And Jeroboam said in his heart, 'Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David — Jeroboam's self-doubt—"the kingdom will turn back"—reveals the psychological precariousness of the schism. Despite his military advantage and popular support, he fears the people's loyalty to Jerusalem, the temple, and the Davidic house. The phrase וַיֹּאמֶר יָרְבְּעָם בְלִבּוֹ (vayomer Yarvam belibbo, Jeroboam said in his heart) internalized his anxiety, showing the fear that gnaws at even a successful rebel.

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