1 Kings 11:26-33

1 KINGS—NOTE ON 1 Kings 11:26 Solomon’s most significant enemy was Jeroboam the son of Nebat. He was the former superintendent of the forced labor of the house of Joseph, those who had been helping with the construction work in Jerusalem (vv. 1 Kings 11:27). He was met outside the city by the prophet Ahijah (v. 1 Kings 11:29) with a prophecy concerning the kingship. The garment here is divided into 12 pieces, of which ten, symbolizing 10 northern tribes, are given to Jeroboam (vv. 1 Kings 11:30). One tribe is to remain for the sake of David and Jerusalem (that is, Judah). The tribe Benjamin is not included (see 1 Kings 12:21), perhaps because it was regarded as part of Judah’s territory.