Buildeth Built Dwelleth Dwelt Ephraim E'phraim Fortified Hill Hill-country Jeroboam Jerobo'am Mount Peniel Penuel Penu'el Shechem Strong Thence Therein Town
12:25 Shechem - He repaired, and enlarged, and fortified it; for it had been ruined long since, Judg 9:45. He might chuse it as a place both auspicious, because here the foundation of his monarchy was laid; and commodious, as being near the frontiers of his kingdom. Penuel - A place beyond Jordan; to secure that part of his dominions.
12:25-33 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. Though it is probable he meant his worship for Jehovah the God of Israel, it was contrary to the Divine law, and dishonourable to the Divine majesty to be thus represented. The people might be less shocked at worshipping the God of Israel under an image, than if they had at once been asked to worship Baal; but it made way for that idolatry. Blessed Lord, give us grace to reverence thy temple, thine ordinances, thine house of prayer, thy sabbaths, and never more, like Jeroboam, to set up in our hearts any idol of abomination. Be thou to us every thing precious; do thou reign and rule in our hearts, the hope of glory.
Built Country Dwelleth Dwelt Ephraim E'phraim Fortified Hill Hill-Country Jeroboam Jerobo'am Mount Peniel Penuel Penu'el Shechem Strong Thence Therein
Built Country Dwelleth Dwelt Ephraim E'phraim Fortified Hill Hill-Country Jeroboam Jerobo'am Mount Peniel Penuel Penu'el Shechem Strong Thence Therein
