1 Kings 13:34 Study Bible: This thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the surface of the earth.

◄ 1 Kings 13:34 ►

And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth.

And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam
The "sin of the house of Jeroboam" refers to the idolatry initiated by Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Jeroboam established golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30) to prevent his people from worshiping in Jerusalem, which was in the southern kingdom of Judah. This act was a direct violation of the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3-4) and set a precedent for future kings of Israel, leading them into further idolatry and apostasy.

that led to its extermination
The phrase "led to its extermination" indicates the severe consequences of Jeroboam's sin. The northern kingdom of Israel was eventually conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC, leading to the exile of its people (2 Kings 17:6). This destruction was a fulfillment of the prophetic warnings given by prophets like Amos and Hosea, who called Israel to repentance but also foretold judgment due to their persistent idolatry and disobedience.

and destruction from the face of the earth.
The "destruction from the face of the earth" emphasizes the complete removal of Jeroboam's dynasty and the northern kingdom's identity. The ten tribes of Israel were scattered, often referred to as the "Lost Tribes of Israel." This phrase underscores the biblical principle that persistent sin and rebellion against God lead to judgment and loss. It also serves as a warning to future generations about the dangers of turning away from God's commandments. Theologically, it highlights the seriousness with which God views idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to His covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is known for leading Israel into idolatry by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan.

2. House of Jeroboam
Refers to the dynasty or lineage of Jeroboam. His actions and policies had long-lasting effects on his descendants and the kingdom.

3. Bethel and Dan
Locations where Jeroboam set up golden calves for worship, leading Israel into sin.

4. Prophet from Judah
A man of God who came to Bethel to prophesy against the altar Jeroboam had built, foretelling its destruction.

5. Destruction from the face of the earth
The ultimate consequence of Jeroboam's sin, leading to the downfall of his dynasty and the judgment upon his house.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Idolatry
Jeroboam's sin serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of idolatry and leading others away from true worship of God. Idolatry can take many forms today, including materialism and self-worship.

Leadership Responsibility
Leaders have a profound impact on those they lead. Jeroboam's choices affected the entire nation. Christian leaders are called to guide others in truth and righteousness.

God's Judgment is Certain
The downfall of Jeroboam's house illustrates that God's judgment is sure for those who persist in sin. It is a call to repentance and obedience.

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is crucial. Jeroboam's failure to obey led to his downfall, reminding believers of the importance of aligning with God's will.

Legacy and Influence
The legacy we leave can have lasting effects. Jeroboam's legacy was one of sin and destruction. Believers are encouraged to leave a legacy of faithfulness and godliness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Jeroboam challenge us to examine the idols in our own lives?

2. In what ways can Christian leaders today ensure they are leading others toward God rather than away from Him?

3. How does the certainty of God's judgment influence your daily walk with Him?

4. What steps can you take to ensure your legacy is one of faithfulness to God?

5. How can we apply the lessons from Jeroboam's life to avoid similar pitfalls in our spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 32
The incident of the golden calf at Mount Sinai, which parallels Jeroboam's sin of idolatry.

1 Kings 12
Details Jeroboam's rise to power and his establishment of idol worship in Israel.

2 Kings 17
Describes the eventual fall of the northern kingdom of Israel due to persistent idolatry and disobedience to God.

Deuteronomy 12
God's command to worship Him in the place He chooses, highlighting the sin of setting up unauthorized places of worship.

Sermons

Judgment and its Result	J. Urquhart	1 Kings 13:23-34
The Law of Extremity	J.A. Macdonald	1 Kings 13:30-34
Jeroboam: a Character Study	J. O. Keen, D. D.	1 Kings 13:33-34

People

David, Jeroboam, Josiah

Places

Bethel, Samaria

Topics

Blot, Causing, Cut, Destroy, Destruction, Downfall, Event, Face, Family, Ground, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Led, Sin, Surface

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Kings 13:33-34

8748 false religion

Library

Whether Christ Took Flesh of the Seed of David?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not take flesh of the seed of David. For Matthew, in tracing the genealogy of Christ, brings it down to Joseph. But Joseph was not Christ's father, as shown above ([4138]Q[28], A[1], ad 1,2). Therefore it seems that Christ was not descended from David. Objection 2: Further, Aaron was of the tribe of Levi, as related Ex. 6. Now Mary the Mother of Christ is called the cousin of Elizabeth, who was a daughter of Aaron, as is clear from Lk. 1:5,36. Therefore, …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Interpretation of Prophecy.
1. The scriptural idea of prophecy is widely removed from that of human foresight and presentiment. It is that of a revelation made by the Holy Spirit respecting the future, always in the interest of God's kingdom. It is no part of the plan of prophecy to gratify vain curiosity respecting "the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in his own power." Acts 1:7. "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God"--this is its key-note. In its form it is carefully adapted to this great end. …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

And Yet, by Reason of that Affection of the Human Heart...
9. And yet, by reason of that affection of the human heart, whereby "no man ever hateth his own flesh," [2731] if men have reason to know that after their death their bodies will lack any thing which in each man's nation or country the wonted order of sepulture demandeth, it makes them sorrowful as men; and that which after death reacheth not unto them, they do before death fear for their bodies: so that we find in the Books of Kings, God by one prophet threatening another prophet who had transgressed …
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

The Prophet Hosea.
GENERAL PRELIMINARY REMARKS. That the kingdom of Israel was the object of the prophet's ministry is so evident, that upon this point all are, and cannot but be, agreed. But there is a difference of opinion as to whether the prophet was a fellow-countryman of those to whom he preached, or was called by God out of the kingdom of Judah. The latter has been asserted with great confidence by Maurer, among others, in his Observ. in Hos., in the Commentat. Theol. ii. i. p. 293. But the arguments …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Paul's Departure and Crown;
OR, AN EXPOSITION UPON 2 TIM. IV. 6-8 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR How great and glorious is the Christian's ultimate destiny--a kingdom and a crown! Surely it hath not entered into the heart of man to conceive what ear never heard, nor mortal eye ever saw? the mansions of the blest--the realms of glory--'a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.' For whom can so precious an inheritance be intended? How are those treated in this world who are entitled to so glorious, so exalted, so eternal, …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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