Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy, is a significant figure in biblical history. His reign is marked by political astuteness and religious apostasy. One of the notable events during his rule involves his wife and their ailing son, which is recorded in 1 Kings 14.

Context and Background

Jeroboam was initially a servant of King Solomon, who rose to prominence due to his industrious nature. However, due to Solomon's idolatry, God promised Jeroboam through the prophet Ahijah that he would rule over ten tribes of Israel (1 Kings 11:29-31). After Solomon's death, Jeroboam led a successful revolt against Solomon's son, Rehoboam, resulting in the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:20).

Despite God's promise, Jeroboam's reign was characterized by a departure from the worship of Yahweh. To prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem for worship, he established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act of idolatry set a precedent for future kings of Israel and incurred divine disfavor.

The Illness of Jeroboam's Son

During Jeroboam's reign, his son Abijah fell gravely ill. In his distress, Jeroboam sought to know the fate of his child. He instructed his wife to disguise herself and visit the prophet Ahijah in Shiloh, hoping to receive a favorable prophecy regarding their son (1 Kings 14:1-2). Jeroboam's decision to send his wife in disguise indicates his awareness of his estrangement from the prophet and possibly from God due to his idolatrous practices.

The Encounter with Ahijah

Ahijah, though old and blind, was informed by the LORD of the visit and the disguise. When Jeroboam's wife arrived, Ahijah addressed her directly, revealing his awareness of her identity and the purpose of her visit (1 Kings 14:5-6). The prophet delivered a message from God, which was both a judgment on Jeroboam's house and a prophecy concerning the future of Israel.

Ahijah declared that because of Jeroboam's sins and his leading Israel into idolatry, disaster would befall his household. The LORD would cut off every male in Jeroboam's line, and his dynasty would be wiped out (1 Kings 14:10-11). Regarding the child, Ahijah prophesied that he would die, but he alone would be mourned and buried honorably because in him, the LORD found something good (1 Kings 14:12-13).

Implications and Significance

This episode highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. Jeroboam's actions not only affected his reign but also brought calamity upon his family. Secondly, it illustrates the role of prophets as God's messengers, delivering both judgment and hope. Ahijah's prophecy served as a divine indictment against Jeroboam's apostasy and a warning to Israel.

The account also reflects the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals. Despite Jeroboam's political success, his failure to uphold the covenant led to divine retribution. The prophecy concerning his son, who was found to have something good in him, suggests that God's judgment is tempered with mercy and discernment.

In summary, the account of Jeroboam's wife consulting Ahijah is a poignant reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God and the inevitable consequences of turning away from His ways.1 Kings 14:1-18
At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick.
Nave's Topical Index

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to wife."
But "there ... Yet Jeroboam had by this time gained all his victories, and ...
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Who was King Jeroboam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org

What was the sin of Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org

Jeroboam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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