Background and Family:
Abijah was the son of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Jeroboam reigned from approximately 931 to 910 BC. Abijah's mother was likely one of Jeroboam's wives, though her name is not mentioned in the biblical text. The name "Abijah" means "Yahweh is my father," reflecting a theophoric element common in Hebrew names.

Biblical Account:
The primary account of Abijah, son of Jeroboam, is found in 1 Kings 14. The narrative provides insight into the political and spiritual climate of Israel during Jeroboam's reign and highlights Abijah's unique role in the unfolding events.

Illness and Prophecy:
Abijah fell ill during his father's reign, prompting Jeroboam to seek divine insight regarding his son's fate. Jeroboam instructed his wife to disguise herself and visit the prophet Ahijah in Shiloh. Jeroboam's wife was to bring gifts to the prophet in hopes of receiving a favorable prophecy concerning Abijah's health.

1 Kings 14:1-3 states: "At that time Abijah son of Jeroboam became ill, and Jeroboam said to his wife, 'Please go, disguise yourself so they will not recognize you as my wife, and go to Shiloh. Ahijah the prophet is there—the one who told me I would be king over this people. Take with you ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him. He will tell you what will happen to the boy.'"

Prophetic Judgment:
Despite the disguise, Ahijah, who was old and had lost his sight, was informed by the LORD of the visit and the true identity of Jeroboam's wife. Ahijah delivered a message of judgment against Jeroboam's house due to the king's idolatry and disobedience to God. The prophet declared that Abijah would die, but he would be the only one of Jeroboam's house to receive a proper burial because "in him there is found something good toward the LORD, the God of Israel" (1 Kings 14:13).

1 Kings 14:12-13 records Ahijah's words: "As for you, get up and go home. When your feet enter the city, the child will die. All Israel will mourn for him and bury him, for he alone of Jeroboam’s house will be placed in a grave, because in him there is found something good toward the LORD, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam."

Death and Burial:
As prophesied, Abijah died as soon as Jeroboam's wife returned to their city, and he was mourned by all Israel. His death marked a significant moment in the narrative of Jeroboam's reign, serving as a divine sign of the impending downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty.

Significance:
Abijah's account is a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God and the importance of faithfulness. Despite the overall judgment against Jeroboam's house, Abijah is noted for having "something good" in him, which set him apart from the rest of his family. His death and the subsequent mourning by Israel underscore the loss of potential and the impact of divine judgment on the house of Jeroboam.