Ahijah, a significant prophetic figure in the Old Testament, is primarily known for his role in the division of the united monarchy of Israel. He is identified as a prophet from Shiloh, a city that held religious importance as the location of the Tabernacle before the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Biblical References and Role

Ahijah first appears in the biblical narrative in 1 Kings 11:29-39. During the reign of King Solomon, Ahijah encounters Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, and delivers a pivotal prophecy. The prophet meets Jeroboam on the road and, in a symbolic act, tears a new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam. This act signifies the division of the kingdom, with ten tribes being given to Jeroboam, while the remaining two tribes would stay under the rule of Solomon's lineage. Ahijah's prophecy is a direct response to Solomon's idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments, as stated in 1 Kings 11:33 : "For they have forsaken Me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments, as did David, Solomon’s father."

Ahijah's prophecy is fulfilled after Solomon's death when Jeroboam becomes the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, as recorded in 1 Kings 12. This division marks a significant turning point in Israel's history, leading to the separate kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Further Involvement and Prophecies

Ahijah's influence extends beyond the initial prophecy to Jeroboam. In 1 Kings 14, he plays a crucial role in delivering God's judgment against Jeroboam's house. When Jeroboam's son, Abijah, falls ill, Jeroboam sends his wife in disguise to consult Ahijah. Despite her disguise, Ahijah, now old and blind, receives a revelation from God and recognizes her. He delivers a harsh prophecy against Jeroboam, foretelling the destruction of his dynasty due to his sins and idolatry, as recorded in 1 Kings 14:9-10 : "You have done more evil than all who came before you. You have made for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me to anger, and you have cast Me behind your back. Because of all this, behold, I am bringing disaster on the house of Jeroboam."

Legacy and Significance

Ahijah's prophecies underscore the theme of divine retribution and the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments. His role in the division of the kingdom highlights the consequences of idolatry and disobedience, serving as a warning to future generations. Ahijah's life and ministry exemplify the prophetic office's critical function in guiding and correcting the people of Israel according to God's will.

Ahijah's presence in the biblical narrative, though limited, is marked by significant and transformative events that shaped the course of Israel's history. His prophecies and their fulfillment demonstrate the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and the importance of adhering to His covenant.1 Kings 11:29-39
And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field:
Nave's Topical Index

Jeroboam
... Even before the death of Jeroboam, Ahijah, the aged prophet at Shiloh who many years
before had predicted the elevation of Jeroboam to the throne, declared ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 7 jeroboam.htm

Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ...
... the garments belonging to a private person, and to go to Ahijah the prophet, for
that he ... her, and changed her habit, and came to the city Shiloh, for there ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 concerning the death.htm

A Ruler who Wronged his People
... Once upon a time, when Jeroboam went away from Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah
of Shiloh met him on the way and took him aside. Now ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a ruler who wronged his.htm

The New Garment Bent
... Solomon's reign; but now this man from Shiloh, the ancient seat ... remains the same
to-day as when Ahijah rent his ... The prophet's words had set him all afire with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the new garment bent.htm

Solomon's Reign.
... It is significant that the prophet Ahijah of Shiloh encouraged Jeroboam by telling
him that, on account of the idolatry fostered by Solomon, ten tribes would ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xii solomons reign.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... She had sent him to Shiloh at the age of three years, and there, clothed in ... from
Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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