1 Kings 14

1 Kings 14

Due to Jeroboam’s disobedience, he had previously been punished. That was the role of the first prophet that had been sent Jeroboam’s way. When he decided to continue to ignore God and lead the kingdom in his own sinful ways, God sent more judgment his way. His son fell ill and Jeroboam wanted to know if his son was about to die. So he sent his wife to the prophet, Ahijah, and she was to inquire as to what would happen to their son. As she was making her way to the home of the prophet, disguised so that she would not be recognized, God told Ahijah that she was on her way. He also gave Ahijah the message that he wanted delivered to Jeroboam and his family.


When she entered the house, Ahijah (who was actually blind) knew it was her. He gave her the message from God and declared that their son would surely die. He condemned Jeroboam for not following God’s commands. God had blessed Jeroboam tremendously, choosing to give him the kingdom after it had been torn away from the household of David. God had been with him every step of the way, and yet Jeroboam chose to reject God and create false gods. Because of his disobedience and his unwillingness to turn back to God, God declared that He was going to now tear the kingdom away from Jeroboam and his family as well. Not only this, but God also promised that a day would come when the nation of Israel would be overthrown, and they would be scattered “beyond the Euphrates.” Later in Israel’s history, they were conquered by the Assyrians and taken into exile, to a place beyond the Euphrates. This promise was a fulfillment of the condition God had made back in Deuteronomy under Moses’ leadership. He promised Israel that as long as they obeyed His commands, He would bless them. But if they decided to do things their own way and became disobedient, then He would send judgment upon them. He even mentioned then that judgment would come in the form of an overthrow.

After 22 years as king, Jeroboam’s reign came to an end, and his son, Nadab, took the throne. Israel was once again faced with the choice as to whether they start to follow God again, and they knew the consequences if they decided not to. Meanwhile, Rehoboam was still king in Judah (that is the Southern Kingdom). They continued to live in disobedience to God as well, and God allowed the Egyptians to come in and take away much of their treasures. Whereas much of Solomon’s reign was characterized by times of peace (because of his faithfulness to God), Rehoboam’s reign was filled with war. Not only did he have to deal with the Egyptians, but he was constantly fighting Jeroboam and his brothers to the north. God did not grant the people and the land peace during times of disobedience. So Rehoboam’s reign came to an end as well, and his son Abijam took the throne.

Matt