Topical Encyclopedia
The prophecy concerning the extinction of Jeroboam's house is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating the consequences of disobedience to God and the fulfillment of divine judgment. Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy, is a central figure in this prophecy.
BackgroundJeroboam, son of Nebat, was initially a servant of King Solomon. Due to Solomon's idolatry and the subsequent divine judgment, the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite foretold that Jeroboam would rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel (
1 Kings 11:29-31). However, Jeroboam's reign was marked by idolatry and rebellion against God. He established golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into sin (
1 Kings 12:28-30).
Prophecy of ExtinctionThe prophecy concerning the extinction of Jeroboam's house was delivered by the prophet Ahijah. As recorded in
1 Kings 14:7-11 , Ahijah conveyed God's judgment to Jeroboam's wife, who had come to inquire about the health of their son:
"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. But you have done more evil than all who lived before you. You have made for yourself other gods, molten images, to provoke Me to anger, and you have cast Me behind your back. Because of this, I am bringing disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both slave and free, in Israel; I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns up dung, until it is all gone.'"
Fulfillment of the ProphecyThe prophecy was fulfilled during the reign of Jeroboam's son, Nadab. Nadab became king of Israel but reigned only two years before being assassinated by Baasha, who belonged to the tribe of Issachar. Baasha killed Nadab and subsequently exterminated the entire house of Jeroboam, as recorded in
1 Kings 15:29-30 :
"As soon as Baasha became king, he struck down the entire house of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam anyone who breathed, but destroyed them all according to the word of the LORD spoken through His servant Ahijah the Shilonite, because of the sins Jeroboam had committed and had caused Israel to commit, and because he had provoked the LORD, the God of Israel, to anger."
SignificanceThe extinction of Jeroboam's house serves as a sobering reminder of the seriousness of idolatry and disobedience to God. It underscores the principle that divine judgment is certain and that God's word, as delivered through His prophets, is unfailingly fulfilled. This event also highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's commandments and the dire consequences of leading others into sin. The narrative of Jeroboam's house is a testament to the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals, demonstrating that His purposes will prevail despite human rebellion.
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1 Kings 14:5-17And the LORD said to Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam comes to ask a thing of you for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shall you say to her: for it shall be, when she comes in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.
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Resources
How can we trust that biblical prophecy can indeed predict the future? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is prophecy? What does it mean to prophesy? | GotQuestions.orgIs the concept of personal prophecy biblical? | GotQuestions.orgProphecy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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