Go, tell Jeroboam that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'I raised you up from among the people and appointed you ruler over My people Israel. Go, tell JeroboamThis phrase is a direct command from God, delivered through the prophet Ahijah. The Hebrew word for "go" (לֵךְ, lekh) is an imperative, indicating urgency and divine authority. Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is the recipient of this message. Historically, Jeroboam was a servant of Solomon who rebelled and became king over ten tribes. This context highlights the gravity of the message, as it is directed to a leader who has strayed from God's ways. that this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says I raised you up from among the people and appointed you ruler over My people Israel Persons / Places / Events 1. JeroboamThe first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He was initially chosen by God to lead the ten tribes of Israel but later led them into idolatry. 2. Ahijah the Prophet A prophet from Shiloh who delivered God's messages to Jeroboam, including the prophecy of his rise to power and later his downfall due to disobedience. 3. Israel The northern kingdom consisting of ten tribes that split from Judah and Benjamin after Solomon's reign. Jeroboam was its first king. 4. Shiloh A significant religious center in Israel where Ahijah the prophet resided. It was an early center of worship before the temple was built in Jerusalem. 5. The LORD, the God of Israel The covenant God of Israel who speaks through His prophets, reminding Jeroboam of His sovereignty and the divine appointment to leadership. Teaching Points Divine Appointment and ResponsibilityGod raises leaders for His purposes, but with leadership comes the responsibility to lead according to His will. Jeroboam's failure serves as a warning against deviating from God's commands. Consequences of Disobedience Jeroboam's account illustrates the severe consequences of leading others into sin. Leaders are accountable not only for their actions but also for the spiritual direction they set for others. The Importance of Faithfulness Despite being chosen by God, Jeroboam's unfaithfulness led to his downfall. This highlights the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant and commands. God's Sovereignty and Justice God's message through Ahijah underscores His sovereignty in appointing leaders and His justice in dealing with disobedience. God's plans are not thwarted by human failure. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Jeroboam's rise to power reflect God's sovereignty, and what responsibilities come with such divine appointments?2. In what ways did Jeroboam's actions deviate from the instructions given in Deuteronomy 17:14-20, and what can we learn from this about the importance of adhering to God's Word? 3. How can we apply the lessons from Jeroboam's leadership to our own roles of influence, whether in family, work, or community? 4. What are the potential consequences of leading others away from God, as seen in Jeroboam's establishment of idol worship? 5. How does the account of Jeroboam encourage us to remain faithful to God, even when faced with challenges or opportunities for personal gain? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 11:29-31This passage describes how Ahijah the prophet initially prophesied Jeroboam's rise to power, tearing a new cloak into twelve pieces and giving ten to Jeroboam, symbolizing the ten tribes he would rule. 1 Kings 12:26-33 Details Jeroboam's establishment of idol worship in Bethel and Dan, which led Israel into sin and was a direct violation of God's commandments. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 Provides God's instructions for kingship in Israel, emphasizing obedience to God's law, which Jeroboam failed to uphold.
People Abijah, Abijam, Ahijah, David, Israelites, Jeroboam, Naamah, Nadab, Rehoboam, Shishak, Sodomites, Solomon, TirzahPlaces Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Shiloh, TirzahTopics Appoint, Exalted, Forasmuch, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Leader, Lifting, Midst, Prince, Raised, Ruler, Says, Though, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 14:7Library Synopsis. --The Gradual Narrowing of the Miraculous Element in the Bible by Recent Discovery and Discussion. --The Alarm Thereby Excited in the Church. --The Fallacy WhichIt is barely forty years since that beloved and fearless Christian scholar, Dean Stanley, spoke thus of the miracles recorded of the prophet Elisha: "His works stand alone in the Bible in their likeness to the acts of mediaeval saints. There alone in the Sacred History the gulf between Biblical and Ecclesiastical miracles almost disappears."[5] It required some courage to say as much as this then, while the storm of persecution was raging against Bishop Colenso for his critical work on the Pentateuch. … James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion Jeroboam Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin? Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful? The Whole Heart Sovereignty and Human Responsibility The Prophet Joel. Kings Links 1 Kings 14:7 NIV1 Kings 14:7 NLT 1 Kings 14:7 ESV 1 Kings 14:7 NASB 1 Kings 14:7 KJV 1 Kings 14:7 Commentaries Bible Hub |