Why did Solomon seek to kill Jeroboam according to 1 Kings 11:40? Setting the Scene: Solomon’s Spiritual Decline • 1 Kings 11 opens by reporting Solomon’s marriages to “many foreign women,” which drew his heart after other gods (1 Kings 11:1–8). • Because of this rebellion, “the LORD became angry with Solomon” and declared, “I will surely tear the kingdom away from you” (1 Kings 11:9–13). • The stripping of the kingdom would not come through invading armies first, but through internal adversaries God Himself raised up (1 Kings 11:14, 23). God Raises Up an Adversary: Jeroboam’s Call • Jeroboam, a capable young official from the tribe of Ephraim, was promoted by Solomon to oversee the labor force of Joseph’s tribes (1 Kings 11:26–28). • On the road out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah met Jeroboam, tore a new cloak into twelve pieces, and handed him ten, declaring: “Take ten pieces, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes’ ” (1 Kings 11:31). • Ahijah promised Jeroboam a lasting dynasty if he would “walk in My ways” (1 Kings 11:37–38). Fear of a Rival Throne • Word of Ahijah’s prophecy—and Jeroboam’s growing popularity among the northern tribes—reached Solomon. • With the kingdom’s future and his own dynasty now threatened, Solomon reacted much like King Saul had toward David (cf. 1 Samuel 18:8–11). • Instead of repenting, Solomon chose the political route of eliminating the rival. Attempting to Thwart God’s Decree • 1 Kings 11:40 records the response: “Solomon therefore sought to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, where he remained until the death of Solomon.” • Solomon’s assassination plot was ultimately an attempt to keep God’s announced judgment from coming to pass. • Yet Proverbs 19:21 rings true: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” Jeroboam’s Flight to Egypt • Shishak (Sheshonq I) offered asylum, making Egypt a safe haven until Solomon’s death (cf. Matthew 2:13 for a later parallel of refuge in Egypt). • Jeroboam’s exile fulfilled God’s timing; he would not ascend the throne until the appointed moment (1 Kings 12:1–20). Key Takeaways for Today • Sin hardens the heart: even the wisest man can resist clear prophetic warning when pride and power are at stake. • Human schemes cannot cancel divine decrees; God’s word to Ahijah stood firm despite royal opposition. • God can use ordinary people—like a labor foreman from Ephraim—to accomplish His sovereign purposes. • The episode foreshadows the ultimate Son of David, whose kingdom cannot be thwarted (Luke 1:32–33). |
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