el; face of God; Penuel or Peniel, a place East of Jordan; also the name of two Israelites.">Penuel.</a> </span><span class="reftext">26</span>Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom might revert to the house of David.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/11-5.htm">2 Chronicles 11:5-12</a></span><br />Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and he built up cities for defense in Judah. / He built up Bethlehem, Etam, Tekoa, / Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/14-17.htm">1 Kings 14:17</a></span><br />Then Jeroboam’s wife got up and departed for Tirzah, and as soon as she stepped over the threshold of the house, the boy died.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/15-17.htm">1 Kings 15:17-22</a></span><br />Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. / So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: / “Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/17-21.htm">2 Kings 17:21</a></span><br />When the LORD had torn Israel away from the house of David, they made Jeroboam son of Nebat king, and Jeroboam led Israel away from following the LORD and caused them to commit a great sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/8-14.htm">Hosea 8:14</a></span><br />Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has multiplied its fortified cities. But I will send fire upon their cities, and it will consume their citadels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/7-10.htm">Amos 7:10-13</a></span><br />Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent word to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land cannot bear all his words, / for this is what Amos has said: ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will surely go into exile, away from their homeland.’” / And Amaziah said to Amos, “Go away, you seer! Flee to the land of Judah; earn your bread there and do your prophesying there. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/4-20.htm">John 4:20-24</a></span><br />Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem.” / “Believe Me, woman,” Jesus replied, “a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. / You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-25.htm">Matthew 12:25</a></span><br />Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/3-24.htm">Mark 3:24-25</a></span><br />If a kingdom is divided against itself, it cannot stand. / If a house is divided against itself, it cannot stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-17.htm">Luke 11:17</a></span><br />Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste, and a house divided against a house will fall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-48.htm">Acts 7:48-50</a></span><br />However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says: / ‘Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or where will My place of repose be? / Has not My hand made all these things?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/13-19.htm">2 Chronicles 13:19</a></span><br />Abijah pursued Jeroboam and captured some cities from him: Bethel, Jeshanah, and Ephron, along with their villages.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/16-1.htm">2 Chronicles 16:1-6</a></span><br />In the thirty-sixth year of Asa’s reign, Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. / So Asa withdrew the silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent it with this message to Ben-hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: / “Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/15-29.htm">2 Kings 15:29</a></span><br />In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-9.htm">Isaiah 9:9-10</a></span><br />All the people will know it—Ephraim and the dwellers of Samaria. With pride and arrogance of heart they will say: / “The bricks have fallen, but we will rebuild with finished stone; the sycamores have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelled therein; and went out from there, and built Penuel.</p><p class="hdg">built</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/9-15.htm">1 Kings 9:15,17,18</a></b></br> And this <i>is</i> the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/15-17.htm">1 Kings 15:17</a></b></br> And Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/16-24.htm">1 Kings 16:24</a></b></br> And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.</p><p class="hdg">Shechem</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">1 Kings 12:1</a></b></br> And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/9-1.htm">Judges 9:1,45-49</a></b></br> And Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem unto his mother's brethren, and communed with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, … </p><p class="hdg">Penuel</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30,31</a></b></br> And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/8-8.htm">Judges 8:8,17</a></b></br> And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered <i>him</i>… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/11-38.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-22.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-2.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-17.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-2.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-8.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/2_samuel/24-7.htm">Fortified</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-7.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-2.htm">Hill-Country</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-20.htm">Jeroboam</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-15.htm">Jerobo'am</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-18.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Peniel</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Penuel</a> <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Penu'el</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-28.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-28.htm">Thence</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-24.htm">Therein</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/12-31.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-11.htm">Country</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-21.htm">Dwelleth</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-11.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-22.htm">Ephraim</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-66.htm">E'phraim</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-17.htm">Fortified</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-23.htm">Hill</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-22.htm">Hill-Country</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">Jeroboam</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">Jerobo'am</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-24.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Peniel</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-4.htm">Penuel</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/4-4.htm">Penu'el</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/6-67.htm">Shechem</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-4.