Often, when we forget about the providence of God, we speak about a chance meeting,
and it might appear that this is what takes place regarding the meeting between Jeroboam and the prophet Ahijah. However, with the Almighty there is no such thing as chance. This meeting that had such momentous results regarding bringing the Lord’s judgment to bear on Solomon was part of his eternal plan.
It is probable that Ahijah had been directed on his journey by the Lord's command. Whether that occured with the knowledge that Ahijah would meet the future king of Israel, we do not know. One reason to believe that Ahijah did not know that God had planned an encounter with Jeroboam is the fact that, as the next verse tells us, he was wearing a new garment. Would the prophet have wanted to destroy a new garment? Conversely, the answer to that question might be that there was a symbolism in the tearing of new clothing. The kingdom of Solomon appeared to be strong, prosperous and mighty, but God would tear it apart.
The writer tells his readers that the two men were alone in the field. This should have been beneficial to Jeroboam, his identity concealed. This would have served him well, considering that God didn’t want the division to occur in Solomon’s household. There will be more said on this matter when we come to 1 Kings 11:40.
29 And at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. Now Ahijah had dressed himself in a new garment, and the two of them were alone in the open country.