So the king did not listen to the people; for it was a turn of events from the LORD, that He might establish His word, which the LORD spoke through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
— 1 Kings 12:15
Here we find a fascinating text that tells us something profound about how God works — that there is no such thing as accident, luck, or chance in this universe. Rather, God works in and through all things to bring to pass everything that comes to pass.
The Background to This Moment
This is one among many stories in Scripture where, even as we see men making choices according to their own will and inclinations, we can still see God working quietly in the background to bring His divine will to fruition.
In this particular case, we are reminded first that Solomon had sinned against God by marrying foreign women and turning after other gods. A prophecy of judgment had been spoken over him — that the kingdom would be torn because of his sin. However, for the sake of his father David, who was a man after God’s own heart, this judgment would not fall during Solomon’s lifetime but after his death.
After Solomon died and his son took the throne, this promise was reiterated through the prophet Ahijah, who came and spoke to Jeroboam concerning the kingdom.
As we follow the story, we see event after event unfold in a chain of cause and effect. The laborers who had served under Solomon came to the new king and simply asked that the burden placed on them be lightened — a humble request for compassion. The king consulted the elder counselors, who wisely advised him to listen to the people. But the young king then turned to his peers — men he had grown up with in the royal palace, men who perhaps had no knowledge of the people’s suffering and could not even begin to imagine it. They advised him not only to ignore the elders but to make the burden on the people even heavier.
And finally, in our text, we are told that the king decided not to listen to the people. It is at this precise moment that the author, moved by the Holy Spirit, draws back the curtain on the hand that had been moving in the background the entire time — declaring that this turn of events was brought about by the Lord, so that He might fulfill His word.
Free Choices, Divine Purposes
We should note carefully that at no point in this story was anyone forced to do anything. Solomon was not compelled to marry foreign women or to worship other gods. He did so out of his own will — a will that was, to be sure, enslaved by sin, but his own nonetheless. And in the case of the young king, he was genuinely presented with a choice between the counsel of the elders and the counsel of his peers. No one forced his hand. He was the king, with full authority to decide. He chose — and that choice set in motion the shattering of the kingdom.
This is what theology refers to as the doctrine of concurrence — where two parties make genuine decisions, neither forcing the other, and each fully accountable for their own choices, yet somehow the choices of one party become the very means by which the will of the other is accomplished.
This doctrine is closely tied to the doctrine of Providence. In the providence of God, the division of the kingdom had already been determined as a judgment upon Solomon’s sin — and yet every event leading up to that outcome unfolded through the free and responsible choices of real people, none of whom were puppets.
God’s Sovereignty Over All Things
This should remind us of the absolute sovereignty of God. He is not compelled to do anything outside of His own will. Psalm 115:3 declares:
But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.
— Psalm 115:3
We see a strikingly similar pattern in the story of Joseph. When his brothers came before him in fear, Joseph responded:
Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result.
— Genesis 50:19-20
The brothers’ cruelty was their own — they bore full responsibility for what they did. And yet God’s hand was over all of it, orchestrating it to bring about what He had purposed. Paul captures this truth beautifully in Ephesians 1:
Also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.
— Ephesians 1:11
Comfort in God’s Providence
While some may feel a sense of unease or even meaninglessness when confronted with this doctrine, for the believer it should bring profound comfort. Every decision, every event, every turn of circumstance — God works it all together for good. This is the great assurance of Romans 8:28:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
— Romans 8:28
As believers, we can have confidence knowing that nothing can come to pass unless God sovereignly permits it — and whatever He permits, He intends for His glory and for our good.
Resting in the God Who Governs All Things
This is precisely why Scripture time and again calls believers not to be anxious, fearful, or troubled by what is happening around them. They have a Father in heaven who is actively looking after them.
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
— John 14:1These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
— John 16:33Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 4:6-7Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
— 1 Peter 5:7
John Piper has rightly said that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.
As we consider everything that is happening in our world today — the wars, the famines, the disease, the suffering, and even the seasons of happiness and joy — may we be reminded that there is a God who is actually governing all of it, working all things for His glory and for the good of His people.
Amen.
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