and said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I will give you ten tribes. “And he said to Jeroboam,”This phrase introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative of 1 Kings. The speaker is the prophet Ahijah, who is delivering a divine message to Jeroboam. The name "Jeroboam" is significant as it means "the people will contend" or "he increases the people," which foreshadows his future role as a leader of the northern tribes of Israel. This encounter is a divine appointment, highlighting the sovereignty of God in orchestrating the events of history. The prophetic nature of this meeting underscores the biblical theme that God communicates His will through chosen messengers. “Take ten pieces for yourself,”
The act of taking "ten pieces" is symbolic and prophetic. Ahijah had torn a new garment into twelve pieces, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The "ten pieces" signify the ten tribes that Jeroboam would rule over, as God was about to divide the kingdom due to Solomon's disobedience. This division is not just a political maneuver but a divine judgment and fulfillment of God's word. The number ten often symbolizes completeness in biblical numerology, indicating a complete portion of the kingdom being given to Jeroboam. “for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says”
This phrase emphasizes the authority and source of the message. "The LORD, the God of Israel," is a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a declaration that the forthcoming events are not merely human decisions but are orchestrated by God Himself. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) signifies the covenantal name of God, highlighting His faithfulness and sovereignty. This divine declaration assures Jeroboam that the message is trustworthy and rooted in God's unchanging nature. “‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon”
The word "Behold" is a call to attention, indicating the importance and certainty of the message. The phrase "I will tear the kingdom" uses vivid imagery to describe the impending division. The tearing signifies a forceful and decisive action by God, reflecting His judgment on Solomon's idolatry and unfaithfulness. The "hand of Solomon" represents his reign and authority, which is being removed due to his failure to uphold God's commandments. This act serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God. “and will give you ten tribes.”
This promise to Jeroboam is both a blessing and a responsibility. The "ten tribes" represent the majority of the nation of Israel, signifying a significant shift in power and leadership. This transfer of authority is a divine appointment, indicating that God is raising Jeroboam to fulfill His purposes. The giving of the tribes is not just a political change but a fulfillment of God's plan for His people. It highlights the theme of God's sovereignty in raising leaders according to His will and purpose, even amidst human failure. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeroboamA servant of Solomon who becomes the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division. He is chosen by God to rule over ten tribes. 2. SolomonThe king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem. His later years are marked by idolatry and turning away from God, leading to the division of the kingdom. 3. Ahijah the ProphetA prophet from Shiloh who delivers God's message to Jeroboam, symbolized by the tearing of a new garment into twelve pieces. 4. The Kingdom of IsraelAt this time, it is a united monarchy under Solomon, but due to his disobedience, God plans to divide it. 5. The Ten TribesRefers to the majority of the tribes of Israel that will form the northern kingdom under Jeroboam's rule. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod is in control of nations and leaders. Despite human failure, His purposes prevail. We should trust in His ultimate plan and seek His guidance in leadership roles. Consequences of DisobedienceSolomon's turning away from God led to the division of the kingdom. Our actions have consequences, and obedience to God is crucial for maintaining His blessings. Prophetic FulfillmentThe prophecy given to Jeroboam through Ahijah demonstrates the reliability of God's word. We can trust that what God has spoken will come to pass. The Importance of FaithfulnessJeroboam was given a significant opportunity, but his later actions showed unfaithfulness. We must remain faithful to God in the opportunities He provides. God's Grace and JudgmentEven in judgment, God shows grace by preserving a remnant. We should be mindful of both His justice and mercy in our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the division of the kingdom in 1 Kings 11:31 reflect God's response to Solomon's disobedience, and what can we learn about the importance of obedience in our own lives? 2. In what ways does the prophecy given to Jeroboam through Ahijah demonstrate the reliability of God's word, and how can this assurance impact our faith today? 3. Considering the consequences faced by Solomon, how can we ensure that we remain faithful to God in our leadership roles and personal lives? 4. How does the tearing of the kingdom relate to other instances in the Bible where God removes or establishes leaders, and what does this teach us about His sovereignty? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's grace despite a difficult situation. How does understanding God's grace and judgment in 1 Kings 11:31 encourage you in your current circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 12This chapter describes the actual division of the kingdom and Jeroboam's rise to power, fulfilling the prophecy given by Ahijah. Deuteronomy 17:14-20These verses outline the laws for kings in Israel, which Solomon violated, leading to the kingdom's division. 1 Samuel 15:28Similar to the tearing of Saul's kingdom, this passage shows God's judgment and the removal of a kingdom due to disobedience. 2 Chronicles 10Provides another account of the division of the kingdom, emphasizing the role of Rehoboam's harsh policies. 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 Behold, Force, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Kingdom, Pieces, Rend, Rending, Says, Solomon, Solomon's, Tear, Ten, Thus, TribesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 11:31 7735 leaders, political 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 1 Kings 11:31-33 1351 covenant, with David 1 Kings 11:31-34 6160 fathers, sin of 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 11:31 NIV1 Kings 11:31 NLT1 Kings 11:31 ESV1 Kings 11:31 NASB1 Kings 11:31 KJV
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