1 Kings 11:26-28 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

Even he lifted up his hand against the king Probably made some secret attempts to raise a dissatisfaction against Solomon; for we do not read of any open attempt. And this was the cause, &c. This was the occasion of Jeroboam's advancement, as it follows in the next verse. Solomon built Millo, &c. Solomon, being engaged in many buildings, made choice of such as he judged were fit persons to oversee his works; among whom Jeroboam was one. A mighty man of valour Of great courage and strength of body. Solomon seeing that he was industrious Very diligent in the business wherein he had employed him, of overlooking his works. He made him ruler, &c. Set him over those of the tribe of Benjamin who were employed in carrying stones, &c., for Solomon's buildings; or over the taxes and tributes which were to be collected of the house of Joseph, that is, of Ephraim and Manasseh, or of Ephraim only, termed here, as often elsewhere, the house of Joseph.

1 Kings 11:26-28

26 And Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephrathite of Zereda, Solomon's servant, whose mother's name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even he lifted up his hand against the king.

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

28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valour: and Solomon seeing the young man that he was industrious,d he made him ruler over all the charge of the house of Joseph.