Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the people; for the cause was from the LORD, that he might perform his saying, which the LORD spake by Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
So the king did not listen to the people's request, because this situation was brought about by the LORD. God was fulfilling his promise that he had spoken through Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam, the son of Nebat.
God was orchestrating these events so that his earlier prophecy about dividing the kingdom would come true, even though it meant the king wouldn't listen to his people's concerns.
📚 Historical Context
This verse refers to King Rehoboam's harsh response to the Israelites who asked for lighter taxation and easier working conditions after Solomon's death. God had previously told the prophet Ahijah that the kingdom would be divided because of Solomon's idol worship, with ten tribes going to Jeroboam. Rehoboam's refusal to listen to the people's reasonable request was the catalyst God used to fulfill this prophecy.
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