Hi'el of Bethel is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Kings 16:34. He is known for his role in the rebuilding of the ancient city of Jericho during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. Hi'el's actions are significant as they fulfill a curse pronounced by Joshua centuries earlier.

Biblical Account

The account of Hi'el is brief but noteworthy. In 1 Kings 16:34, the scripture states: "In his days, Hi'el of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram, his firstborn, he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub, his youngest, he set up its gates, according to the word of the LORD spoken by Joshua son of Nun."

This passage highlights the fulfillment of a prophecy made by Joshua after the original destruction of Jericho. In Joshua 6:26, Joshua declared: "Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn, he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest, he will set up its gates."

Historical and Theological Context

Hi'el's rebuilding of Jericho during Ahab's reign is set against a backdrop of increasing idolatry and apostasy in Israel. Ahab, influenced by his wife Jezebel, promoted the worship of Baal, leading the nation further away from the covenantal faithfulness to Yahweh. The rebuilding of Jericho, a city associated with God's miraculous victory and judgment, symbolizes a defiance of divine warnings and a disregard for God's commands.

The death of Hi'el's sons, Abiram and Segub, as he rebuilt the city, serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's word. It underscores the seriousness with which God regards His pronouncements and the inevitable fulfillment of His prophetic words.

Lessons and Reflections

Hi'el's account is a sobering reminder of the importance of heeding God's warnings and the reality of divine justice. It illustrates the principle that God's word is unchanging and that His promises, whether of blessing or judgment, will come to pass. The account also serves as a caution against the influence of ungodly leadership and the spiritual decay that can result from turning away from God's commandments.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, Hi'el's actions and their consequences highlight the need for faithfulness to God's covenant and the dangers of aligning with practices and beliefs contrary to His revealed will.Hi'el (1 Occurrence)

1 Kings 16:34
In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid its foundation with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.
(See RSV)

Jehieli (2 Occurrences)
... je-hi'-el, je-hi'-e-li (yechi'el, "may God live!"): (1) A Levite, one of the musicians
appointed to play upon instruments at the bringing up of the ark by ...
/j/jehieli.htm - 9k

Hi'el (1 Occurrence)
Hi'el. Hiel, Hi'el. Hierapolis . Multi-Version Concordance Hi'el (1
Occurrence). 1 Kings 16:34 In his days did Hiel the Bethelite ...
/h/hi'el.htm - 6k

Jehiel (17 Occurrences)
... je-hi'-el, je-hi'-e-li (yechi'el, "may God live!"): (1) A Levite, one of the musicians
appointed to play upon instruments at the bringing up of the ark by ...
/j/jehiel.htm - 16k

Hiel (1 Occurrence)
... HIEL. hi'-el (chi'el; Achiel): A Bethelite who according to 1 Kings 16:34 rebuilt
Jericho, and in fulfillment of a curse pronounced by Joshua (Joshua 6:26 ...
/h/hiel.htm - 9k

Hierapolis (1 Occurrence)

/h/hierapolis.htm - 10k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus