1 Kings 11:40

KJV

Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

KJV (with Strong's)

Solomon {H8010} sought {H1245} therefore to kill {H4191} Jeroboam {H3379}. And Jeroboam {H3379} arose {H6965}, and fled {H1272} into Egypt {H4714}, unto Shishak {H7895} king {H4428} of Egypt {H4714}, and was in Egypt {H4714} until the death {H4194} of Solomon {H8010}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of this Shlomo tried to kill Yarov'am; but Yarov'am roused himself, fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and stayed in Egypt until the death of Shlomo.

Berean Standard Bible

Solomon therefore sought to kill Jeroboam. But Jeroboam arose and fled to Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, where he remained until the death of Solomon.

American Standard Version

Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam; but Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 11:40 records a critical turning point in the waning years of King Solomon's reign, revealing his desperate attempt to assassinate Jeroboam, the man divinely appointed to rule over ten tribes of Israel. This verse details Jeroboam's swift flight to Egypt, where he found refuge with Pharaoh Shishak until Solomon's death, thereby strategically positioning him for his future role and setting the inevitable stage for the division of the united monarchy, a direct consequence of Solomon's profound spiritual apostasy and God's unfolding judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a narrative that meticulously chronicles Solomon's spiritual decline and the divine judgment pronounced against him. The preceding verses, particularly [1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1-8 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Idolatry and Its Consequences"), detail Solomon's grave sin of idolatry, influenced by his numerous foreign wives who led him to worship pagan deities. This disobedience directly provoked God's wrath, leading to the prophetic declaration that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's son, with only one tribe remaining for the sake of David and Jerusalem ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon's Kingdom")). Crucially, the prophet Ahijah of Shiloh had already revealed God's specific plan to Jeroboam, dramatically tearing a new garment into twelve pieces and giving ten to Jeroboam, signifying his future rule over ten tribes of Israel ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). Solomon's attempt to kill Jeroboam in [1 Kings 11:40](/1_kings/11-40 "1 Kings 11:40 - Solomon Seeks to Kill Jeroboam") is thus a direct, desperate, and ultimately futile human reaction to a divinely ordained future, demonstrating his resistance to God's sovereign will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Solomon's reign, initially a golden age of wisdom and prosperity, had become increasingly burdensome towards its end. His extensive building projects, including the temple and his own palace, were financed through heavy taxation and oppressive forced labor, particularly impacting the northern tribes. Jeroboam, an Ephraimite from Zeredah, had risen through the ranks, being appointed by Solomon over the forced labor of the house of Joseph, indicating his administrative competence and influence among the northern populace. In the ancient Near East, it was a common practice for political dissidents or those fleeing persecution to seek asylum in neighboring kingdoms, with Egypt often serving as a traditional refuge due to its power and distance. Pharaoh Shishak, historically identified as Sheshonk I, the founder of Egypt's Twenty-Second Dynasty (c. 945-924 BC), was a powerful contemporary ruler. His willingness to harbor Jeroboam was likely a strategic political maneuver, aimed at destabilizing a powerful regional rival (Israel) or cultivating a future ally, thereby providing Jeroboam with a safe haven and the necessary time for God's prophetic word to come to fruition.

