During that time, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met Jeroboam on the road as he was going out of Jerusalem. Now Ahijah had wrapped himself in a new cloak, and the two of them were alone in the open field. At that timeThis phrase sets the stage for a significant moment in Israel's history. The timing is crucial as it follows Solomon's turning away from God due to his foreign wives and idolatry. Historically, this period marks the beginning of the division of the united monarchy. The phrase indicates a divinely appointed moment, emphasizing God's sovereignty in orchestrating events according to His purpose. when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem
Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, is introduced as he leaves Jerusalem. His departure from the city, the center of Israelite worship and governance, symbolizes a transition from the established order. Historically, Jeroboam was an Ephraimite, and his exit from Jerusalem foreshadows his future role in leading the northern tribes. This movement signifies a shift in power dynamics within the kingdom. the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite
Ahijah is identified as a prophet from Shiloh, a place of historical religious significance as the location of the Tabernacle before the temple was built in Jerusalem. The mention of Ahijah underscores the prophetic authority and divine message he carries. Prophets in Israel were God's mouthpieces, and Ahijah's role here is pivotal in communicating God's will regarding the kingdom's future. met him on the road
The meeting on the road is symbolic of a divine encounter. Roads in biblical narratives often represent journeys, both physical and spiritual. This meeting signifies a turning point in Jeroboam's life and the nation's history. It is a moment of divine intervention where God's plans are revealed outside the confines of the city, in a more personal and direct setting. as he was wearing a new cloak
The new cloak worn by Ahijah is rich in symbolic meaning. In biblical times, garments often represented authority, identity, and status. The new cloak suggests a new beginning or a fresh revelation. It foreshadows the prophetic act that Ahijah will perform, symbolizing the tearing of the kingdom from Solomon's lineage and the establishment of a new order under Jeroboam. and the two of them were alone in the field
The solitude of the encounter highlights the personal and confidential nature of the prophetic message. Fields in Scripture can symbolize openness and readiness for harvest, indicating that the time is ripe for God's message to be delivered. The privacy ensures that the message is received without interference, emphasizing the direct communication between God, through His prophet, and Jeroboam. This setting underscores the gravity and intimacy of the divine revelation about to unfold. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeroboamA servant of King Solomon who later becomes the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. His encounter with Ahijah marks a significant turning point in Israel's history. 2. Ahijah the ShiloniteA prophet from Shiloh who delivers God's message to Jeroboam. His actions and words are pivotal in the division of the united kingdom of Israel. 3. JerusalemThe capital city of the united kingdom under Solomon, from which Jeroboam departs, symbolizing a move away from the current regime. 4. The New CloakSymbolizes the new beginning and the division of the kingdom. Ahijah's tearing of the cloak into twelve pieces represents the division of the tribes of Israel. 5. The FieldThe setting of this encounter, symbolizing a place of revelation and divine intervention, away from the political and religious center of Jerusalem. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty and Human ResponsibilityGod's plan unfolds through human actions, yet individuals are responsible for their choices. Jeroboam's rise is part of God's plan, but his later actions show personal accountability. Symbolism in Prophetic MinistryProphets often use symbolic acts to convey deeper spiritual truths. Understanding these symbols can enhance our comprehension of God's messages. The Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's failure to remain faithful to God leads to the division of the kingdom. Our actions have consequences that can affect future generations. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite human failure, God remains faithful to His covenant promises, as seen in His continued guidance and correction of Israel. The Importance of Listening to God's WordJeroboam's encounter with Ahijah highlights the importance of heeding God's messages delivered through His prophets. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the encounter between Jeroboam and Ahijah illustrate the theme of divine intervention in human affairs? 2. In what ways does the tearing of the cloak serve as a powerful symbol of the impending division of Israel? How can we apply the understanding of biblical symbolism to our study of Scripture today? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of disobedience. How does this passage encourage you to seek God's guidance in your decisions? 4. How does the account of Jeroboam and Ahijah demonstrate God's faithfulness to His promises, even amidst human failure? 5. What lessons can we learn from Jeroboam's response to Ahijah's prophecy about the importance of listening to and acting upon God's Word? How can you apply this in your daily life? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:11-13God's pronouncement to Solomon about the division of the kingdom due to his disobedience, setting the stage for Jeroboam's rise. 1 Kings 12:15The fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy when the kingdom is divided under Rehoboam, Solomon's son. Isaiah 7:14The use of symbolic acts by prophets, similar to Ahijah's tearing of the cloak, to convey God's message. Hosea 1:2-9Another example of a prophet using symbolic actions to communicate God's intentions for Israel. People Ahijah, Ammonites, Aram, Ashtoreth, Chemosh, David, Edomites, Eliada, Eliadah, Genubath, Hadad, Hadadezer, Hittites, Israelites, Jeroboam, Joab, Joseph, Milcom, Moabites, Molech, Nebat, Pharaoh, Rehoboam, Rezon, Shishak, Sidonians, Solomon, Tahpenes, Zeruah, Zidon, ZidoniansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Egypt, Jerusalem, Midian, Millo, Moab, Paran, Syria, Zeredah, ZobahTopics Across, Ahijah, Ahi'jah, Alone, Clad, Cloak, Clothed, Covering, Field, Findeth, Garment, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Jerusalem, Met, Open, Pass, Prophet, Road, Robe, Shiloh, Shilonite, Shi'lonite, Themselves, WearingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:26-33 7233 Israel, northern kingdom 1 Kings 11:29-31 7773 prophets, role 1 Kings 11:29-32 1424 predictions 1 Kings 11:29-33 7236 Israel, united kingdom 1 Kings 11:29-39 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment
