1 Kings 11:27

KJV

And this [was] the cause that he lifted up [his] hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, [and] repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this was the cause {H1697} that he lifted up {H7311} his hand {H3027} against the king {H4428}: Solomon {H8010} built {H1129} Millo {H4407}, and repaired {H5462} the breaches {H6556} of the city {H5892} of David {H1732} his father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is the reason he rebelled against the king: Shlomo was building the Millo and closing the breach in [the wall of] the City of David his father.

Berean Standard Bible

and this is the account of his rebellion against the king. Solomon had built the supporting terraces and repaired the gap in the wall of the city of his father David.

American Standard Version

And this was the reason why he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo, and repaired the breach of the city of David his father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 11:27 precisely identifies the immediate, practical grievance that ignited Jeroboam's rebellion against King Solomon, directly attributing it to Solomon's extensive and burdensome public works projects. While the ultimate divine reason for the kingdom's division stemmed from Solomon's widespread idolatry and disobedience, this verse highlights the tangible human discontent arising from the heavy demands of labor and resources, specifically focusing on the construction and repair of the Millo and the fortifications of the City of David.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the direct explanation for the "cause" mentioned in [1 Kings 11:26](/1_kings/11-26 "1 Kings 11:26 - Introduction of Jeroboam"). It immediately follows the introduction of Jeroboam, an able and diligent Ephraimite, whom Solomon had appointed to oversee the compulsory labor force of the house of Joseph. While the preceding verses, particularly [1 Kings 11:9-13](/1_kings/11-9-13 "1 Kings 11:9-13 - God's Anger and Judgment on Solomon"), establish God's judgment against Solomon due to his apostasy and idolatry, this verse provides the concrete, human-level catalyst for the divine judgment to manifest. It bridges the theological reason for the kingdom's tearing away with the socio-political unrest that facilitated it, setting the stage for the dramatic division of the monarchy detailed in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, though renowned for its peace, prosperity, and wisdom, was also characterized by monumental building projects, including the Temple, his lavish palace, and extensive fortifications across the kingdom. These endeavors required immense resources, primarily financed through heavy taxation and, crucially, a system of forced labor (corvée or conscripted labor). While some labor might have been voluntary or paid, a significant portion was compulsory, especially for non-Israelites, but increasingly levied on Israelites themselves as the projects grew. The "Millo" was a massive structural fill or terrace, likely part of the fortifications of the [City of David](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures the City of David") in ancient Jerusalem, designed to strengthen its defenses, particularly on the vulnerable eastern slope. Both King David ([2 Samuel 5:9](/2_samuel/5-9 "2 Samuel 5:9 - David Builds the Millo")) and Solomon worked on this strategic defense. The ongoing nature of such projects, and the burden they placed on the populace, particularly the northern tribes who felt disproportionately taxed and conscripted, fueled widespread resentment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Reign of Kings"). It highlights the **consequences of disobedience and oppression**: While God's primary reason for tearing the kingdom from Solomon was his idolatry ([1 Kings 11:4](/1_kings/11-4 "1 Kings 11:4 - Solomon's Heart Turns Away")), the means by which this judgment unfolds involve human agency and grievance. Solomon's oppressive labor policies, though perhaps intended for national strength, became a practical outworking of his spiritual failure, illustrating how even righteous intentions can be corrupted by unjust means. Furthermore, it underscores the **burden of royal ambition**: Solomon's grand vision for his kingdom, manifested in his building programs, inadvertently created a heavy yoke for his people. This verse reveals how unchecked ambition, even for seemingly noble purposes, can lead to popular discontent and ultimately undermine the very stability it seeks to achieve. Finally, it clearly identifies the **seeds of division**: The practical grievance over forced labor and burdensome projects, as identified here, provided the fertile ground for Jeroboam's rebellion and became the explicit complaint raised by the people to Rehoboam in [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Complaint to Rehoboam"), directly precipitating the tragic division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **cause (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this word refers to a "matter (as spoken of) or thing," and adverbially, "a cause." In this context, it precisely identifies the specific action or reason that led to Jeroboam's rebellion. It points to the concrete, human-perceived grievance that served as the catalyst for the uprising against Solomon's rule.
* **Millo (Hebrew, _millôwʾ'_):** From H4407, this term denotes "a rampart (as filled in), i.e., the citadel." The Millo was a significant defensive and structural feature of Jerusalem, likely a terraced fill system that strengthened the city's fortifications, particularly on its vulnerable eastern slope. Its construction and ongoing maintenance represented a massive undertaking, symbolizing the immense labor and resource demands of Solomon's building projects.
* **repaired (Hebrew, _çâgar'_):** From H5462, this root verb means "to shut up" or "to close up," but figuratively also "to repair." In this verse, it specifically refers to the act of mending or restoring the structural weaknesses or damage in the fortifications of the City of David. This indicates that Solomon's projects were not only about new construction but also about continuous, burdensome maintenance, further contributing to the people's discontent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [was] the cause that he lifted up [his] hand against the king:":** This opening clause establishes a direct causal link, stating that the subsequent details explain why Jeroboam rebelled against King Solomon. The idiom "lifted up his hand" signifies an act of open defiance, insurrection, or revolt, indicating a transition from mere discontent to active opposition against the reigning monarch.
* **"Solomon built Millo,":** This phrase specifies one of the key construction projects that contributed to the widespread grievance. The building of the Millo, a massive and strategically important fortification in Jerusalem, would have required an enormous amount of forced labor and resources, placing a significant burden on the populace.
* **"[and] repaired the breaches of the city of David his father.":** This clause indicates that Solomon's burdensome projects extended beyond new construction to include the continuous maintenance and restoration of existing fortifications. "Breaches" refers to structural weaknesses or damage in the walls of Jerusalem. This ongoing demand for labor, for both new builds and repairs, exacerbated the people's resentment and provided fertile ground for Jeroboam's rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. **Irony** is prominent, as Solomon's grand building projects, intended to solidify and glorify his kingdom, ironically become the very cause of its internal strife and eventual division. His efforts to strengthen the physical defenses of the "city of David his father" ultimately weaken the spiritual and political unity of David's kingdom. The phrase "lifted up his hand" is a well-known **idiom**, succinctly conveying the act of rebellion without needing lengthy explanation. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **foreshadowing**, directly linking the specific grievance to the imminent and dramatic division of the kingdom, which will unfold in the subsequent chapters, demonstrating how human discontent can become the practical instrument of divine judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, and the consequences of leadership that prioritizes ambition over the well-being of the people. While God had already decreed the tearing of the kingdom from Solomon's line due to his idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")), this verse shows how human actions and grievances become the tangible means through which divine judgment is executed. Solomon's oppressive labor practices, driven by his desire for grand monuments and fortifications, created a climate of resentment that Jeroboam could exploit. This serves as a timeless theological lesson: even seemingly successful or divinely appointed leaders can fall short in their stewardship of the people, and such failures can have profound, kingdom-altering consequences, leading to division and suffering.

