Question 1

Why did Jeroboam send his wife in disguise to visit Ahijah the prophet?

Accepted Answer

Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise because he wanted help from God without openly admitting it. His son Abijah was very sick, and Jeroboam hoped the prophet who once told him he would be king might now give a word about the child’s future. But he did not want people to see him turning back to a prophet of the Lord after leading Israel into idol worship. His disguise shows he wanted information and relief, not real repentance or a true return to God.

Question 2

What is the meaning of God saying Abijah had “some good thing” toward the Lord?

Accepted Answer

When God says there is “some good thing” in Abijah, it shows that God sees even a small heart-turn toward him, even in a family given over to idols. While the rest of Jeroboam’s house faces severe judgment, Abijah alone is promised a proper burial and mourning. His early death is portrayed as mercy, removing him from a corrupt house before worse comes. This reminds us that God’s judgment is not blind or cold. He notices individual hearts, even in a sinful environment.

Question 3

Why was God’s judgment on Jeroboam’s house so severe in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The judgment is so severe because Jeroboam did not just sin personally, he led the whole nation into false worship. God reminds him that he was lifted from among the people and made king, but instead of following God like David, he set up other gods and images. The sharp words about wiping out his family like dung and leaving their bodies to dogs and birds show how serious it is to turn people away from the true God. Leadership brings responsibility, and God holds him to account.

Question 4

What does this passage teach about God’s view of idolatry and false worship?

Accepted Answer

The passage shows that God treats idolatry very seriously. Jeroboam’s idols are called “other gods” and “molten images” that provoke God to anger. Israel’s later building of high places, images, and groves is linked directly to God giving them up to trouble and scattering. God had given them a good land and his name in Jerusalem, but they turned to the practices of the nations he had driven out. This teaches that false worship is not a small side issue. It is a direct turning away from God.

Question 5

Why did God also judge Israel and not only Jeroboam as a person?

Accepted Answer

God’s word through Ahijah says Jeroboam “made Israel to sin.” As king, he set up a whole system of false worship, so the people followed him into it. Because of this, God warns that Israel will be shaken like a reed in water, rooted up from the good land, and scattered beyond the river. The people shared in the sin and so shared in the results. This shows that when a nation goes along with wrong teaching and worship, it is not only the leader who bears the weight of it.

Question 6

How does the story of Abijah’s death fit with God’s mercy and justice?

Accepted Answer

Abijah’s death is both a judgment and a mercy. It is a judgment because it happens exactly as God said, the moment Jeroboam’s wife returns home. But it is also mercy because God says this child alone will be buried and mourned, since some good toward the Lord is found in him. The others in Jeroboam’s house will die in disgrace. So even in a hard story of loss, we see that God’s justice is measured. He does not treat the whole family in the same way, but acts according to what he sees in each heart.

Question 7

What was happening in Judah under Rehoboam during this time?

Accepted Answer

While Jeroboam was leading Israel into idolatry, Judah under Rehoboam was also turning away from God. Judah built high places, images, and groves on hills and under green trees, copying the nations that God had driven out. There were also sexual sins tied to idol worship in the land. As a result, God allowed Shishak king of Egypt to come against Jerusalem and carry off the treasures of the temple and the king’s house. Judah’s sin brought them from the glory of Solomon’s gold shields down to bronze replacements.

Question 8

What does this passage show about God seeing through human disguises and plans?

Accepted Answer

The scene with Jeroboam’s wife shows that no disguise can hide someone from God. She comes dressed as another woman, hoping the blind prophet will not know her. But God has already told Ahijah who is coming and why. As soon as he hears her feet, he calls her “wife of Jeroboam” and delivers God’s message. This makes clear that God sees through appearances, outward religion, and attempts to manage him. People can fool each other, but they cannot hide their hearts or motives from God.

1 Kings 14:1

At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick.

Ahijah’s Prophecy against Jeroboam

Nadab Succeeds Jeroboam

Rehoboam Reigns in Judah

Shishak Raids Jerusalem

Ahijah’s Prophecy against Jeroboam

metadata.crossReferences

1 Kings 14:1

At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick.

share.title

share.allVerses

share.verseWithContext

share.currentVerse

Ahijah’s Prophecy against Jeroboam

Nadab Succeeds Jeroboam

Rehoboam Reigns in Judah

Shishak Raids Jerusalem

Ahijah’s Prophecy against Jeroboam

metadata.crossReferences