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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But this word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But God said to Shemaiah, the man of God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah, the man of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But a revelation from God came to Shemaiah, the man of God: &#8220<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, God told Shemaiah the prophet <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But God spoke his word to Shemaiah, the man of God. He said,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But God told the prophet Shemaiah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But a message from God came to Shemaiah, a man of God: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But God told Shemaiah the prophet,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, <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 the word of God is to Shemaiah a man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the word of God is unto Shemaiah a man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the word of God will be to Shemaiah, a man of God, saying,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But the word of the Lord came to Semeias the man of God, saying: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, the man of God, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />However, the word of God came to Shemaiah, a man of God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the prophet of God, saying,<CL>But have come back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which the LORD said to you, You shall not eat bread, nor drink water; therefore your corpse shall not come into the sepulchre of your fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the word of LORD JEHOVAH was upon Shemaia, and he said to him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But the word of God came unto Shemaiah the man of God, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the word of the Lord came to Samaia the man of God, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/12-22.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=4962" 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">Shemaiah's Prophecy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">21</span>And when Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized the whole house of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin—180,000 chosen warriors—to fight against the house of Israel and restore the kingdom to Rehoboam son of Solomon. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">But the word</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/8098.htm" title="8098: šə·ma‘·yāh (N-proper-ms) -- Or Shmamyahuw; from shama' and Yahh; Jah has heard; Shemajah, the name of twenty-five Israelites.">Shemaiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš- (N-msc) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">the man</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God:</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say."></a> </span><span class="reftext">23</span>“Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah, all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and the rest of the people…<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/11-2.htm">2 Chronicles 11:2-4</a></span><br />But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God: / “Tell Rehoboam son of Solomon king of Judah and all the Israelites in Judah and Benjamin / that this is what the LORD says: ‘You are not to go up and fight against your brothers. Each of you must return home, for this is My doing.’” So they listened to the words of the LORD and turned back from going against Jeroboam.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/13-1.htm">1 Kings 13:1-3</a></span><br />Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD. / And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, “O altar, O altar, this is what the LORD says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and upon you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense upon you, and human bones will be burned upon you.’” / That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22-23</a></span><br />But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/7-4.htm">2 Samuel 7:4-5</a></span><br />But that night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying, / “Go and tell My servant David that this is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build for Me a house to dwell in?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/1-4.htm">Jeremiah 1:4-10</a></span><br />The word of the LORD came to me, saying: / “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” / “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-3.htm">Isaiah 7:3-9</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out with your son Shear-jashub to meet Ahaz at the end of the aqueduct that feeds the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field, / and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. / For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14-15</a></span><br />“I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. / But the LORD took me from following the flock and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1-3</a></span><br />Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28-29</a></span><br />It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: / You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Matthew 10:19-20</a></span><br />But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-11.htm">Luke 12:11-12</a></span><br />When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-13.htm">John 16:13</a></span><br />However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/8-29.htm">Acts 8:29</a></span><br />The Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to that chariot and stay by it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/10-19.htm">Acts 10:19-20</a></span><br />As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. / So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/11-12.htm">Acts 11:12</a></span><br />The Spirit told me to accompany them without hesitation. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s home.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,</p><p class="hdg">Shemaiah</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/11-2.htm">2 Chronicles 11:2</a></b></br> But the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/12-5.htm">2 Chronicles 12:5,7</a></b></br> Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and <i>to</i> the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said unto them, Thus saith the LORD, Ye have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak… </p><p class="hdg">the man</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/13-1.htm">1 Kings 13:1,4,5,11</a></b></br> And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">1 Kings 17:18,24</a></b></br> And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/33-1.htm">Deuteronomy 33:1</a></b></br> And this <i>is</i> the blessing, wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/36-12.htm">Shemaiah</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-31.htm">Shemai'ah</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-15.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/3-22.htm">Shemaiah</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/3-22.htm">Shemai'ah</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-24.htm">Word</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>But the word of God</b><br>This phrase indicates divine communication, a common occurrence in the Old Testament where God speaks directly to His prophets. The "word of God" often signifies a message of guidance, correction, or prophecy. In the context of <a href="/1_kings/12.htm">1 Kings 12</a>, it underscores the authority and divine origin of the message that follows. This phrase is reminiscent of other instances where God’s word comes to His prophets, such as in <a href="/jeremiah/1-4.htm">Jeremiah 1:4</a> and <a href="/ezekiel/1-3.htm">Ezekiel 1:3</a>, emphasizing the continuity of God’s communication with His chosen messengers.