* **Key Themes:** This pivotal verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes within 1 Kings. It vividly illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience**, as Solomon's profound spiritual apostasy directly leads to divine judgment and his desperate, ungodly attempt to thwart God's will. It underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating that God's plans are immutable and cannot be undone by human opposition, even from a powerful king. Jeroboam's miraculous escape and subsequent protection in Egypt highlight God's active hand in preserving His chosen instrument for the fulfillment of prophecy, ensuring his safety until the appointed time. Furthermore, the verse serves as a crucial **Foreshadowing of Division**, explicitly setting the stage for the imminent schism of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, an event that would unfold immediately after Solomon's death, as meticulously detailed in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** This primitive root signifies a deliberate and active pursuit, implying a concerted effort or plot. In this context, it reveals Solomon's determined intention to find and eliminate Jeroboam, not merely a fleeting thought. The verb conveys a sense of earnestness in his malicious intent, highlighting his fear and his futile attempt to counteract God's declared will through violent means.
* **kill (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** This root means to die, or causatively, to kill. Here, it emphasizes the lethal purpose behind Solomon's search for Jeroboam. It underscores the severity of Solomon's reaction to the divine prophecy, revealing a king who, despite his early wisdom, had descended to murderous intent in a desperate bid to preserve his dynasty against God's decree.
* **fled (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** This verb denotes a sudden, urgent, and rapid escape, driven by necessity and the immediate threat to one's life. Jeroboam's prompt action upon learning of Solomon's murderous intent demonstrates the gravity of the danger and his quick response to preserve himself. This flight, however, is not merely an act of human self-preservation but is implicitly guided by divine providence, ensuring Jeroboam's safety until the appointed time for his rise to power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam."**: This opening clause immediately establishes the dramatic tension and the desperate nature of Solomon's actions. It reveals his violent and fearful reaction to the prophecy of Ahijah, which had designated Jeroboam as the future ruler over ten tribes. Solomon's attempt to assassinate Jeroboam underscores his desire to maintain absolute dynastic control and his futile resistance to God's sovereign decree, marking a significant moral and spiritual low point for the king who once prayed for wisdom to govern God's people.
* **"And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto Shishak king of Egypt,"**: This segment describes Jeroboam's swift and successful escape. His flight to Egypt, a traditional haven for those fleeing political persecution in Canaan, demonstrates the effectiveness of his action and the divine protection over his life. The specific mention of "Shishak king of Egypt" grounds the narrative in precise historical reality, identifying a powerful ruler who would offer asylum, thereby ensuring Jeroboam's safety and future role in God's plan.
* **"and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon."**: This final clause highlights the duration of Jeroboam's exile and the certainty of God's timing. His prolonged stay in Egypt, under the protection of a powerful pharaoh, signifies the completeness of his refuge and the unalterable nature of God's plan. It also sets a clear temporal marker, indicating that Jeroboam's return and subsequent rise to power would directly coincide with the end of Solomon's reign, thereby fulfilling the prophecy concerning the division of the kingdom.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Kings 11:40 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as Jeroboam's flight to Egypt explicitly sets the stage for the impending division of the united monarchy after Solomon's death, a monumental turning point in Israelite history. There is a powerful element of **Irony** at play: Solomon, the king once celebrated for his unparalleled wisdom, acts with profound foolishness and violence in attempting to thwart God's revealed will, demonstrating the utter futility of human resistance against divine decree. His actions, intended to secure his dynasty, ironically hasten its fragmentation. Furthermore, the narrative implicitly highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, showcasing God's unyielding control over historical events, even using human fear, political maneuvering, and the actions of foreign rulers to bring about His predetermined purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological implications of 1 Kings 11:40 are profound, illustrating the unwavering nature of God's judgment against sin, even for His chosen leaders, and the unstoppable force of His sovereign will. Solomon's desperate attempt to kill Jeroboam is a futile act to prevent a divinely ordained consequence of his own profound disobedience. It underscores the biblical truth that no human power, no matter how great or seemingly insurmountable, can ultimately thwart God's purposes. God's providential protection of Jeroboam, even in a foreign land and under the care of a pagan king, demonstrates His absolute faithfulness to His prophetic word and His ability to use diverse means, including political asylum, to preserve His instruments and fulfill His overarching plans for His people. This event is a critical precursor to the full division of the kingdom, a judgment that was both a direct consequence of Solomon's spiritual decline and a precise fulfillment of earlier prophecies concerning the house of David.

* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion as Witchcraft")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 11:40 serves as a sobering and enduring reminder that spiritual compromise and persistent disobedience carry severe, far-reaching consequences, even for those who have been immensely blessed and endowed by God. Solomon, once the epitome of wisdom and blessed with unparalleled wealth and peace, descended into idolatry, leading to divine judgment and a desperate, ungodly attempt to control his own destiny through violence. His actions highlight the profound futility of human efforts to counteract God's sovereign purposes when those efforts are rooted in rebellion rather than submission. For believers today, this passage powerfully underscores the critical importance of sustained faithfulness and unwavering obedience to God throughout every season of life, not just in times of prosperity or ease. It calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's perfect plan and timing, even when circumstances are challenging or when we face perceived threats, rather than resorting to fear-driven, ungodly actions or attempting to manipulate outcomes. It reminds us that God is ultimately in control, and His righteous will shall prevail, often through unexpected means and through individuals He raises up for His divine purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Solomon's desperate reaction to God's prophecy challenge or confirm your understanding of human free will versus divine sovereignty in the outworking of God's plan?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to "fight against" God's apparent will, the consequences of your choices, or the unfolding of His plan, rather than humbly submitting to His wisdom?**
* **What profound lessons can we draw from Jeroboam's divinely protected flight and subsequent exile regarding trusting God's provision, timing, and sovereign care in difficult or uncertain situations?**

