1 Kings 14:17

Then Jeroboam's wife got up and departed for Tirzah, and as soon as she stepped over the threshold of the house, the boy died.

Study Bible

Then Jeroboam’s wife got up and departed for Tirzah
Jeroboam's wife, unnamed in the text, is acting on the instructions given by the prophet Ahijah. Tirzah was an important city in the northern kingdom of Israel, serving as a royal residence before Samaria became the capital. This journey signifies obedience to the prophetic word, despite the ominous message she received. Tirzah's significance is highlighted in its mention in Song of Solomon 6:4, indicating its beauty and importance. The departure also marks a moment of transition, both physically and spiritually, as she moves from the prophet's presence back to her home, carrying the weight of the prophecy.

and as soon as she stepped over the threshold of the house
The threshold of a house in ancient Near Eastern culture often symbolized a boundary between the outside world and the safety of the home. Crossing it could represent a significant transition or change. In this context, it marks the fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy. The immediacy of the event underscores the certainty and precision of God's word through His prophets. This moment echoes other biblical instances where thresholds signify pivotal moments, such as in Exodus 12:22-23, where the blood on the doorposts and lintel protected the Israelites during Passover.

the boy died
The death of Jeroboam's son, Abijah, fulfills the prophecy given by Ahijah. This tragic event serves as a divine judgment against Jeroboam's household due to his idolatry and disobedience. The boy's death is not just a personal loss but a national sign, indicating the seriousness of Jeroboam's sin and the consequences of leading Israel into idolatry. This moment parallels other instances in Scripture where the death of a child serves as a sign of judgment, such as the death of David's son with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12:14-18. Theologically, it underscores the principle that sin has far-reaching consequences, affecting not just the sinner but also their family and community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jeroboam's Wife
The unnamed wife of King Jeroboam, who was sent to the prophet Ahijah to inquire about the fate of her sick son.

2. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. His reign was marked by idolatry and disobedience to God.

3. Tirzah
A city in the northern kingdom of Israel, which served as a royal residence before Samaria became the capital.

4. The Child
The son of Jeroboam and his wife, whose illness and subsequent death were foretold by the prophet Ahijah.

5. Ahijah the Prophet
A prophet who delivered God's message to Jeroboam's wife regarding the fate of her son and the future of Jeroboam's dynasty.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Jeroboam's idolatry and disobedience led to severe consequences for his family. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.

The Role of Prophets
Ahijah's prophecy highlights the role of prophets as God's messengers, delivering both warnings and promises. It underscores the need to heed God's word through His chosen vessels.

The Certainty of God's Word
The fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy demonstrates the certainty and reliability of God's word. Believers can trust that God's promises and warnings will come to pass.

The Impact of Leadership
Jeroboam's actions as a leader had far-reaching effects on his family and nation. This teaches the importance of godly leadership and the influence leaders have on those they lead.

The Reality of Judgment
The death of Jeroboam's son serves as a sobering reminder of God's judgment. It calls believers to examine their lives and align with God's will to avoid similar consequences.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Jeroboam's wife and her son illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? Reflect on a time when you experienced consequences for disobedience and how it affected your faith journey.

2. In what ways does the role of Ahijah the prophet in this account encourage us to listen to God's messengers today? How can we discern true prophetic voices in our lives?

3. How does the fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy in 1 Kings 14:17 strengthen your trust in the reliability of God's word? Can you think of other instances in the Bible where God's word was fulfilled?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jeroboam's leadership that apply to our roles as leaders in our families, workplaces, or communities? How can we ensure our leadership aligns with God's principles?

5. How does the reality of God's judgment in this passage motivate you to live a life that is pleasing to Him? What steps can you take to align more closely with God's will in your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 11:29-31
This passage describes Ahijah's initial prophecy to Jeroboam, foretelling his rise to power. It connects to 1 Kings 14:17 by showing the continuity of Ahijah's role as a prophet in Jeroboam's life.

Deuteronomy 28:15-68
These verses outline the curses for disobedience to God's commandments, which relate to the consequences faced by Jeroboam's family due to his idolatry.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
This passage emphasizes the importance of obedience over sacrifice, paralleling Jeroboam's failure to obey God despite his position as king.