1 Kings 11:29

29 And it came to pass at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah, the Shilonite, found him in the way; and he was covered with a new garment; and the two were alone in the field.

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 And this was why he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon in building Millo, closed the breach of the city of David, his father.

28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour, and Solomon, seeing that the young man was industrious, he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.

29 And it came to pass at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah, the Shilonite, found him in the way; and he was covered with a new garment; and the two were alone in the field.

30 And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him and rent it in twelve pieces;

31 and he said to Jeroboam, Take ten pieces for thyself, for thus hath said the LORD God of Israel, Behold, I rend the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give ten tribes to thee;