First Kings

Chapters 11, 12: The End of the United Kingdom

(part 1)

by

Jim Bordwine, ThD

Introduction

We are all familiar with the story of king Saul. He began well, but his reign ended in turmoil. Along the way, Saul took note of a younger man named David. Even though Saul tried to hide it, he was clearly jealous of David. David was strong, handsome, and well-liked. Saul was growing old and resentful and was under God’s chastisement. For a while, Saul pretended to befriend David, but that charade didn’t last long and soon, Saul was trying to kill David.

Saul’s downfall came about because he broke God’s law and God took the kingdom away from him as a result. God raised up a younger man, David, to challenge the king and eventually replace him. Saul gave way to bitter feelings toward David and fell in disgrace.

Ironically, this is almost precisely what happens to David’s son, Solomon. As we have read, he disobeyed the Word of God to a shocking degree and God declared that his actions would result in the end of his reign as king. And that end would come in a most stressful manner. God vowed to rip the kingdom out of Solomon’s grasp and bring great trouble down on his house. Moreover, as we are about to see, God raised up a younger, more capable man to challenge Solomon and replace him as king.

After telling Solomon that the kingdom will be taken from his son as a result of his following the religion of his many foreign wives, the text says that God “raised up an adversary to Solomon, Hadad the Edomite.” (11:14) As a boy, Hadad fled to Egypt during the time that Joab, the commander of David’s army, killed all the males in his homeland. In Egypt, Hadad was well-treated. He was given a house, land, and food to sustain him. When Hadad learned that David and Joab were dead, he left Egypt and returned to Edom where he became an enemy of Solomon.

The writer says that Hadad, along with another man the LORD raised up, was the source of much trouble for Solomon. From the day God spoke to Solomon that last time, his reign was filled with turmoil until the day he died. His sin brought much misery to the kingdom and, as I have emphasized, tremendous sorrow to his house.

It was not Hadad, however, who became the greatest threat to Solomon. The text tells us that a man named Jeroboam also rebelled against Solomon (cf. 11:26). This man becomes a leading figure in the next period of the nation’s history.

01. The Rise of Jeroboam (11:28-43)

28 Now the man Jeroboam was a valiant warrior, and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, he appointed him over all the forced labor of the house of Joseph. 29 It came about at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Ahijah had clothed himself with a new cloak; and both of them were alone in the field. 30 Then Ahijah took hold of the new cloak which was on him and tore it into twelve pieces. 31 He said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces; for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes 32 (but he will have one tribe, for the sake of My servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen from all the tribes of Israel), 33 because they have forsaken Me, and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the sons of Ammon; and they have not walked in My ways, doing what is right in My sight and observing My statutes and My ordinances, as his father David did. 34 ‘Nevertheless I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him ruler all the days of his life, for the sake of My servant David whom I chose, who observed My commandments and My statutes; 35 but I will take the kingdom from his son’s hand and give it to you, even ten tribes. 36 ‘But to his son I will give one tribe, that My servant David may have a lamp always before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen for Myself to put My name. 37 ‘I will take you, and you shall reign over whatever you desire, and you shall be king over Israel. 38 ‘Then it will be, that if you listen to all that I command you and walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight by observing My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build you an enduring house as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. 39 ‘Thus I will afflict the descendants of David for this, but not always.’”

Jeroboam noticed by Solomon (v. 28)

It was Solomon’s custom to appoint able men to fill the various roles in his administration. Jeroboam, at this point in his life, appeared as a productive, courageous, eager, and capable young man. In the writer’s description, he uses a word translated “industrious.” This term refers to good judgment in business. Jeroboam was apparently a successful man and Solomon took note. The king does not yet know that Jeroboam has been appointed by God to disrupt the kingdom and replace him. Therefore, Jeroboam was given the task of overseeing all the forced labor of the house of Joseph. This meant that Jeroboam was responsible for the taxes and tributes paid to the kingdom from the regions occupied by the house of Joseph.

There were many characteristics of Jeroboam that made him appear to be an ideal addition to the administration. Solomon believed he was getting a young man who would work hard and add to the stability and prosperity of the kingdom. At first, there was no sign that Jeroboam would be a powerful threat to the throne.

