1 Kings 11:29

29 At that time Jeroboam left Jerusalem. The prophet Ahijah from Shiloh met him on the road. The two of them were alone in the open country, and Ahijah had on new clothes.

1 Kings 11:29 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 11:29

And it came to pass at that time, when Jeroboam went out of
Jerusalem
Either to enter upon his new office: or having been with Solomon to pay in the revenues, and to make up his accounts with him was going back to the country to do the duty of his office:

that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way;
not accidentally, but purposely was in the way to meet him, and converse with him; this prophet was of the city of Shiloh, and where was now his abode, see ( 1 Kings 14:2 )

and he had clad himself with a new garment;
not Jeroboam, but the prophet, and that by the direction of the Lord, for the following purpose:

and they two were alone in the field:
it is possible Jeroboam might have some servants with him; but Ahijah desiring some private conversation with him, he sent them onwards, or bid them stay at some distance; who yet might be capable of observing what was done, though not of hearing what was said; or otherwise how should Solomon come to the knowledge of it? ( 1 Kings 11:40 ) .

1 Kings 11:29 In-Context

27 This was the situation when he rebelled against the king: Solomon was building the Millo and repairing a break in the [wall of] the City of David.

28 Solomon saw that Jeroboam was a very able and hard-working man. So he put Jeroboam in charge of all forced labor from the tribes of Joseph.

29 At that time Jeroboam left Jerusalem. The prophet Ahijah from Shiloh met him on the road. The two of them were alone in the open country, and Ahijah had on new clothes.

30 Ahijah took his new garment and tore it into 12 pieces.

31 He told Jeroboam, "Take 10 pieces because this is what the LORD God of Israel says: I am going to tear the kingdom out of Solomon's hands and give ten tribes to you.