This might come to the ears of Solomon, either,
1. By Jeroboam himself, who might speak of this, either out of vain-glory and ostentation, or with design to prepare the people for his purpose. Or,
2. By the servants. See Poole on "1 Kings 11:29". Shishak king of Egypt; who was either,
1. Solomon's brother-in-law, who yet might be jealous of, him, or alienated from him, because he had taken so many other wives to his sister, as is here noted, 1 Kings 11:1; or might cast a greedy eye upon the great riches and glorious things which Solomon had amassed together, and upon which, presently after Solomon's death, he laid violent hands, 2 Chronicles 12:9. All this was known to Jeroboam, who therefore durst put himself into Shishak's protection; especially, considering how little such relations commonly signify in the affairs of princes; and withal, being made confident by God's promise of the kingdom. Or,
2. One of another line or house, to whom that crown might descend for want of issue.