1 Kings 11:30

30. Twelve pieces The numbers used in this symbolical prophecy have themselves a sacred symbolism; and yet, like all symbols, must not be supposed capable of being pressed into a relation to all possible aspects of the case to which they are made to refer. Thus “twelve” is a sacred number, (see supplementary note on Luke 6:0, at the end,) and the twelve pieces here represented the twelve tribes, though, counting the two sons of Joseph, there were actually thirteen. So, too, the ten pieces represented the revolting tribes, not altogether because exactly ten tribes revolted, for it is doubtful whether those on the east of the Jordan, and Simeon in the south, had much to do with the matter, but rather because “ten” is the number of totality, and indicated that substantially all Israel would fall away from Rehoboam, as is in fact asserted in 1 Kings 12:20. Then, further, the prophet does not follow out the matter as we might suppose by making the two remaining pieces represent Judah and Benjamin, but says that one tribe should cleave to the house of David, that is, only a single part of the sovereignty of Israel. But besides Judah, it seems that the tribe of Benjamin, and a part of Simeon, adhered to Rehoboam. 1 Kings 12:21; 1 Kings 19:3. But the symbolism was sufficiently exact for the prophetic purpose, and it made an announcement never to be forgotten.