There may have been good cause for Solomon to turn against his servant, for Jeroboam had “lifted up his hand” against him (v. 26). The overt acts of Jeroboam that incurred the king’s displeasure are not related, but undoubtedly Jeroboam was ambitious, and took measures to secure for himself the crown. He belonged to one of the leading tribes, which, in the partition of Palestine, had been given the best position in the land, at once its choicest region and its very heart and center. The Ephraimites were sensitive about their alleged superiority and felt that when important decisions were made, they should be consulted (Judges 8:1; 12:1). Undoubtedly it was the ambition and pride of Jeroboam that brought him into disfavor with the king.

This is the first king of Egypt mentioned in the Bible by name. He was the first king of a new dynasty. Shishak has been identified with the vigorous and able Sheshonk I, founder of the Twenty-second Dynasty. He was a Libyan, and had been a commander of mercenary troops before he seized the throne. His capital was at Bubastis in the Delta. It was customary for ancient nations who were not bound together by treaty obligations, to grant asylum to political refugees.