What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:40? Solomon therefore sought to kill Jeroboam • This action flows directly from the prophecy in 1 Kings 11:31–39. God had just told Jeroboam, “I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes” (v. 31). • Solomon’s attempt on Jeroboam’s life shows a heart hardened against God’s word, much like Pharaoh resisting Moses (Exodus 10:27) or Saul hunting David after Samuel’s anointing (1 Samuel 19:1–2). • Instead of repenting, Solomon tries to eliminate the instrument of God’s judgment. His move highlights the futility of fighting against the Lord’s declared plan (Acts 5:39). But Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt • Jeroboam recognizes the danger and acts promptly, mirroring David’s swift escapes from Saul (1 Samuel 20:1). • God’s providence is evident: the same God who promised Jeroboam a future throne (1 Kings 11:37) now preserves his life until the appointed time. • Flight is not unbelief here; it aligns with Jesus’ counsel, “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23). To Shishak king of Egypt • Egypt again becomes a place of refuge for God’s people, as it was for Abraham (Genesis 12:10) and Joseph’s family (Genesis 46:3–4). • Shishak’s open door likely reflects diplomatic friction with Solomon’s kingdom. God can even use pagan rulers to shelter His chosen servant, just as He used Cyrus to release Israel (Isaiah 45:1). • The alliance foreshadows future judgment: in Rehoboam’s reign Shishak will invade Judah and plunder the temple (1 Kings 14:25–26), demonstrating that compromise with worldly powers carries long-term consequences. Where he remained until the death of Solomon • Jeroboam waits in God’s timing, neither forcing his rise nor warring against Solomon. Patience here fulfills Proverbs 20:22: “Wait for the LORD, and He will save you”. • Solomon’s death marks the divinely appointed transition. Just as David’s throne passed only after Saul died (2 Samuel 2:4), Jeroboam’s kingdom begins only after Solomon’s passing (1 Kings 12:20). • The phrase underscores God’s sovereignty: He controls when leaders are removed and raised up (Daniel 2:21). summary 1 Kings 11:40 portrays the clash between human resistance and divine decree. Solomon, refusing to submit, plots murder; Jeroboam, protected by God, flees to Egypt and waits. The verse confirms God’s faithfulness to His word, the futility of opposing His plan, and the wisdom of patient trust until He brings His purposes to completion. |
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