Topical Encyclopedia The account of Jeroboam's wife and her deceitful mission is found in 1 Kings 14:1-18. Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy, is a central figure in this narrative. His reign is marked by idolatry and a departure from the worship of Yahweh, which sets the stage for the events involving his wife.Context and Background Jeroboam, having established his rule over the ten tribes of Israel, led the people into sin by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act was a direct violation of the commandments given to Israel, and it was intended to prevent the people from returning to Jerusalem to worship at the temple, thus consolidating his political power. The spiritual decline under Jeroboam's leadership brought about divine disfavor. The Deceptive Mission In 1 Kings 14, Jeroboam's son, Abijah, falls ill. In desperation, Jeroboam sends his wife to the prophet Ahijah in Shiloh to inquire about the fate of their son. Jeroboam instructs her to disguise herself, perhaps to avoid recognition and to conceal the king's reliance on the prophet of Yahweh, whom he had otherwise disregarded. The text states: "And Jeroboam said to his wife, 'Please go, disguise yourself, so they will not recognize you as my wife, and go to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there, who spoke concerning me that I should be king over this people'" (1 Kings 14:2). Divine Revelation and Judgment Despite her disguise, Ahijah, though blind due to old age, is informed by the LORD of her arrival and her true identity. The prophet delivers a message of judgment against Jeroboam's house. Ahijah declares that because of Jeroboam's sins and his leading Israel into idolatry, disaster will befall his family. The LORD's message through Ahijah is clear: "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'" (1 Kings 14:7, 9). Ahijah prophesies that Jeroboam's dynasty will be cut off and that his son will die as soon as Jeroboam's wife returns to the city. This prophecy is fulfilled as she crosses the threshold of her home, and her son dies (1 Kings 14:17). Theological Implications The falsehood of Jeroboam's wife underscores the futility of attempting to deceive God. Despite human efforts to conceal intentions or actions, God's omniscience prevails. This narrative serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments. Jeroboam's failure to lead Israel in righteousness results in divine judgment, not only upon himself but also upon his family and kingdom. The account also highlights the role of prophets as God's messengers, who deliver His word regardless of human attempts to manipulate or evade divine truth. Ahijah's unwavering proclamation of God's judgment exemplifies the prophetic duty to speak truth to power, even in the face of potential danger or deception. In summary, the falsehood of Jeroboam's wife is a poignant episode that illustrates the broader themes of divine justice, the perils of idolatry, and the inescapable nature of God's truth. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 14:2And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray you, and disguise yourself, that you be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get you to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, which told me that I should be king over this people. Nave's Topical Index Library Book I. Of Preparation. An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ... Resources What is the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy? | GotQuestions.orgShould we allow false teachers into our home? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God's anointed? | GotQuestions.org Falsehood: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Falsehood in Accusing Ahimelech of Conspiring With David Against Himself Falsehood in Denying to the King of Gerar, That She Was Abraham's Wife Falsehood in False Professions to Absalom Falsehood in Falsely Accusing Jesus of Being Gluttonous and a Winebibber (A Wino) Falsehood in his Deceitful Counsel to Absalom Falsehood in his False Pretensions to Jesus Falsehood in Impugning Job's Motives for Being Righteous Falsehood in Refusing to Bear Truthful Testimony Concerning John the Baptist Falsehood: Aaron, in Attempting to Shift Responsibility for the Making of the Golden Calf Falsehood: Abraham, in Denying That Sarah Was his Wife Falsehood: Adam and Eve, in Attempting to Evade Responsibility Falsehood: Ananias and Sapphira Falsely State That They had Sold Their Land for a Given Sum Falsehood: Cain, in Denying Knowledge of his Brother Falsehood: David in Feigning Madness Falsehood: David Lied to Ahimelech Falsehood: David's Other Deceits With the Philistines Falsehood: Falsely Accusing Jesus of Blasphemy, when he Forgave Sin Falsehood: Gehazi, when he Ran After Naaman Falsehood: General Scriptures Concerning Falsehood: Haman, in his Conspiracy Against the Jews Falsehood: Herod the Great, to the Wise Men, in Professing to Desire to Worship Jesus Falsehood: Isaac, Denying That Rebekah Was his Wife Falsehood: Jacob's Sons, in the Scheme to Destroy the Shechemites by First Having Them Circumcised Falsehood: Jeremiah's Adversaries, in Accusing Him of Joining the Chaldeans Falsehood: Jeroboam's Wife, Feigning Herself to be Another Woman Falsehood: Joseph, in the Deception he Carried on With his Brothers Falsehood: Paul's Traducers, Falsely Accusing Him of Treason to Caesar Falsehood: Peter, in Denying Jesus Falsehood: Pharaoh, in Dealing Deceitfully With the Israelites Falsehood: Potiphar's Wife, in Falsely Accusing Joseph Falsehood: Princes of Israel, when They Went to Jeremiah for a Vision from the Lord Falsehood: Rahab, in Denying That the Spies Were in Her House Falsehood: Rebekah and Isaac, in the Conspiracy Against Esau Falsehood: Samaritans, in Their Efforts to Hinder the Rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem Falsehood: Sanballat in Trying to Obstruct the Rebuilding of Jerusalem Falsehood: Sisera, Who Instructed Jael to Mislead his Pursuers Falsehood: Stephen's Accusers, Who Falsely Accused Him of Blaspheming Moses and God Falsehood: The Amalekite Who Claimed to Have Killed Saul Falsehood: The Conspirators Against Naboth Falsehood: The Cretans are Always Liars, Evil Beasts, Slow Bellies Falsehood: The Disobedient Son, Who Promised to Work in the Vineyard, But did Not Falsehood: The Falsehood of Friendship to Absalom That David Put in the Mouth of Hushai Falsehood: The Old Prophet of Beth-El Who Misguided the Prophet of Judah Falsehood: The Roman Soldiers, Who Said the Disciples Stole the Body of Jesus Falsehood: The Wife of the Bahurimite Who Saved the Lives of Hushai's Messengers Falsehood: To the Angels, Denying Her Derisive Laugh of Unbelief Falsehood: Zedekiah, in Violating his Oath of Allegiance to Nebuchadnezzer The Gibeonites, Ambassadors, in the Deception Related Terms Nebuchadrez'zar (31 Occurrences) |
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