All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam. All Israel will mourn for him and bury him.This phrase indicates a national mourning, suggesting the significance of the individual in question. In ancient Israel, mourning was a communal activity, often involving lamentation and specific mourning rituals. The fact that "all Israel" will mourn implies that the person held a position of respect or affection among the people. This is notable given the context of Jeroboam's reign, which was marked by idolatry and division. The act of burial is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, as it was a sign of honor and respect. Proper burial was important in Israelite culture, reflecting one's status and the community's regard for the deceased. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam. Persons / Places / Events 1. JeroboamThe first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. His reign is marked by idolatry and leading Israel away from God. 2. Ahijah the Prophet A prophet who delivers God's message to Jeroboam, including the prophecy concerning the death of Jeroboam's son. 3. Jeroboam's Son The unnamed son of Jeroboam who falls ill and is the subject of the prophecy in 1 Kings 14:13. He is the only member of Jeroboam's house in whom God finds something good. 4. Israel The northern kingdom, which mourns the death of Jeroboam's son, indicating his favorable standing among the people. 5. The LORD, the God of Israel The covenant God of Israel, who judges the house of Jeroboam but finds something good in his son. Teaching Points God's Sovereign Judgment and MercyGod's judgment on Jeroboam's house is severe, yet He shows mercy to the son by allowing him a dignified burial. This teaches us about the balance of God's justice and mercy. The Importance of the Heart God found something good in Jeroboam's son, emphasizing that God values the condition of our hearts over our external circumstances or family background. The Impact of a Godly Legacy Even in a corrupt household, one can stand out for good. This encourages us to pursue righteousness regardless of our environment. Mourning and Hope The mourning of Israel reflects the communal recognition of goodness. It reminds us that our lives can impact others positively, even in times of sorrow. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the account of Jeroboam's son teach us about God's ability to find good in unexpected places, and how can this encourage us in our personal walk with God?2. How does the concept of God looking at the heart, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:7, challenge us to evaluate our own lives and priorities? 3. In what ways can we ensure that we leave a godly legacy, even if we are surrounded by ungodliness, as Jeroboam's son did? 4. How can we find comfort in God's mercy during times of judgment or discipline, as seen in the account of Jeroboam's son? 5. Reflect on a time when you have mourned a loss. How can the promise of comfort in Matthew 5:4 provide hope and assurance in such times? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 16:7This verse highlights that God looks at the heart, not outward appearances, which connects to why God found something good in Jeroboam's son. 2 Chronicles 12:12 This passage discusses God's mercy in the midst of judgment, similar to how God shows mercy to Jeroboam's son by allowing him a proper burial. Matthew 5:4 The Beatitudes mention those who mourn will be comforted, paralleling the mourning of Israel for Jeroboam's son.
People Abijah, Abijam, Ahijah, David, Israelites, Jeroboam, Naamah, Nadab, Rehoboam, Shishak, Sodomites, Solomon, TirzahPlaces Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Shiloh, TirzahTopics Alone, Anything, Belonging, Body, Buried, Bury, Family, Grave, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Jeroboam's, Lamentation, Mourn, Mourned, Pleasing, Rest, Resting-place, Towards, WeepingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 14:6-16Library Synopsis. --The Gradual Narrowing of the Miraculous Element in the Bible by Recent Discovery and Discussion. --The Alarm Thereby Excited in the Church. --The Fallacy WhichIt is barely forty years since that beloved and fearless Christian scholar, Dean Stanley, spoke thus of the miracles recorded of the prophet Elisha: "His works stand alone in the Bible in their likeness to the acts of mediaeval saints. There alone in the Sacred History the gulf between Biblical and Ecclesiastical miracles almost disappears."[5] It required some courage to say as much as this then, while the storm of persecution was raging against Bishop Colenso for his critical work on the Pentateuch. … James Morris Whiton—Miracles and Supernatural Religion Jeroboam Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin? Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful? The Whole Heart Sovereignty and Human Responsibility The Prophet Joel. Kings Links 1 Kings 14:13 NIV1 Kings 14:13 NLT 1 Kings 14:13 ESV 1 Kings 14:13 NASB 1 Kings 14:13 KJV 1 Kings 14:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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