Matthew Henry makes an interesting observation in his commentary on this passage. He notes that Solomon seems to have been chiefly interested in securing the services of men who would strength the kingdom. David, he observes, stated more than once that his chief desire was to surround himself with those who were faithful. As each man’s life played out, you can see that there is some truth in the point made by Henry. He’s saying that David cared most for the upholding of God’s laws and preferred a kingdom marked by obedience. Solomon, on the other hand, cared most for bringing skillful men into the kingdom and did not concern himself as much with their relationship with the LORD. I would not press this too far, of course, but coming passages reveal that, while Jeroboam was an intelligent and industrious man, he was not a faithful man.

Jeroboam meets Ahijah (vv. 29-39)

A pivotal meeting takes place after Jeroboam has been employed by Solomon. At some point, while Jeroboam is outside the city of Jerusalem, he is met by Ahijah, a prophet. Ahijah means “Brother of Jehovah.” While they were alone, Ahijah took the new cloak he was wearing and tore it into twelve pieces (v. 30). The prophet means to illustrate for Jeroboam what God has decreed for him in relation to Solomon and the nation of Israel.

As Solomon had been warned, Ahijah tells Jeroboam that the LORD has determined to tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon; the kingdom is going to be divided and Jeroboam will preside over ten of the tribes. (cf. v.31) Here I want to insert an observation. Some propose that Jeroboam was plotting against Solomon from the beginning of their relationship. There is, however, no clear evidence to support this charge. It appears that the opposition of Jeroboam against Solomon was set in motion during this encounter with Ahijah; and it is God who creates the opposition as part of His judgment against Solomon.

The central issue behind the coming trouble between Jeroboam and Solomon has to do with God’s intention to take the kingdom away from Solomon and make Jeroboam the new ruler. As He promised before, the LORD says he will leave only one tribe under the house of Solomon. The reason for this massive realignment is specified as unfaithfulness—just as God told Solomon the last time He spoke to the king. “They have forsaken Me,” the LORD declares, and the means of that transgression are specified as the people’s worship of false deities—and all under the leadership and following the example of Solomon (cf. 33).

We should take note here that false worship has consequences for our entire relationship with God. When the people began serving false gods, their dedication to Jehovah naturally diminished; and as their dedication diminished, so did their application of His laws. Their lives quickly revealed a falling away from the path of righteousness specified by the LORD. The pattern is clearly discerned: false worship led to less dedication to the true God, which in turn led to less concern for His will, which produced multiple and repeated transgressions.

I know of a former minister who transferred his credentials into our denomination a few years ago from a large, liberal Presbyterian denomination. One of the things that concerned some men in the Presbytery was the timing. We wondered why this man had waited so long to leave a church that no longer accepted the Bible as the Word of God. When questioned about this matter, the man said that he had hoped to see the denomination turned around at some point. He added that he tried to ignore the elements that testified to that denomination’s rottenness. He continued to worship there regularly and told us the worship had long ago departed from what he thought was Biblical truth. He remained, nevertheless, and absorbed the teaching and took part in the fellowship of a church decidedly opposed to various fundamental points of truth.

As this man was examined, it became painfully obvious that his theology was weak throughout. Here was a man who had a number of years of experience, who was ordained and given the right to preach in the pulpit of that denomination, but who was totally inadequate when it came to understanding and communicating the doctrine God has given us. And as we probed further, and as his subsequent history revealed, there were a number of personal lapses in his life and marriage that indicated a lack of living by the Scriptures.

I would maintain, as I did at the time, that this man’s association with a denomination opposed to so many essential points of doctrine had left him prone to sin. Week after week, and year after year, he was exposed to teaching that diminished his view of Scripture and God. Inevitably, he drifted further and further away from truth and conviction. In time, the work he began in our Presbytery exploded, his wife divorced him, and he left the ministry.

This is what we should expect if we bind ourselves to those who reject some of the critical teachings of the Word. Our perceptions will, in time, become dull. God warns us just as He warned Solomon. Solomon chose not to heed God’s admonition and eventually ruined his name and brought great disruption to the nation. That disruption is what is being described in our scene when Jeroboam meets the prophet. The violent rending of the new cloak into twelve pieces symbolized the coming destruction of the unified Israel. By force, a division would occur and the kingdom would never be united again. This is what Solomon’s disobedience cost.