<p><b>came to Shemaiah</b><br>Shemaiah is identified as a prophet, though not much is known about him outside of this context. His role here is crucial as he delivers a pivotal message from God. The name Shemaiah means "heard by God," which is fitting for a prophet who receives and conveys God's word. This highlights the importance of prophets in Israel as intermediaries between God and His people, similar to figures like Nathan and Gad in the time of David.<p><b>the man of God</b><br>This title is often used in the Old Testament to describe prophets and other individuals who are dedicated to God's service, such as Moses (<a href="/deuteronomy/33.htm">Deuteronomy 33:1</a>) and Elijah (<a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">1 Kings 17:18</a>). It signifies a person who is not only a messenger but also lives in accordance with God's will. The use of this title for Shemaiah underscores his authority and the authenticity of the message he delivers. It also reflects the respect and reverence given to those who faithfully serve God, setting them apart as His representatives on earth.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/shemaiah.htm">Shemaiah</a></b><br>A prophet referred to as "the man of God." He plays a crucial role in delivering God's message to Rehoboam, the king of Judah. His name means "heard by God" in Hebrew, indicating his role as a divine messenger.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/rehoboam.htm">Rehoboam</a></b><br>The son of Solomon and king of Judah. His reign is marked by the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate kingdoms: Israel in the north and Judah in the south.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_word_of_god.htm">The Word of God</a></b><br>Represents the divine message or command that is delivered through the prophet Shemaiah. It signifies God's direct intervention and guidance in the affairs of His people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The southern kingdom, consisting of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, over which Rehoboam ruled after the division of the united kingdom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_division_of_the_kingdom.htm">The Division of the Kingdom</a></b><br>A significant event in Israel's history where the united kingdom under Solomon was divided into two: the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. This division was a result of Rehoboam's harsh policies and the people's rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_prophets.htm">The Role of Prophets</a></b><br>Prophets are God's messengers, chosen to deliver His word to His people. They remind us of the importance of listening to God's guidance in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The division of the kingdom, though a result of human actions, was ultimately under God's control. This teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty even in times of turmoil.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god's_word.htm">Obedience to God's Word</a></b><br>Rehoboam's response to Shemaiah's message highlights the importance of obedience to God's word, even when it contradicts our own plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_leadership_decisions.htm">Consequences of Leadership Decisions</a></b><br>Rehoboam's harsh policies led to the division of the kingdom, illustrating the impact of leadership decisions on a community or nation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_guidance.htm">Seeking God's Guidance</a></b><br>In times of decision-making, seeking God's guidance through prayer and His word is crucial for making wise choices.<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/how_do_you_call_upon_the_lord's_name.htm">What does 'Touch Not My Anointed' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_lions_symbolize_in_the_bible.htm">What defines being devout?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_king_hiram_honor_israel's_god.htm">In 2 Chronicles 2:11-12, why does Tyrian King Hiram express devotion to Israel's God when no independent Tyrian records verify such reverence?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_the_morning_star_in_the_bible.htm">Who is the morning star in the Bible?</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>(22) <span class= "bld">Shemaiah the man of God.</span>--From the notices in <a href="/context/2_chronicles/12-5.htm" title="Then came Shemaiah the prophet to Rehoboam, and to the princes of Judah, that were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, Thus said the LORD, You have forsaken me, and therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.">2Chronicles 12:5-8</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/12-15.htm" title="Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.">2Chronicles 12:15</a>, it would seem that, while Ahijah belonged to Shiloh in Ephraim, and continued to dwell there, Shemaiah was rather attached to Judah, and hence, that his interference to protect the new kingdom was the more striking and unexpected. In this interposition, to which probably the very preservation of Jeroboam's half-formed kingdom was due, there is a fresh indication of the great opportunity given to that kingdom to maintain itself, under the blessing of God and in devotion to His service. The phrase "your brethren, the children of Israel," marks this with much emphasis.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But the word of God came unto Shemaiah</span> [This part of the history is probably derived from the "book" which this prophet wrote (<a href="/2_chronicles/12-15.htm">2 Chronicles 12:15</a>). When Keil describes him as "a prophet who is not mentioned again," he has surely overlooked <a href="/2_chronicles/12-7.htm">2 Chronicles 12:7, 8</a>, where we find him prophesying with reference to the army of Shishak], <span class="cmt_word">the man of God</span> [a common expression in the books of Kings. It rarely occurs in the other Scriptures. This designation is not altogether synonymous with "prophet." It is used, for example, of <span class="accented">angels</span> (<a href="/judges/13-6.htm">Judges 13:6, 8</a>), of <span class="accented">Moses</span> (<a href="/deuteronomy/33-1.htm">Deuteronomy 33:1</a>), and of <span class="accented">David</span> (<a href="/2_chronicles/8-14.htm">2 Chronicles 8:14</a>), and would embrace <span class="accented">any</span> minister or servant of God, while <span class="hebrew">נָבִיא</span> is restricted to the teaching order. There were <span class="accented">false</span> prophets, but no false men of God. It is also worth considering whether the name of prophet may not have been practically restricted to, or bestowed by preference on, those who had received a prophetic training, the "sons of the prophets" who had been taught in the schools. Cf. <a href="/1_samuel/10-5.htm">1 Samuel 10:5-12</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/19-20.htm">1 Samuel 19:20</a>; <a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14</a>], <span class="cmt_word">saying</span>. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/12-22.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">But the word</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּבַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(də·ḇar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיְהִי֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·hî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Shemaiah</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁמַעְיָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(šə·ma‘·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8098.htm">Strong's 8098: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shemaiah -- 'Yah hears', the name of a number of Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִישׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(’îš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God:</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/12-22.htm">1 Kings 12:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/12-22.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 12:22 But the word of God came (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/12-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 12:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/12-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 12:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 12:23" /></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>