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">Thence</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-20.htm">Therein</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-1.htm">The Israelites, assembled at Shechem to crown Rehoboam, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-4.htm">by Jeroboam make a suit of relaxation unto him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-6.htm">Rehoboam, refusing the old men's counsel, answers them roughly</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">Ten tribes revolting, kill Adoram, and make Rehoboam flee</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-21.htm">Rehoboam, raising an army, is forbidden by Shemaiah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-25.htm">Jeroboam strengthens himself by cities</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm">and by idolatry of the two calves</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim</b><br>Shechem holds significant historical and spiritual importance in Israel's history. It was the first place where Abraham built an altar to the Lord (<a href="/genesis/12-6.htm">Genesis 12:6-7</a>) and later became a city of refuge (<a href="/joshua/20-7.htm">Joshua 20:7</a>). Located in the hill country of Ephraim, Shechem was centrally positioned in the northern kingdom, making it a strategic choice for Jeroboam. By building up Shechem, Jeroboam was establishing a political and religious center to rival Jerusalem, which remained in the southern kingdom of Judah. This act reflects Jeroboam's intent to consolidate his rule and establish a distinct identity for the northern tribes.<p><b>and lived there</b><br>Jeroboam's decision to reside in Shechem indicates his commitment to the northern kingdom and his desire to distance himself from the Davidic line in Jerusalem. Living in Shechem allowed him to be at the heart of his kingdom, reinforcing his authority and presence among the people. This move also symbolizes a shift in the center of worship and governance from Jerusalem to the north, which would later lead to significant religious reforms and deviations.<p><b>And from there he went out and built Penuel</b><br>Penuel, also known as Peniel, is a site east of the Jordan River, where Jacob wrestled with God and saw Him face to face (<a href="/genesis/32-30.htm">Genesis 32:30</a>). By building Penuel, Jeroboam was not only fortifying his kingdom's borders but also invoking a place of deep spiritual significance. This act could be seen as an attempt to legitimize his rule by associating it with a place of divine encounter. Penuel's location also served as a strategic defense point against potential threats from the east, further securing Jeroboam's reign over the northern tribes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jeroboam.htm">Jeroboam</a></b><br>The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He was initially a servant of Solomon and later became a leader of the ten tribes that rebelled against Rehoboam, Solomon's son.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/shechem.htm">Shechem</a></b><br>An ancient city located in the hill country of Ephraim. It holds historical significance as a center of political and religious activity in Israel's history.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/e/ephraim.htm">Ephraim</a></b><br>A region in the central part of the land of Israel, named after one of the tribes of Israel, which descended from Joseph's son Ephraim.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/penuel.htm">Penuel (Peniel)</a></b><br>A location east of the Jordan River, known for its association with Jacob, who wrestled with God there and named the place Peniel, meaning "face of God."<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_division_of_the_kingdom.htm">The Division of the Kingdom</a></b><br>The event where the united kingdom of Israel split into two: the northern kingdom (Israel) under Jeroboam and the southern kingdom (Judah) under Rehoboam.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_responsibility.htm">Leadership and Responsibility</a></b><br>Jeroboam's actions in fortifying cities demonstrate the importance of strategic planning and leadership. Leaders today must consider how their decisions impact their communities and align with God's purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/historical_and_spiritual_significance.htm">Historical and Spiritual Significance</a></b><br>Understanding the historical and spiritual significance of places like Shechem and Penuel can deepen our appreciation for God's work throughout history and encourage us to seek His presence in our own "sacred spaces."<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_division.htm">The Consequences of Division</a></b><br>The division of the kingdom serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disunity and the importance of seeking God's wisdom in resolving conflicts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_promises.htm">Trusting God's Promises</a></b><br>Despite the political turmoil, God's promises to His people remain steadfast. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's faithfulness, even in times of uncertainty.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_jeroboam_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Jeroboam in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_lessons_do_moses_and_aaron_teach.htm">Where is Mount Ephraim mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_amos_8_3's_shift_unrecorded.htm">If the temple singing turns to wailing in Amos 8:3, why is there little external historical mention of such a dramatic shift in religious rites?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_we_verify_rapid_city_builds_in_transjordan.htm">Numbers 32:34–38: Can we verify the rapid construction or fortification of these cities in Transjordan through any historical or archaeological findings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(25) <span class= "bld">Jeroboam built Shechem.</span>--Shechem had passed through many vicissitudes of fortune. It was already a city when Abraham entered the Promised Land (<a href="/genesis/12-6.htm" title="And Abram passed through the land to the place of Sichem, to the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.">Genesis 12:6</a>), and is from time to time mentioned in the patriarchal history (<a href="/genesis/33-18.htm" title="And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.">Genesis 33:18</a>, <a href="/genesis/35-4.htm" title="And they gave to Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.">Genesis 35:4</a>, <a href="/context/genesis/37-12.htm" title="And his brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.">Genesis 37:12-13</a>). At the Conquest it became a city of refuge (<a href="/joshua/20-7.htm" title="And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in mount Naphtali, and Shechem in mount Ephraim, and Kirjatharba, which is Hebron, in the mountain of Judah.">Joshua 20:7</a>; <a href="/context/joshua/21-20.htm" title="And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites which remained of the children of Kohath, even they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.">Joshua 21:20-21</a>), and the scene of the solemn recital of the blessings and curses of the Law (<a href="/context/joshua/8-33.htm" title="And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.">Joshua 8:33-35</a>). From its proximity to Shiloh, and to the inheritance of Joshua, it assumed something of the character of a capital (<a href="/joshua/24-1.htm" title="And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.">Joshua 24:1</a>; <a href="/joshua/24-32.htm" title="And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.">Joshua 24:32</a>). Then it became the seat of the usurpation of Abimelech, which allied itself with the native inhabitants of the region; but rebelling afterwards against him, it was destroyed (Judges 9). We then hear nothing more of it till this chapter, when the tribes assemble at Shechem, under the shadow of the famous hills of Ebal and Gerizim, to meet Rehoboam. Jeroboam is said to have "built it" anew. This may be taken literally, as indicating that it had never recovered from its destruction by Abimelech, or it may simply mean that he fortified and enlarged it as his capital. Subsequently it gave way to Tirzan and Samaria; but its almost unrivalled position preserved it in importance among the Samaritans after the Captivity, even down to our Lord's time, and under the name of Nablous (Neapolis) it has lasted to the present day, while many other cities once famous have passed away. