Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 11:26-40
We have here the first mention of that infamous name Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that made Israel to sin; he is here brought upon the stage as an adversary to Solomon, whom God had expressly told (Kg1 11:11) that he would give the greatest part of his kingdom to his servant, and Jeroboam was the man. We have here an account,
I. Of his extraction, Kg1 11:26. He was of the tribe of Ephraim, he next in honour to Judah. His mother was a widow, to whom Providence had made up the loss of a husband in a son that was active and ingenious, and (we may suppose) a great support and comfort to her.
II. Of his elevation. It was Solomon's wisdom, when he had work to do, to employ proper persons in it. He o…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 11:29
clad--rather, "wrapped up." The meaning is, "Ahijah, the Shilonite, the prophet, went and took a fit station in the way; and, in order that he might not be known, he wrapped himself up, so as closely to conceal himself, in a new garment, a surtout, which he afterwards tore in twelve pieces." Notwithstanding this privacy, the story, and the prediction connected with it [Kg1 11:30-39], probably reached the king's ears; and Jeroboam became a marked man [Kg1 11:40]. His aspiring ambition, impatient for the death of Solomon, led him to form plots and conspiracies, in consequence of which he was compelled to flee to Egypt. Though chosen of God, he would not wait the course of God's providence, and…
Read the whole note in the consoleAdam Clarke on 1 Kings 11:38
And build thee a sure house - He would have continued his posterity on the throne of Israel, had he not by his wickedness forfeited the promises of God, and thrown himself out of the protection of the Most High.
John Gill on 1 Kings 11:38
And it shall be, if thou wilt hearken unto all that I command thee,.... And be obedient thereunto:
and wilt walk in my ways; directed to in the law of Moses:
and do that is right in my sight, to keep my statutes, and my commandments; those particularly respecting divine worship:
as David my servant did; who very diligently and constantly attended to the ordinances of religion:
that I will be with thee; to guide and direct, protect and defend, prosper and succeed:
and build thee a sure house, as I built for David; continue the succession of the kingdom in his posterity:
and will give Israel unto thee; to rule over them.
