The verse that begins 1 Kings 12:1–33 appears deceptively simple. It seems to say that Rehoboam went to Shechem to meet the representatives of all the tribes of Israel that were gathered there for the purpose of making (electing) him king. There are problems with this understanding, from the perspectives of both Rehoboam and Israel. 1 Kings 11:43 suggests that Solomon’s son was already king: And Rehoboam his son reigned in his place.
Then, from the point of view of Israel, the text that follows in the chapter seems to present the meeting as an opportunity to present grievances, rather than a coronation.
Nevertheless, some commentators believe that we need to take the verse at face value, arguing that at that time the monarchy was elective and not hereditary. Yet this supposition is based upon a reading of the text of 1 Kings that is open to question. The succession to the throne in Judah from this time onward was according to hereditary relationship, while the frequent dynastical changes in Israel were the result of a violent seizing of the throne—not election.
The English translation make him king
is actually one word in Hebrew, namely, lehamelik. It is a verb that contains within it the word melech (king
). Yet, when this same word is found in a different verbal stem system, it can mean consult.
This meaning would appear to fit what was taking place at Shechem from Israel’s point of view: they were consulting with Jeroboam regarding his future policies regarding forced labour. Yet, so overwhelming is the consensus that the translation should be make him king,
that we can scarcely dispute it.
Scholars have reached no agreement regarding the choice of Shechem as a gathering place. The city had a certain notoriety in the period of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and in the time of the judges. Nevertheless, there didn’t appear to be any royal significance to the place in the time of Saul, David, or Solomon. It may be that Shechem was considered a central location, and this was true especially for the northern tribes.
1 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king.