Solomon has guaranteed the dismantling of Israel; he did so by engaging in false worship. That was an act God would not tolerate from any man. Jeroboam suddenly learns about this coming judgment and of his involvement in what God has ordained. Solomon will be allowed to remain on the throne, but the kingdom will be taken from the one who replaces him, his own son. Yet, in a display of mercy, the LORD promises that the son would retain one tribe as a tribute to his grandfather, David, who had set such an admirable example of walking before God.

Jeroboam hears some remarkable words about his future: “I will take you, and you shall reign over whatever you desire, and you shall be king over Israel.” (v. 37) The important point to remember, however, is that Jeroboam will be held to exactly the same standard as David and Solomon: “Then it will be, that if you listen to all that I command you and walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight by observing My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build you an enduring house as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you.” (v. 38)

This promise to Jeroboam illustrates what God considers the primary characteristic in an effective king—obedience. This is the same standard, as noted, to which the men before Jeroboam were held. It was violation of that standard, in Solomon’s case, that led to the judgment of God upon him and the nation. What matters most is faithfulness. This truth is introduced in the Garden of Eden and is emphasized in every age thereafter. God does not seek men who can secure much of the world’s treasures nor does He have special regard for the man who is likely to defeat all foes. God has one ultimate requirement and that is obedience to His Word.

Solomon had the honorable example of David to inspire and instruct him. You’ll remember that God pointed out this fact to Solomon. Consider Jeroboam’s situation. He has the same wonderful example of David as a man who followed God’s Word and was greatly blessed as a result, and he has Solomon who provides the opposite example. Solomon shows what is bound to happen to the king who fails to rule as David ruled. Jeroboam has an example to guide him in pursuit of righteousness and an example to warn him.

The context in which Jeroboam finds himself is not uncommon. He is a man facing a tremendous challenge. He has two prime examples to inform him. One is an example of faithfulness and the abundant blessing of God; the other is an example of disobedience and the frightening judgment of God. Jeroboam could never say, “I wish I knew which course would please God” or “I wish I had some indication of how I should rule.” He knows the outcome if he follows the Word of God and he knows the outcome if he chooses not to follow the Word of God.

As I said, this situation is not uncommon. Just about everyone here could think of a godly example somewhere in your life, an example of a person serving the LORD and walking peacefully with Him. And most of us could think of a negative example somewhere in our experience, an example of a person seeking to please self rather than God, a person whose life is anything but peaceful. The wise person makes use of such examples. We consider the outcome and we grow in discernment.

Sometimes, we might find that we ourselves are one of those examples. In my case, before I was converted, I had the example of my father as a man who walked humbly with the LORD. His whole life was based on his relationship with the Savior. Once he became a Christian, his primary focus in life was bringing knowledge of the gospel to others. On the other hand, I had my own life up to that point as an example. I did not walk with the Savior for the first 19 years of my life; I did not concern myself with spiritual matters and I did not have concern for anyone except myself.

Finally the day came when these two approaches to life were put before me. I could continue living as I had been or I could make a change. Because of God’s mercy, I knew one way of life well—I knew what it was like to disobey the Scriptures and live apart from any concern for the things of God. But I also had an example of a life lived differently and that example was my father. I saw how God blessed him and I took note of the contentment he had even as his sickness consumed more and more of his strength. As the Spirit of God enabled, I realized that my father’s example was the one I would choose. I wanted to walk with God, not continue trying to avoid Him.

As I said, so it is with Jeroboam. Two ways were open before him and the nature of both ways was obvious and the end of both ways clearly revealed.

Jeroboam sought by Solomon (vv. 40-43)

40 Solomon sought therefore to put Jeroboam to death; but Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt to Shishak king of Egypt, and he was in Egypt until the death of Solomon. 41 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon and whatever he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? 42 Thus the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 43 And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of his father David, and his son Rehoboam reigned in his place.

By some means, Solomon became aware of Jeroboam’s role. In an amazing contradiction to his past declarations, Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam. Remember that Solomon wrote about the counsel of the LORD and how it cannot be obstructed; yet here he is doing the very thing he once said was impossible—trying to frustrate the plan of God by interfering.

