1 Kings 12

1 Kings 12:1

SHechem] to hold the generall assembly of the Kingdome in that place: made choice of for that purpose, because it was in the middest of the countrey: and in the most powerfull tribe ofEphraim, within whose countrey the people were the more encouraged and emboldned to demand to be eased and redressed in some grievances: [to make him] to receive and install him as lawfull successor. An opportunity upon which the people did use to desire favours, new privilidges, or a confirmation of the old; and a redresse of grievances and oppressions.

1 Kings 12:4

The grievous service] Solomon made the Cananites only servants, 1 King. 9. 20. 22. but peradventure their requests were seconded by all the children of Israel, who might also bee wronged therein, being that service, which before was common to all the people, was now reduced to be the Kings only.

1 Kings 12:7

VVilt serve them] wilt incline to please them.

1 Kings 12:10

My little finger] I have as much, and more absolute power over your persons and goods, than ever my father had, and can force you according to my will And since I see the rashnesse of your demands, I will use you with extreame rigor.

1 Kings 12:20

But the tribe] see upon 1 Kings 11:32.

1 Kings 12:25

Shechem] restored it from the desolation which had happened to it Iudg. 9. 45 [Penuel] which had also been destroyed Iudg. 8. 17.

1 Kings 12:28

Two calves] questionlesse in imitation of that which was made in the wildernesse, and to the same end, to worship the true God in those visible signes appointed according to their own will, see Exodus 32:4.

1 Kings 12:29

Bethel] these two places were in the two uttermost bounds of the ten tribes countrey according to the length of it.

1 Kings 12:32

Vnto the feast] namely the feast of the bernacles.

1 Kings 12:33

Hee bad devised] for God had appointed the seventh moneth Levit. 23 34 Numb. 29. 12 [the children] like unto that feast which God had appointed them.