24. Rezon recruited men and became leader of a band when David was killing them. They went to Damascus, stayed there, and ruled it.
25. Throughout Solomon’s lifetime, Rezon was Israel’s opponent and added to the problems caused by Hadad. Rezon hated Israel while he ruled as king of Aram.
26. Now Nebat’s son Jeroboam was an Ephraimite from Zeredah. His mother’s name was Zeruah; she was a widow. Although he was one of Solomon’s own officials, Jeroboam fought against the king.
27. This is the story of why Jeroboam fought against the king:Solomon had built the stepped structure and repaired the broken wall in his father David’s City.
28. Now Jeroboam was a strong and honorable man. Solomon saw how well this youth did his work. So he appointed him over all the work gang of Joseph’s house.
29. At that time, when Jeroboam left Jerusalem, Ahijah the prophet of Shiloh met him along the way. Ahijah was wearing a new garment. The two of them were alone in the country.
30. Ahijah tore his new garment into twelve pieces.
31. He said to Jeroboam, "Take ten pieces, because Israel’s God, the Lord, has said, ‘Look, I am about to tear the kingdom from Solomon’s hand. I will give you ten tribes.