Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.
This is what the LORD says: 'Do not go up to fight against your brothers, the people of Israel. Every man should go back to his own home, because I have caused this to happen.' So they listened to the LORD's word and went back home, just as the LORD had said.
God tells the people not to fight against their fellow Israelites because He is the one who allowed the kingdom to split, and the people obey His command.
📚 Historical Context
In the time of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon, the kingdom of Israel was on the brink of civil war after the northern tribes rebelled against his harsh rule. A prophet named Shemaiah delivered a direct message from God to Rehoboam and his army, commanding them not to fight their fellow Israelites because the division was part of God's sovereign plan. This event highlights how God intervenes in human affairs to fulfill His purposes and prevent unnecessary bloodshed.
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