### FAQ
**Why did Solomon seek to kill Jeroboam if God had already declared the kingdom would be torn from his son?**

Answer: Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam because he became acutely aware of the prophecy delivered by the prophet Ahijah, which explicitly designated Jeroboam as the future ruler over ten tribes of Israel ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")). Despite knowing God's declared judgment on his kingdom due to his pervasive idolatry ([1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon")), Solomon's response was not one of repentance or submission, but a desperate, fear-driven attempt to thwart God's plan through violence. This reveals the extent of his spiritual decline and his futile belief that he could circumvent divine decree by eliminating the very instrument of God's judgment. It powerfully highlights the human tendency to resist God's will rather than submit to it, even when the consequences are clearly laid out.

**Who was Shishak, and why was he significant in this narrative?**

Answer: Shishak was the biblical name for Pharaoh Sheshonk I, the formidable founder of the Twenty-Second Dynasty of Egypt (c. 945-924 BC). He was a powerful contemporary ruler who provided asylum to Jeroboam. His significance in this narrative is multifaceted: First, he offered a crucial safe refuge for Jeroboam, effectively protecting him from Solomon's wrath and ensuring his survival until the divinely appointed time for his return and rise to power. This vividly demonstrates God's providential hand in preserving Jeroboam for His purposes. Second, Shishak later invaded Judah during the reign of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, and plundered the temple and royal palace ([1 Kings 14:25-26](/1_kings/14-25-26 "1 Kings 14:25-26 - Shishak's Invasion of Judah")). His role in harboring Jeroboam likely contributed to the ongoing political instability and animosity between Egypt and the newly divided kingdom of Israel and Judah, further illustrating the far-reaching consequences of Solomon's disobedience and the geopolitical ripple effects of divine judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 11:40, while detailing the tragic decline of Solomon and the impending division of his earthly kingdom, profoundly points forward to the ultimate, perfect King whose kingdom will never be divided or fall. Solomon's failure to maintain his kingdom due to his unfaithfulness and idolatry stands in stark contrast to Jesus Christ, the true Son of David, who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and established an eternal, unshakable kingdom. While Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam in a futile attempt to preserve his temporal throne, Christ willingly laid down His life, not to preserve an earthly dynasty, but to establish a spiritual kingdom that decisively conquers sin, death, and the grave ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). The divine judgment pronounced against Solomon, leading to the tearing away of his kingdom, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate judgment against sin that Christ bore on the cross, allowing for the glorious restoration of a people for God's own possession, reconciling them through His blood ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness in Christ")). Jeroboam's flight and divine protection in Egypt, ensuring his future role, faintly echoes the providential care over the infant Jesus, who also found refuge in Egypt to escape Herod's murderous wrath, fulfilling prophecy ([Matthew 2:13-15](/matthew/2-13-15 "Matthew 2:13-15 - The Flight to Egypt")). Ultimately, this verse, steeped in human failure and divine sovereignty, directs our gaze to the Lamb of God, who, unlike Solomon, never deviated from God's perfect will, and whose reign is truly eternal, righteous, and undivided, bringing all things under His glorious dominion ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

2 Chronicles 12:2

And it came to pass, [that] in the fifth year of king Rehoboam Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had transgressed against the LORD,

2 Chronicles 12:9

So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he took all: he carried away also the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

Isaiah 46:10

Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:

Lamentations 3:37

¶ Who [is] he [that] saith, and it cometh to pass, [when] the Lord commandeth [it] not?

Isaiah 14:24

¶ The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, [so] shall it stand:

Isaiah 14:27

For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul [it]? and his hand [is] stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

2 Chronicles 16:10

Then Asa was wroth with the seer, and put him in a prison house; for [he was] in a rage with him because of this [thing]. And Asa oppressed [some] of the people the same time.