1 Kings 11:21-31

21 While in Egypt, Hadad heard that David had lain down with his ancestors and that Joab the general was also dead. Hadad said to Pharaoh, "Let me go to my homeland."
22 Pharaoh said to him, "What do you lack here with me that would make you want to go back to your homeland?" Hadad said, "Nothing, but please let me go!"

Solomon and Rezon

23 God raised up another opponent for Solomon: Rezon, Eliada's son, who had escaped from Zobah's King Hadadezer.
24 Rezon recruited men and became leader of a band when David was killing them. They went to Damascus, stayed there, and ruled it.
25 Throughout Solomon's lifetime, Rezon was Israel's opponent and added to the problems caused by Hadad. Rezon hated Israel while he ruled as king of Aram.

Solomon and Jeroboam

26 Now Nebat's son Jeroboam was an Ephraimite from Zeredah. His mother's name was Zeruah; she was a widow. Although he was one of Solomon's own officials, Jeroboam fought against the king.
27 This is the story of why Jeroboam fought against the king: Solomon had built the stepped structure and repaired the broken wall in his father David's City.
28 Now Jeroboam was a strong and honorable man. Solomon saw how well this youth did his work. So he appointed him over all the work gang of Joseph's house.
29 At that time, when Jeroboam left Jerusalem, Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him along the way. Ahijah was wearing a new garment. The two of them were alone in the country.
30 Ahijah tore his new garment into twelve pieces.
31 He said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces, because Israel's God, the LORD, has said, ‘Look, I am about to tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand. I will give you ten tribes.

1 Kings 11:21-31 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 11

This chapter relates the false steps Solomon took, notwithstanding all his wisdom, in marrying strange wives, and worshipping other gods, 1Ki 11:1-8 upon which the Lord threatens him to rend the kingdom in his son's time, 1Ki 11:9-13 and he raised up adversaries against him, Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam, 1Ki 11:14-26 of which last an account is given, and of his being assured by Ahijah the prophet of his having ten of the tribes of Israel given to him; which Solomon having notice of sought to slay him, 1Ki 11:27-40 and the chapter is concluded with an account of Solomon's death and burial, 1Ki 11:41-43.

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