When Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem - On what errand he was going out of Jerusalem, we know not. Ahijah the Shilonite - He was one of those who wrote the history of the reign of Solomon, as we find from 2 Chronicles 9:29 , and it is supposed that it was by him God spake twice to Solomon; and particularly delivered the message which we find in this chapter, 1 Kings 11:11-13 . read more
Take thee ten pieces - The garment was the symbol of the kingdom of Israel; the twelve pieces the symbol of the twelve tribes; the ten pieces given to Jeroboam, of the ten tribes which should be given to him, and afterwards form the kingdom of Israel, ruling in Samaria, to distinguish it from the kingdom of Judah, ruling in Jerusalem. read more
That David my servant may have a light alway - That his posterity may never fail, and the regal line never become extinct. This, as we have already seen, was in reference to the Messiah. He was not only David's light, but he was a light to enlighten the Gentiles. read more
According to all that thy soul desireth - It appears from this that Jeroboam had affected the kingdom, and was seeking for an opportunity to seize on the government. God now tells him, by his prophet, what he shall have, and what he shall not have, in order to prevent him from attempting to seize on the whole kingdom, to the prejudice of the spiritual seed of David. read more
And build thee a sure house - He would have continued his posterity on the throne of Israel, had he not by his wickedness forfeited the promises of God, and thrown himself out of the protection of the Most High. read more
The call to Jeroboam. I. THE UNWEARIED EFFORTS OF GOD TO WIN MEN FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS . This is the beginning of the story of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 1 . He is met by mercy . The widow's son is made king of Israel. 2 . By counsel and promise ( 1 Kings 11:38 ). The seed is east upon the stony ground and among the thorns, as well as upon the good soil. Learn— 1 . That, like the great husbandman, we should sow the seed of the... read more
And it came to pass at that time [a general expression = "when he was thus employed"] when [Heb. that ] Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem that [Heb. and ] , the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite [ i.e; of Shiloh, as is expressed 1 Kings 14:2-4 , where see notes. He too, therefore, was an Ephraimite ( Joshua 16:5 ). This portion of the history is probably derived from his writings ( 2 Chronicles 9:29 ). We may be pretty sure that Nathan was now dead] found him in the way;... read more
The Message of Ahijah. As Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem with his commission from Solomon to rule as his lieutenant over the house of Joseph, meditating how he might use his fortune to construct a throne, he was met by Ahijah the Shilonite, who accosted him in a manner agreeable to his ambition. In the message of Ahijah we have— I. A PROPHECY . 1 . This was expressed in sign . 2 . The prophecy also is expressed in words ( 1 Kings 11:31-39 ). II. ITS REASONS .... read more
And Ahijah caught [This English word almost implies that it was Jeroboam's garment (cf. Genesis 39:12 ); but the original simply means "laid hold of."] the new garment that was on him, and rent [same word as in 1 Kings 11:11 , 1 Kings 11:12 , 1 Kings 11:13 ] it in twelve pieces. [The first instance of an "acted parable" (Rawlinson).] read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 11:38
And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee ,.... And be obedient thereunto: and wilt walk in my ways ; directed to in the law of Moses: and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes, and my commandments ; those particularly respecting divine worship: as David my servant did ; who very diligently and constantly attended to the ordinances of religion: that I will be with thee ; to guide and direct, protect and defend, prosper and succeed: and... read more