Ahijah tore his cloak into twelve pieces and gave ten to Jeroboam. This act showed God's plans for Jeroboam and Israel after Solomon's death (see “Prophetic Sign Acts” Theme Note). Ten tribes would leave, while one tribe, Judah, would stay with Solomon's heir. The twelfth tribe was likely Benjamin (see 1 Kings 12:21). Benjamin often acted with Judah (see 2 Chronicles 11:3, 23; 14:8; 15:2–9; 17:17). Simeon, another southern tribe, seems to have joined the north (2 Chronicles 15:9; 34:6).