Topical Bible: Blindness: Ahijah

◄ Blindness: Ahijah ►

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Ahijah the Shilonite is a significant prophetic figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the narrative concerning the division of the united monarchy of Israel. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. Ahijah's blindness is mentioned in the context of his later years, symbolizing both physical and spiritual insight.

Background and Role

Ahijah was a prophet from Shiloh, a city with historical and religious significance as the location of the Tabernacle before the construction of Solomon's Temple. He is most notably recognized for his prophecy concerning the division of the kingdom of Israel. Ahijah's initial encounter with Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, is pivotal. In 1 Kings 11:29-31, Ahijah meets Jeroboam on the road and tears a new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam. This act symbolizes the impending division of Solomon's kingdom, with ten tribes being given to Jeroboam:

"At that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite met him on the road, wearing a new cloak. And the two of them were alone in the open field. And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, and said to Jeroboam, 'Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: "Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes."'" (1 Kings 11:29-31)

Blindness in Old Age

Ahijah's blindness is specifically mentioned in 1 Kings 14, during the reign of Jeroboam. As Jeroboam's son Abijah falls ill, Jeroboam sends his wife to Ahijah to inquire about the child's fate. Despite his physical blindness, Ahijah's spiritual insight remains sharp, as he receives a message from the LORD regarding the visit:

"Now Ahijah could not see; his eyes were dim because of his age. But the LORD had said to Ahijah, 'Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask you about her son, for he is ill. You are to say such and such to her, for when she arrives, she will be in disguise.'" (1 Kings 14:4-5)

Ahijah's blindness serves as a narrative device that contrasts his physical limitations with his prophetic clarity. Despite his inability to see, Ahijah accurately discerns the identity of Jeroboam's wife and delivers a message of judgment against Jeroboam's house, foretelling the death of the child and the eventual downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty.

Theological Significance

Ahijah's blindness underscores a recurring biblical theme where physical impairments do not hinder one's spiritual perception or ability to fulfill God's purposes. In Ahijah's case, his blindness highlights the sovereignty of God in revealing His will through His chosen prophets, regardless of their physical state. This theme resonates with other biblical accounts where God uses individuals with physical limitations to accomplish His divine plans, emphasizing that spiritual insight and obedience to God's word are paramount.

Ahijah's role as a prophet and his experience of blindness remind believers of the importance of spiritual discernment and faithfulness to God's revelations, even when physical circumstances seem limiting. His account serves as a testament to the enduring power of God's word and the fulfillment of His promises, as seen in the eventual division of the kingdom and the judgment upon Jeroboam's house.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 14:4
And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age.
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Library

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... But since the Holy Spirit distinctly says, that the blindness and infatuation are ...
that he might perform his saying, which the Lord spake by Ahijah," (I Kings 12 ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
... For example, we read, "But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set ... Surely all
can see the difference between the blindness of Bartimaeus, who was ardently ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eight sovereignty and human.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... be under persecution in Egypt (Genesis 15:13); Elisha, by it, could tell what was
done in the king of Assyria's bed-chamber (2 Kings 6:12); Ahijah could know ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm