Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 11 - Verse 40

After King Solomon's reign, his kingdom was divided into two: the kingdom of Judah, ruled by Solomon's son Rehoboam, and the kingdom of Israel, ruled by Jeroboam. Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam out of fear that he would rebel and take over the kingdom, leading Jeroboam to flee to Egypt for safety. In Egypt, Jeroboam sought refuge with Shishak, the pharaoh of Egypt at the time, until Solomon passed away. This verse foreshadows the political instability and power struggles that would plague the kingdoms of Judah and Israel in the years to come. It also demonstrates the lengths to which individuals would go in order to secure their power and protect themselves from potential threats. Jeroboam's escape to Egypt highlights the complex relationships and alliances that existed between neighboring nations during ancient times.

In this verse, we see a significant event in the history of Israel, as Solomon seeks to kill Jeroboam, who later becomes the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The theological interpretation of this passage revolves around the consequences of Solomon's disobedience to God. Solomon had turned away from God in his later years, worshipping foreign gods and neglecting the worship of the one true God. As a result, God raises up adversaries against Solomon, ultimately leading to the division of the kingdom. This verse emphasizes the role of God in shaping the course of history and fulfilling his plans for the nation of Israel. Additionally, the word study of 'fled' here conveys a sense of urgency and danger, as Jeroboam seeks refuge in Egypt to escape Solomon's wrath. The reference to the king of Egypt, Shishak, highlights the political dynamics of the region and the complex relationships between neighboring kingdoms.