1 Kings 11:40: “Solomon tried to kill Jeroboam, but Jeroboam fled to Egypt, to Shishak the king, and stayed there until Solomon’s death.”

Extended Explanation

This verse recounts the moment when Solomon, having learned about God’s decision to give ten tribes of Israel to Jeroboam, attempts to kill him. Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, had been prophesied by Ahijah to become the ruler of the northern kingdom. Fearing the fulfillment of this prophecy, Solomon seeks to eliminate Jeroboam, seeing him as a political threat. However, Jeroboam escapes to Egypt, where Shishak, the king of Egypt, provides him refuge until Solomon’s death. This escape protects Jeroboam and ensures that God’s plan for him to rule over Israel will come to pass after Solomon’s reign ends.

Historical Context

Solomon’s reign, though characterized by wisdom and prosperity, eventually turned into spiritual decline as he allowed idol worship to infiltrate Israel. God’s judgment on Solomon came in the form of a prophecy through Ahijah, stating that the kingdom would be divided after Solomon’s death. Jeroboam was chosen by God to lead the northern tribes of Israel, but Solomon, in his later years, became paranoid and aggressive in protecting his throne. Egypt, under the rule of King Shishak, was a natural place for Jeroboam to seek asylum, as Egypt had often been a place of refuge or opposition for Israel. Jeroboam’s time in Egypt would allow him to regroup and prepare for his eventual rise to power.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights the contrast between human plans and God’s sovereign will. Solomon, despite his wisdom, could not thwart God’s plan by trying to kill Jeroboam. God had already determined that Jeroboam would rule over the northern tribes, and Solomon’s attempt to prevent this outcome was futile. Theologically, this emphasizes God’s control over history and leadership. It also shows the consequences of disobedience—Solomon’s decline into idol worship led to the division of his kingdom. Jeroboam’s escape to Egypt is a reminder that God’s purposes prevail, regardless of human resistance.

Literary Analysis

The verse introduces tension and drama into the narrative, as Solomon’s desire to kill Jeroboam reflects the internal conflict within the kingdom. Jeroboam’s flight to Egypt mirrors other biblical stories of exile, such as Moses’ escape from Pharaoh. The mention of Shishak, the Egyptian king, adds a political element, as Egypt had long been an adversary and a place of refuge in Israel’s history. The verse sets the stage for the later division of the kingdom and Jeroboam’s return after Solomon’s death, highlighting the inevitability of God’s plans.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Kings 11:31: Ahijah’s prophecy that Jeroboam would rule over ten tribes of Israel, setting the context for Solomon’s fear of Jeroboam.
• Exodus 2:15: The story of Moses fleeing to Egypt after Pharaoh sought to kill him, a parallel to Jeroboam’s flight.
• 2 Chronicles 12:2: Shishak, the king of Egypt, would later invade Jerusalem during the reign of Rehoboam, showing the ongoing relationship between Egypt and Israel.
• Psalm 33:10-11: A reminder that God’s plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes, which applies to Solomon’s failed attempt to kill Jeroboam.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of God’s sovereignty over human affairs. Just as Solomon’s attempt to kill Jeroboam could not stop God’s plan, we can trust that God’s purposes will prevail in our lives, even when circumstances seem challenging or when others oppose us. This verse also highlights the importance of aligning ourselves with God’s will, rather than resisting it, as Solomon did. Trying to work against God’s plan only leads to frustration and failure. Christians can find peace in knowing that God is in control, even in difficult situations.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in His protection of Jeroboam, despite Solomon’s attempts to kill him. This shows that God cares for those He chooses and will ensure that His plans for them are fulfilled. Even in the midst of judgment on Solomon, God’s love for His people remains, as He provides a new leader for the northern tribes. God’s love is also seen in His faithfulness to His promises, ensuring that the kingdom will continue according to His plan, despite human interference. God’s discipline of Solomon and His care for Jeroboam reflect His desire to guide His people back to faithfulness.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points to the larger theme of God’s sovereign plan in the unfolding of history, which ultimately culminates in the coming of Jesus Christ. Just as God’s plan for Jeroboam’s kingship could not be thwarted, God’s plan for the coming of Jesus as the Savior of the world could not be stopped by human opposition. Throughout history, many rulers and powers attempted to oppose God’s plan for redemption, but Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection fulfilled God’s promise of salvation. Jesus, like Jeroboam, faced opposition from political and religious leaders, but He triumphed over them through His obedience to God’s will (John 19:10-11).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does Solomon’s attempt to kill Jeroboam challenge you to reflect on times when you may have tried to resist God’s plan in your own life?
2. In what ways does this verse encourage you to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or opposition arises?
3. How does God’s protection of Jeroboam demonstrate His faithfulness to those He chooses and His ability to bring His plans to pass, regardless of human interference?
4. How does Jesus’ victory over human opposition give you confidence that God’s plans for your life and for the world will ultimately succeed?