This town had been the central place of worship for 300 years, from the time the ark was placed there after the conquest (Joshua 18:1) until the taking of the ark by the Philistines (1 Sam. 4:4, 11), at which time Shiloh too is believed to have been destroyed (see Jer. 7:12; PK 415, 416). It was, however, the home of the old blind prophet Ahijah, who had told Jeroboam that he would be king (1 Kings 11:29-31). Shiloh was in the territory of Israel, 10 mi. south of Shechem. It is thus evident that in spite of the new idolatry at Bethel and Dan, God still regarded Israel as His chosen people, to whom His prophets were to minister, and to whom these ministration were of primary importance. When Jeroboam wanted a message from God, he knew it could be secured from the prophet Ahijah. Disguised as a daughter of the people, Jeroboam’s wife was thus sent to approach the prophet.