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then Jeroboam built</span> [<span class="accented">i.e.</span>, <span class="accented">rebuilt</span> or <span class="accented">fortified</span>, <span class="hebrew">בָּנָה</span> naturally has both meanings] <span class="cmt_word">Shechem</span> [see on ver. 1 and on 1 Kings 14:1] <span class="cmt_word">in Mount Ephraim</span> [The <span class="accented">Har-Ephraim</span>, or mountain <span class="accented">district</span> of Ephraim (in <a href="/joshua/11-16.htm">Joshua 11:16</a> called the "Mountain of Israel;" cf. <a href="/joshua/17-15.htm">Joshua 17:15-18</a>; <a href="/judges/4-5.htm">Judges 4:5</a>; <a href="/judges/10-1.htm">Judges 10:1</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/1-1.htm">1 Samuel 1:1</a>), is "the central mass of the hills of Palestine, nearly equidistant from the northern and southern boundary of the whole country" (Stanley, S. and P., p. 229), and the richest and most beautiful part of the land. "The tower of Sichem had been burnt down by Abimelech and the tower of Penuel had been destroyed by Gideon, <a href="/judges/8-17.htm">Judges 8:17</a>" (Keil). The <span class="accented">city</span> of Shechem had been destroyed at the same time as the tower, but had no doubt been rebuilt, at least in part, otherwise it could hardly have been selected for Rehoboam's coronation. It was naturally Jeroboam's first care to strengthen his position by fortitying his capital, and the more so as this city would be particularly obnoxious to Rehoboam as the scene of the revolution; but why he should at the same time have rebuilt Penuel - Ewald thinks the seat of government was placed here - is not at first eight so obvious, as it lay beyond the Jordan (<a href="/genesis/32-22.htm">Genesis 32:22, 30</a>; <a href="/genesis/33-17.htm">Genesis 33:17</a>) and was therefore presumably outside the circle of hostilities, should such arise. Probably it was because this was the gate to his Trans-Jordanic territory. A tower commanding the fords of the Jordan would secure Reuben, Gad, etc., against invasion from Judah. It is also not unlikely that Jeroboam. who was the great castle builder of that age, had some fears of "hostile attacks from the north and northeast" (Keil), or thought of "the caravan road which led over Gilead to Damascus" (Wordsworth), and of which he would wish, for the sake of his revenue, to retain the control], <span class="cmt_word">and dwelt therein</span> [He made it his first residence and capital]; <span class="cmt_word">and went out from thence</span> [<span class="accented">i.e.</span>, when he had secured one fortified city. He could hardly be certain as yet which side some of the tribes would take. It is also possible that some of the workmen who had built Shechem were afterwards employed on the fortification of Penuel], <span class="cmt_word">and built Penuel.</span> [Bahr says, "There is no doubt that he built these fortifications by tribute labour, like Solomon." But is this quite so certain? The people after the revolt would naturally conclude that Rehoboam, of whose proud temper they had had such proof, would want to wreak his vengeance on the city which had rejected him, and the instinct of self-defence would lead them at once to rebuild their walls. And the newborn kingdom would also earnestly desire to possess a suitable capital. Thus their self-interest and enthusiasm alike would obviate the necessity for a conscription.] <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/12-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then Jeroboam</span><br /><span class="heb">יָרָבְעָ֧ם</span> <span class="translit">(yā·rā·ḇə·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3379.htm">Strong's 3379: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jeroboam -- 'the people increase', the name of two Israelites kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">built</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּ֨בֶן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·ḇen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shechem</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁכֶ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7927.htm">Strong's 7927: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shechem -- 'ridge', a district in Northern Palestine, also a son of Hamor</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the hill country</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהַ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·har)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mountain, hill, hill country</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Ephraim</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶפְרַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(’ep̄·ra·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_669.htm">Strong's 669: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and lived there.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·šeḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And from</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּ֑הּ</span> <span class="translit">(bāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">there</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשָּׁ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(miš·šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he went out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצֵ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and built</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּ֖בֶן</span> <span class="translit">(way·yi·ḇen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Penuel.</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּנוּאֵֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(pə·nū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6439.htm">Strong's 6439: </a> </span><span class="str2">Penuel -- 'face of God', a place East of the Jordan, also two Israelites</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/12-25.htm">1 Kings 12:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/12-25.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/12-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 12:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/12-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 12:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:26" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>