1 Kings 11:31

Jeroboam’s Rebellion · 1 Kings 11:26–40
Read 1 Kings 11

Translations

Modern
…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.
Traditional
And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten pieces: for thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, Behold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee:
Literal
And he said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces. For thus says YHWH, God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and will give to you ten tribes.
Latin
Et ait ad Jeroboam: Tolle tibi decem scissuras: hæc enim dicit Dominus Deus Israël: Ecce ego scindam regnum de manu Salomonis, et dabo tibi decem tribus.

Original

Hebrew
English
…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.

Notes

Ahijah tore his cloak into twelve pieces and gave ten to Jeroboam. This act showed God's plans for Jeroboam and Israel after Solomon's death (see “Prophetic Sign Acts” Theme Note). Ten tribes would leave, while one tribe, Judah, would stay with Solomon's heir. The twelfth tribe was likely Benjamin (see 1 Kings 12:21). Benjamin often acted with Judah (see 2 Chronicles 11:3, 23; 14:8; 15:2–9; 17:17). Simeon, another southern tribe, seems to have joined the north (2 Chronicles 15:9; 34:6).

The meeting between Jeroboam and the prophet Ahijah started God's judgment on Solomon's family line. Ahijah appears again in the story of Jeroboam's sick son (1 Kings 14:1–18). He wrote a book, now lost, that included details about Solomon's actions (2 Chronicles 9:29).

Details about Solomon's third enemy, Jeroboam son of Nebat, help explain how the kingdom of Israel split (1 Kings 12–14).

God delivered Solomon’s punishment through three political adversaries, Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam (see 1 Kings 11:40).

Events

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Jeroboam: First king of the northern kingdom of Israel Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom

Glossary

Ahijah Ashtoreth Chronology of the Bible (Old Testament) Ephraim, Tribe of Gods and Goddesses Jeroboam Kings, Books of First and Second Milcom Rehoboam

Topics

Ahijah: A Prophet in Shiloh Backsliders: Solomon Canaan: Land of Into Two Kingdoms, Judah and Israel God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Ahijah's Prophecy Concerning Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Flees to Egypt to Escape from Solomon Parables of the Garment Which Was Torn in Pieces Promotion: Jeroboam, from a Slave to the Throne The Jews: Divided Into Two Kingdoms After Solomon