Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel.
Study Helps
Interpretation
Jeroboam distrusted the providence of God; he would contrive ways and means, and sinful ones too, for his own safety. A practical disbelief of God's all-sufficiency is at the bottom of all our departures from him.
Glossary
- Shechem Place
- Biblical settlement. Modern identification: Tell Balatah.
- Jeroboam Person
- Increase of the people. (1. ) The son of Nebat ( 1 Kings 11:26-39 ), “an Ephrathite,” the first king of the ten tribes, over whom he reigned twenty-two years (B. C. 976-945).
- Penuel Place
- Face of God, a place not far from Succoth, on the east of the Jordan and north of the river Jabbok. It is also called “Peniel. ” Here Jacob wrestled ( Gen. 32:24-32 ) “with a man”. Modern identification: Tell edh Dhahab esh Sherqiyeh.