37 'I will take you, and you shall reign over whatever e you desire , and you shall be king over Israel . 38 'Then it will be, that if you listen to all that I command you and walk in My ways , and do what is right in My sight by observing My statutes and My commandments , as My servant David did , then I will be with you and build you an enduring house as I built for David , and I will give Israel to you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 11:37-38
Commentary on 1 Kings 11:26-40
(Read 1 Kings 11:26-40)
In telling the reason why God rent the kingdom from the house of Solomon, Ahijah warned Jeroboam to take heed of sinning away his preferment. Yet the house of David must be supported; out of it the Messiah would arise. Solomon sought to kill his successor. Had not he taught others, that whatever devices are in men's hearts, the counsel of the Lord shall stand? Yet he himself thinks to defeat that counsel. Jeroboam withdrew into Egypt, and was content to live in exile and obscurity for awhile, being sure of a kingdom at last. Shall not we be content, who have a better kingdom in reserve?