In 1 Kings 12:26–27, Jeroboam's lack of faith in God is placed on the surface of the text. Jeroboam knew that the Lord had promised to give him a sure house,
but he clearly showed his distrust by his reasoning. He reasoned as if the stability of his place on the throne depended upon him, and he thought that, if he didn’t do something, the nation would return to Rehoboam and put him, Jeroboam, to death.
We ought also to remember that God, speaking through his prophet, had already saved him by refusing to allow the armies of Judah and Benjamin to attack Israel. Therefore, he added ingratitude to the sin of unbelief. Even before his turn to idolatry and sacrilege (in appointing his own priesthood), Jeroboam fell under the Lord’s displeasure.
26 And Jeroboam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom will turn back to the house of David.