The exact reason Jeroboam rose up against Solomon is not clearly stated in the Bible, but his desire was granted. The prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met him on the way, took hold of his new garment, and tore it into twelve pieces. He then said to Jeroboam, “Take for yourself ten pieces, for thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Behold, I will tear the kingdom from the hand of Solomon, and give ten tribes to you” (1 Kings 11:29-31). After taking control of the new kingdom, Jeroboam proved to be worse than Solomon, turning away from the truth in a serious way. However, with the death of his son, Jeroboam paid dearly (1 Kings 14:1-20). It is best to fear the Lord by obeying His Word!

         God told him that the pieces of the robe symbolized the division of Israel, and that he would be left with ten tribes. Rehoboam tried to rally his forces to keep them under his rule, but the Lord forbade him (1 Kings 12:21-24). Jeroboam had all the evidence to show that Solomon's wickedness had been judged, and that the new kingdom would represent divine justice. But before long, he revealed his lack of fear and the foolishness of his actions. Poor king!

         How can we know what was in the king's heart when he rose up against Solomon, who had also turned away from God because of his wives? For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God, as was the heart of his father David (1 Kings 11:4). The Law says, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Today, you should marry only one woman. Watch, pray, and believe!

         Those who sin must repent, seek the Lord, confess their transgression, and never repeat it. When sin is deliberate, it is difficult to forgive; repentance and a true return to the truth are necessary. The Father looks inside your heart, not at your mouth, but when you speak, He takes your words into account. Never hide your iniquity, because even before you do, Heaven knows what will happen. The enemy will always try to stop you from speaking the truth over the lies the devil tells you.

         Jeroboam exemplifies someone who is irresponsible, acts cruelly, and offends God's holiness. This king sought greatness through Satan's power, but that is impossible, for the devil's heart is evil. Even if you follow the enemy's will, he will ultimately try to destroy you. No matter the situation, he will always try to kill us (John 10:10a). Flee from him!

           God's patience with Jeroboam ran out to the point where the Lord—who is good, but also just—declared that He would allow evil to overtake the house of this wicked king. All the while, Jeroboam thought the people were foolish and believed they were clever. He even sent his wife to consult Ahijah so that his son wouldn't die. She disguised herself as a peasant woman to deceive the elderly prophet. However, when she stepped over the threshold, Ahijah revealed that he was a true servant of God (1 Kings 14:1-17).

         The king suffered great shame! His son eventually died. The prophet may not have been able to see, but he had a living connection with God. Fear the Lord and stand firm in His Word!

           In Christ, with love,

           R. R. Soares