* [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "God's Judgment on Solomon")
* [1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "The People's Grievance to Rehoboam")
* [Nehemiah 4:10](/nehemiah/4-10 "The Burden of Building")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Kings 11:27 serves as a profound cautionary tale for all forms of leadership, whether in the public square, the church, or the home. It reminds us that even grand visions and ambitious projects, if pursued without genuine care for the burdens placed upon those being led, can breed resentment, division, and ultimately undermine the very foundations one seeks to build. Leaders must cultivate a deep empathy for the people they serve, ensuring that their plans are balanced with justice, equity, and a commitment to well-being, not just impressive achievements. Unchecked ambition, a disregard for the struggles of others, or a reliance on oppressive means, even for seemingly noble ends, can lead to the erosion of trust and the eventual collapse of unity. This verse challenges us to consider not just the *what* of our endeavors, but the *how*, recognizing that the means often shape the ends and that true strength comes from the flourishing of those under one's care, not merely from monumental accomplishments.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might our pursuit of grand visions or impressive achievements inadvertently place undue burdens on others?**
* **How can leaders balance ambition with compassion and justice in their decision-making?**
* **Where might we see the "seeds of division" growing in our own communities or organizations due to unaddressed grievances or perceived injustices?**
* **What are the long-term consequences of short-sighted or oppressive leadership, even if it yields temporary success?**

