◄ 1 Kings 14:9 ►
You have done more evil than all who came before you. You have proceeded to make for yourself other gods and molten images to provoke Me, and you have flung Me behind your back.
Study Bible
You have done more evil
This phrase is a direct accusation against King Jeroboam, highlighting the severity of his actions compared to his predecessors. The Hebrew word for "evil" here is "רָעָה" (ra'ah), which conveys not just moral wickedness but also the idea of causing harm or calamity. Jeroboam's actions were not only sinful but also destructive to the spiritual and social fabric of Israel. Historically, Jeroboam's reign marked a significant departure from the worship of Yahweh, leading the nation into idolatry.

than all who lived before you
This comparison underscores the unprecedented nature of Jeroboam's sins. The phrase suggests a cumulative history of disobedience, yet Jeroboam's actions surpassed them all. In the context of Israel's history, this is a grave indictment, as it places Jeroboam at the pinnacle of rebellion against God. It serves as a warning about the progressive nature of sin when left unchecked.

You have made for yourself other gods
The creation of "other gods" refers to the idolatry that Jeroboam introduced. The Hebrew word for "gods" is "אֱלֹהִים" (elohim), which can mean gods or judges, but in this context, it refers to false deities. Jeroboam's actions were a direct violation of the first commandment, which forbids the worship of any gods other than Yahweh. This act of idolatry was a deliberate choice to turn away from the covenant relationship with God.

and molten images
The term "molten images" refers to idols cast from metal, often gold or silver. The Hebrew word "מַסֵּכָה" (massekah) indicates something that is poured or cast, emphasizing the intentional and crafted nature of these idols. Archaeological findings have uncovered similar idols from the ancient Near East, providing context for the type of worship practices Jeroboam was promoting. These images were not just religious symbols but represented a tangible rejection of God's invisible and spiritual nature.

to provoke Me to anger
The phrase "provoke Me to anger" reveals the relational aspect of Israel's covenant with God. The Hebrew word "כָּעַס" (ka'as) means to provoke or irritate, suggesting that Jeroboam's actions were not just violations of law but personal affronts to God. This anthropomorphic expression highlights God's righteous indignation towards sin and His desire for a faithful relationship with His people.

and you have flung Me behind your back
This vivid imagery of "flinging" God behind one's back signifies utter disregard and rejection. The Hebrew word "שָׁלַךְ" (shalach) means to cast or throw away, indicating a deliberate and contemptuous act. In the cultural context, turning one's back on someone was a sign of disrespect and betrayal. Jeroboam's actions symbolized a complete turning away from God, prioritizing his own desires and political ambitions over divine commandments.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is the subject of God's rebuke in this verse.

2. Israel
The northern kingdom over which Jeroboam ruled. It was distinct from the southern kingdom of Judah.

3. Other gods and cast images
Refers to the idols and false gods that Jeroboam introduced to Israel, leading them into idolatry.

4. Prophet Ahijah
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the prophet who delivers God's message to Jeroboam, including the rebuke found in this passage.

5. The LORD (Yahweh)
The one true God of Israel, whom Jeroboam has provoked to anger through his idolatry.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry is a grave sin that provokes God's anger. It involves placing anything or anyone above God in our lives.

Leadership Responsibility
Leaders have a significant influence on those they lead. Jeroboam's actions led an entire nation into sin, highlighting the importance of godly leadership.

Consequences of Sin
Sin, especially idolatry, has severe consequences. Jeroboam's actions eventually led to the downfall of his dynasty and the northern kingdom.

God's Jealousy for His People
God desires exclusive devotion from His people. When we turn to other "gods" or idols, we are essentially rejecting Him.

Repentance and Return
Despite the severity of sin, God always calls His people to repentance and offers a way back to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. What are some modern-day "idols" that can take precedence over God in our lives, and how can we guard against them?

2. How does Jeroboam's account illustrate the impact of a leader's actions on their followers? Can you think of examples in today's context?

3. Reflect on a time when you may have "flung God behind your back." What steps did you take, or can you take, to restore your relationship with Him?

4. How do the consequences of Jeroboam's idolatry serve as a warning for us today? What can we learn from his mistakes?

5. In what ways can we ensure that our devotion to God remains exclusive and undivided, especially in a world full of distractions and competing priorities?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:3-4
The commandment against idolatry, which Jeroboam violated by making other gods and cast images.

Deuteronomy 32:21
Describes how Israel provoked God to anger with their idolatry, similar to Jeroboam's actions.

1 Kings 12:28-30
Details Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into sin.

2 Kings 17:21-23
Chronicles the consequences of Jeroboam's sins, leading to the eventual downfall of the northern kingdom.
Sermons
A Good Boy and a Bad FamilyA. McAuslane, D. D.1 Kings 14:1-18
Affliction and JudgmentJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 14:1-20
Hard TidingsJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 14:7-11
Servitude or Service -- Which?Spurgeon, Charles Haddon1 Kings 14:8-9
People
Abijah, Abijam, Ahijah, David, Israelites, Jeroboam, Naamah, Nadab, Rehoboam, Shishak, Sodomites, