1Ki 12:1 | TNotes | STEP | 12:1 Shechem , located in the heart of territory belonging to the northern tribes, had been a strategic site and religious center since the pre-Israelite occupation of Canaan (Gen 12:6-7 ; 33:18-20 ), and it became important in Israel as a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Josh 20:7 ; 21:20 ; 24:1 ). Rehoboam knew that if he wanted to be king over a united kingdom, he would need the approval and support of the politically and religiously strong northern tribes. Shechem later became the provisional capital of the northern kingdom (1 Kgs 12:25 ). • Rehoboam reigned from 931 to 913 BC .

bGen 12:6-7►

c33:18-20►

dJosh 20:7►

g1 Kgs 12:25►

‏ 1 Kings 12:1

12:1 ^a Shechem, located in the heart of territory belonging to the northern tribes, had been a strategic site and religious center since the pre-Israelite occupation of Canaan (Gen 12:6-7 ^b; 33:18-20 ^c), and it became important in Israel as a Levitical city and a city of refuge (Josh 20:7 ^d; 21:20 ^e; 24:1 ^f). Rehoboam knew that if he wanted to be king over a united kingdom, he would need the approval and support of the politically and religiously strong northern tribes. Shechem later became the provisional capital of the northern kingdom (1 Kgs 12:25 ^g).

• Rehoboam reigned from 931 to 913 BC.