### FAQ
**What was the "Millo" and why was its construction so significant to Jeroboam's rebellion?**

Answer: The "Millo" (Hebrew, _millôwʾ'_) was a massive structural fill or terraced rampart, a key part of the fortifications of ancient Jerusalem, specifically the [City of David](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures the City of David"). It was designed to strengthen the city's defenses, particularly on its vulnerable eastern slope. Its construction and repair were monumental undertakings that required immense resources and, crucially, a vast amount of forced labor (corvée). While Solomon's building projects, including the Millo, were intended to glorify God and strengthen the kingdom, the heavy taxation and compulsory labor they demanded placed an unbearable burden on the people, especially the northern tribes. This widespread discontent over the oppressive labor policies became the immediate, tangible "cause" for Jeroboam's rebellion, providing him with a popular grievance to rally support against Solomon's rule, as highlighted in [1 Kings 11:27](/1_kings/11-27 "1 Kings 11:27 - The Cause of Jeroboam's Rebellion").

**How did Solomon's building projects, despite their grandeur, contribute to the division of the kingdom?**

Answer: Solomon's building projects, though impressive and including the glorious Temple, were financed through heavy taxation and maintained through a system of forced labor. This system, known as corvée, became increasingly burdensome on the Israelite population, particularly the northern tribes who felt disproportionately affected. While the projects showcased Solomon's wealth and power, they also created deep-seated resentment and a sense of oppression among the people. This verse explicitly states that the construction and repair of the Millo and the City of David's breaches were the "cause" for Jeroboam's rebellion. This practical grievance, combined with God's prophetic judgment against Solomon for his idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")), created the perfect storm for the kingdom's division. When Solomon's son Rehoboam refused to lighten the people's burden ([1 Kings 12:4](/1_kings/12-4 "1 Kings 12:4 - The People's Complaint to Rehoboam")), the northern tribes revolted and crowned Jeroboam as their king, leading directly to the tragic split of the united monarchy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Solomon's reign, culminating in the division foreshadowed by the discontent over his building projects, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in stark contrast. Solomon, though wise and glorious, built a kingdom through human effort and, ultimately, through burdensome labor and oppressive policies that led to division. His physical "repairs" to the [City of David](/2_samuel/5-7 "2 Samuel 5:7 - David Captures the City of David") could not mend the spiritual breaches in his own heart or the social fractures in his kingdom. In contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and perfect King, who builds His eternal kingdom not through forced labor or heavy taxation, but through self-sacrifice and grace. He is the ultimate "repairer of the breach" ([Isaiah 58:12](/isaiah/58-12 "Isaiah 58:12 - Repairer of the Breach")), not of physical walls, but of the broken relationship between God and humanity through His atoning work on the cross. While Solomon's ambition led to the tearing apart of the earthly kingdom, Christ's mission is to unite all things in Himself ([Ephesians 1:10](/ephesians/1-10 "Ephesians 1:10 - Uniting All Things in Christ")). He builds His church, His spiritual temple, not with stones and forced labor, but with living stones—believers united by His Spirit and grace ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Unlike Solomon, whose reign ended in apostasy and division, Christ's reign is eternal, just, and brings true peace and unity to all who follow Him ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 9:24

But Pharaoh's daughter came up out of the city of David unto her house which [Solomon] had built for her: then did he build Millo.

1 Kings 9:15

¶ And this [is] the reason of the levy which king Solomon raised; for to build the house of the LORD, and his own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.

Isaiah 22:9

Ye have seen also the breaches of the city of David, that they are many: and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

Nehemiah 4:7

¶ But it came to pass, [that] when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, [and] that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,

2 Samuel 20:21

The matter [is] not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, hath lifted up his hand against the king, [even] against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to thee over the wall.

Psalms 60:2

Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

2 Samuel 5:7

Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same [is] the city of David.