2 chronicles 11:3 - “Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

Generated Verse: 2 chronicles 11:3

What does "2 chronicles 11:3" mean?


This verse is essentially an introduction to a message from God, delivered through the prophet Shemaiah, to King Rehoboam of Judah and the people of Judah and Benjamin. Let's break it down:

"Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah..." This clearly identifies the recipient of the message. Rehoboam was the king of Judah, and his lineage is emphasized (son of Solomon, a very influential figure). This establishes his authority and responsibility to heed the message.
"...and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin..." This expands the target audience beyond just the king. It includes the people of Judah and the tribe of Benjamin. These two tribes remained loyal to the Davidic line after the northern tribes seceded to form the kingdom of Israel. The phrase "all Israel" can be understood as referring to the Israelites living within the geographical boundaries of the kingdom of Judah at that time, not the entire nation of Israel (which was divided).
"saying," This signals that what follows is the direct message from God that Shemaiah is to deliver.

In summary, this verse establishes:

The messenger: Shemaiah, a prophet acting as God's mouthpiece.
The recipient: King Rehoboam and the people of Judah and Benjamin.
The nature of the message: It's a divine communication, carrying authority and importance.

This verse sets the stage for a pivotal moment. What God is about to say will significantly impact the fate of Rehoboam and the kingdom of Judah. The following verses reveal the content of the message, which is often a warning or instruction from God.

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