Jeroboam fled to Egypt and remained there until Solomon died. In such an anti-dramatic manner, the life of Solomon comes to an end. The writer notes that records exist of Solomon’s activities and wisdom. Beyond that, the only thing mentioned is the length of his reign—forty years.

Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, becomes king after his father passes away. He will be the one to experience the tearing of the kingdom away from the house of Solomon, as God has been warning. Rehoboam is the last king to preside over the united kingdom. He and Jeroboam, therefore, are on a collision course set in motion by the disobedience of Solomon.

Application

The first lesson to observe in this passage is the big mistake Solomon made when he assessed the usefulness of Jeroboam. God had appointed Jeroboam as Solomon’s replacement, of course, but that doesn’t change the fact that Solomon’s basis for preferring a man like Jeroboam was not demonstrated faithfulness. As the text indicates, however, this seems to be the chief reason Solomon took note of this man. Jeroboam, he thought, would benefit the kingdom due to his industriousness. Solomon soon learns that Jeroboam’s abilities are not going to serve him as he had assumed.

The simple reminder here concerns our choices of companions. This is a topic spoken of several times in Scripture. While we may be attracted to someone due to their intelligence or abilities, we are wise if we pay the most attention to their character—that is, their relationship with the Lord. If that area of their lives is not in line, it really doesn’t matter what else they might bring to a friendship or relationship. God is honored when we judge as He judges. And as this passage has made clear, that which matters most to God is humble obedience.

There is another point of application to be made from this passage and this point is huge and unavoidable and demands to be noticed. It is a point we have encountered again and again in this series in 1 Kings. What has been the recurring theme since we studied the reign of David? What issue has risen repeatedly to explain the outcome of men’s lives and the experience of the entire kingdom? Faithfulness—that is the issue that dominates these stories. You haven’t understood the primary lesson to be taken from these records of David and Solomon if you miss this topic of faithfulness. It has been and will continue to be the key to the experiences of kings and nations.

The fundamental truth is that God is holy and those who walk with Him and enjoy His blessings are those who pursue holiness. It’s that simple. Before you concern yourself with many other points of application or before you give attention to other details in these stories, you must first face this essential issue of faithfulness. Nothing could be more obvious than the truth that faithfulness pleases God and lack of faithfulness displeases God. There is no mystery, therefore, to the Christian life. Pursue the things that God blesses and commends, avoid the things that God warns against, and you will enjoy a happy life.

I believe that God would have you enjoy a happy and peaceful existence with Him. But He will not ignore sin in your life. Please take note again of Solomon. Why didn’t God allow Solomon to finish out his days in peace? Why didn’t the LORD excuse Solomon’s disobedience? After all, the fall of Solomon brought disgrace on the nation. The answer is that, before any other concern, God will be true to His nature. Even if it means disgrace for His people, He won’t violate His holy character by overlooking sin. Even if it means He must chastise us, He won’t act against His holiness. We will be changed, but God never changes.

If you ever have a doubt about God’s commitment to His own holy character, if you ever wonder how far God will go, so to speak, to protect His righteousness, then look at the cross. The issue that stood between God and us, those appointed to eternal life, was our sin. So what did God do? Knowing it was impossible for us to bear the penalty of our sin and pay for our transgressions, God gave the world His Son, Jesus Christ.

In sending His Son, God guaranteed two things: first, He guaranteed that our sin would be paid for in full; second, He guaranteed that no other payment would ever be required. It is in this Savior that we may have a relationship with God even though we are sinners. He paid the cost of our transgressions; they were not overlooked or set aside. Jesus paid for them with His own blood and life. That has left us in a wonderful position. We are left in the position of being free from the condemnation of God and able now to please Him. Jesus took care of the one thing we could never remedy, which was our guilt before God; and He enables us to do the one thing that pleases God most, which is walk with Him in faith.

Prayer

Hymn for Communion

Conclusion

As always, we end our worship with this sacrament. We do this because we must be reminded of how we got here, so to speak. How did we come to know God? By what means are we allowed into His presence for worship? Why are we at peace with Him? The sacrament reminds us of the single answer: Jesus Christ.

Matt. 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”