Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Kings 11:30

"And Ahijah laid hold of the new garment that was on him, and rent it in twelve pieces." — 1 Kings 11:30 (ASV)

This is the first instance of the “acted parable.” Generally, this method was adopted by express divine command (Ezekiel 3:1–3). A connection may be traced between the symbol selected and the words of the announcement to Solomon (compare 1 Kings 11:11–13 and 1 Samuel 15:26–28).