Explanation: In 1 Kings 11 adversaries arise against Solomon and conditions are set for the division of Israel into two kingdoms. The first painting depicts Solomon's idolatry, for which the LORD judged him by raising adversaries against him. The second painting is suggestive of the new (perhaps luxurious) garment which Ahijah tore into twelve pieces to illustrate the coming division of the kingdom of Israel, as described below. [Chronologically and Thematically Related Scriptures: 2 Samuel 8:13-14; 1 Chronicles 18:12-13; 2 Samuel 8:3-4, 7-8; 1 Chronicles 18:3-4; 7-8; 2 Chronicles 9:29-31; 1 Kings 9:24; Psalm 60; Psalm 108].
     In his later years, Solomon's many foreign wives turned his heart away from the LORD; and he worshiped their gods (1-8). This provoked the LORD's anger; and he told Solomon that the kingdom was going to be split and that Solomon's successor was going loose all but two tribes (9-13). So the LORD stirred several adversaries against Solomon. The first adversary was Hadad the Edomite who had escaped with certain others to Egypt during David's reign while Joab was conducting a six month campaign against Edom in which he killed all the Edomite males. Hadad was a child at the time; and later Pharaoh gave his wife's sister to Hadad in marriage. When David and Joab were dead Hadad obtained Pharaoh's permission to return to Edom. Hadad's opposition to Solomon interfered with Solomon's control and influence over Edom and nations to his south (14-22). The second adversary of Solomon was Rezon. He became captain of a band of warriors which escaped to Damascus when David attacked Zobah. Later Rezon became king of Syria in Damascus; and he became an adversary to Solomon. His opposition interfered with Solomon's control and influence over Syria and nations to his north (23-25). Solomon's third, and most dangerous opponent, was Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Jeroboam was of the tribe of Ephraim. He became one of Solomon's officials; and Solomon put him in charge of the house of Joseph (i.e., the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh). The prophet, Ahijah the Shilonite, came to Jeroboam and told him he would become king of ten of the tribes of Israel, while the house of David would retain only two tribes. He symbolized this by taking a new outer garment (probably his own) and tearing it into twelve pieces. Ten of these he gave to Jeroboam to symbolize his portion of the twelve tribes. These were in the northern part of the country. When Solomon heard of this prophecy, he sought to kill Jeroboam; and Jeroboam fled to Egypt until Solomon died (26-40). Solomon reigned for forty years; and his son Rehoboam reigned in his stead (41-43). The fact that two of Solomon's chief adversaries (Hadad and Jeroboam) found refuge in Egypt may indicate some lessening of good will between Egypt and the house of David. This is particularly surprising since Solomon married an Egyptian princess and later apparently adopted Egyptian gods (among other foreign gods). If relations between Solomon and Egypt had continued to be favorable it seems unlikely that Egypt would have harbored Jeroboam.

     ⁴¹ And the rest of the acts of Solomon, and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? ⁴² And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. ⁴³ And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

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