1431 prophecy, OT methods Library The New Garment Bent
'And Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27. And this was the cause that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breaches of the city of David his father. 28. And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph. 29. And …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Fall of Solomon
'For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father. 7. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture What Happened to Solomon
In his early manhood Solomon was noted for his deep piety and his fervent love of righteousness. When he became king, he found a great work ready for his hand, and he set about the task with a glad heart. To build a temple to Jehovah was his delight, and he threw into it his whole strength. His prayer at the dedication of the temple shows a deeply reverent and submissive spirit. As the years went by he increased in riches and honor. His name became a synonym for wisdom. Many nations paid him tribute. …
Charles Wesley Naylor—Heart Talks "When Solomon was Old. "
"It came to pass when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other Gods." 1 KINGS xi. 4. Who could have predicted that this would come to pass? And yet it is often so, for it is still true that NO AMOUNT OF KNOWLEDGE WILL SAVE FROM BACKSLIDING THOSE WHO REFUSE TO LISTEN TO GOD. We learn from verse 10 that God had taken pains to save Solomon from idolatry, (see 1 Kings vi. 12, and xi. 6). But what good is it for even God to try to save a man who will have his own way? And …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Scriptural Types.
1. The material world is full of analogies adapted to the illustration of spiritual things. No teacher ever drew from this inexhaustible storehouse such a rich variety of examples as our Saviour. His disciples are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city set on a hill. From the ravens which God feeds and the lilies which God clothes, he teaches the unreasonableness of worldly anxiety. The kingdom of heaven is like seed sown in different soils, like a field of wheat and tares …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
As we have seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it very clear that Israel will yet be restored to God's favor and be rehabilitated in Palestine. But before that glad time arrives, the Jews have to pass through a season of sore trouble and affliction, during which God severely chastises them for their sins and punishes them for the rejection and crucifixion of their Messiah. Fearful indeed have been the past experiences of "the nation of the weary feet" but a darker path than …
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return How to Split a Kingdom
And Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. 2. And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it (for he was fled from the presence of king Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt); 3. That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake unto Rehoboam, saying, 4. Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Political Religion
'Then Jeroboam built Shechera in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein; and went out from thence, and built Penuel. 26. And Jeroboam said in his heart, Now shall the kingdom return to the house of David: 27. If this people go up to do sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord, even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, and they shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of Judah. 28. Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "This Thing is from Me"
"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."--1 Kings 12:24. IT IS VERY DELIGHTFUL to read a history in which God is made prominent. How sadly deficient we are of such histories of our own English nation! Yet surely there is no story that is more full of God than the record of the doings of our British race. Cowper, in one of his poems, shows the parallel between us and the house of Israel, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896 Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Temporal Advantages.
"We brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."--1 Tim. vi. 7, 8. Every age has its own special sins and temptations. Impatience with their lot, murmuring, grudging, unthankfulness, discontent, are sins common to men at all times, but I suppose one of those sins which belongs to our age more than to another, is desire of a greater portion of worldly goods than God has given us,--ambition and covetousness …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He Continues Free from Every Taint.
1. The carnal mind the source of the objections which are raised against the Providence of God. A primary objection, making a distinction between the permission and the will of God, refuted. Angels and men, good and bad, do nought but what has been decreed by God. This proved by examples. 2. All hidden movements directed to their end by the unseen but righteous instigation of God. Examples, with answers to objections. 3. These objections originate in a spirit of pride and blasphemy. Objection, that …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 11:29 NIV1 Kings 11:29 NLT1 Kings 11:29 ESV1 Kings 11:29 NASB1 Kings 11:29 KJV
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