What does 1 Kings 14:2 teach about seeking guidance from God versus man? Setting the Scene • “Jeroboam said to his wife, ‘Please arise, disguise yourself so that they will not know that you are the wife of Jeroboam, and go to Shiloh. Behold, there is Ahijah the prophet; he spoke of me that I would be king over this people.’ ” (1 Kings 14:2) • The king’s son is gravely ill (v. 1). Instead of approaching the LORD, Jeroboam sends his wife in disguise to a prophet who once brought him good news. • He hopes human ingenuity will secure divine favor without confronting his own sin and idolatry (13:33–34). Jeroboam’s Strategy: Relying on Man • Disguise reveals distrust—he fears the prophet’s reaction more than God’s omniscience (Hebrews 4:13). • He seeks a prophetic word yet refuses prophetic authority; he wants information, not transformation. • The plan centers on a human intermediary and human deception, not on repentance or direct appeal to God. The Underlying Heart Issues • Compartmentalized faith—he acknowledges God’s messenger but ignores God’s commandments (Exodus 20:3). • Pride—maintains royal image while hiding true need; contrasts sharply with David’s open confession (Psalm 32:5). • Fear of consequences rather than fear of the LORD (Proverbs 29:25). Contrasting God’s Open Invitation • God welcomes the humble who seek Him directly: – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5–6) – “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence.” (Hebrews 4:16) • Disguise is pointless before the One who “knows the thoughts of man” (Psalm 94:11). Timeless Lessons for Us • God desires honesty over strategy—come as you are, not as you appear. • Guidance is the fruit of relationship, not manipulation; obedience precedes insight (John 7:17). • Seeking human counsel is wise (Proverbs 11:14) only when it aligns with wholehearted reliance on the LORD. • Sin unconfessed blocks clarity; repentance opens the way for true direction (Isaiah 55:6–7; 1 John 1:9). Additional Scriptures for Deeper Reflection • 2 Chron 16:12—King Asa sought physicians, not the LORD. • James 1:5—God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith. • 1 Chron 28:9—“If you seek Him, He will be found by you.” |
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