Topical Encyclopedia
Ahijah, a prophet from Shiloh, plays a significant role in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of reproof and divine judgment. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles, where he serves as a mouthpiece for God's messages to the kings of Israel.
Background and RoleAhijah the Shilonite is first introduced in
1 Kings 11:29-39. He is known for his prophetic encounter with Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. During this encounter, Ahijah delivers a pivotal prophecy that would alter the course of Israel's history. Clad in a new cloak, Ahijah meets Jeroboam on the road and tears the cloak into twelve pieces, symbolically representing the twelve tribes of Israel. He then gives ten pieces to Jeroboam, signifying that God would tear the kingdom from Solomon's hand and give ten tribes to Jeroboam. This act of reproof against Solomon's idolatry and disobedience underscores Ahijah's role as a divine messenger of judgment.
Reproof and ProphecyAhijah's prophecy serves as a reproof not only to Solomon but also to the entire nation of Israel. It highlights the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The Berean Standard Bible records Ahijah's words in
1 Kings 11:31-33: "Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes. But for the sake of My servant David and the city of Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, he will have one tribe. For they have forsaken Me and worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the Ammonites. They have not walked in My ways, nor done what is right in My eyes, nor kept My statutes and judgments as David did.'"
This reproof is a direct consequence of the nation's idolatry and serves as a warning to future generations about the importance of faithfulness to God.
Further Reproof to JeroboamAhijah's role as a reprover continues in
1 Kings 14, where he delivers another message of judgment, this time to Jeroboam himself. After Jeroboam's wife disguises herself to seek counsel from Ahijah regarding their ill son, the prophet, though blind with age, recognizes her and delivers a harsh reproof. In
1 Kings 14:7-9 , Ahijah declares: "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. I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you. But you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and followed Me with all his heart, doing only what was right in My eyes. You have done more evil than all who were before you. You have made for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me to anger, and you have cast Me behind your back.'"
This reproof underscores the seriousness of Jeroboam's sin and the inevitable judgment that would follow. Ahijah's message is a reminder of the covenantal relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the need for obedience and the dire consequences of rebellion.
Legacy of ReproofAhijah's prophetic ministry is marked by his unwavering commitment to delivering God's messages of reproof and judgment. His interactions with both Solomon and Jeroboam highlight the role of prophets in calling leaders and nations back to covenant faithfulness. Ahijah's reproofs serve as a testament to the enduring principle that God holds His people accountable for their actions, urging them to return to Him with sincere hearts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Kings 14:7-11Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus said the LORD God of Israel, For as much as I exalted you from among the people, and made you prince over my people Israel,
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ...
... [4862] If one failed in this duty of reproof, he in ... disaffected nine tribes, [4886]
which, having been alienated [4887] by the prophet Ahijah, [4888] Jeroboam ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxv the judicial severity of.htm
National Apostasy
... unto the saying of the Lord, which He spake by His servant Ahijah the Shilonite ... to
the apostate king and the people, but in vain were these words of reproof. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm
The New Testament view of the Old Testament
... Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for
{11} correction, for instruction which is in ... the prophecy of Ahijah, ... ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter i the new testament.htm
The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic ...
... I wonder if there is any one in this generation who would take reproof. ... world, nay,
that if Abraham were reluctant, he (Simon) would take Ahijah the Shilonite ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xviii the sermon on.htm
Resources
Do Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5 contradict? How can both verses be true? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different theories of biblical inspiration? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? | GotQuestions.orgReproof: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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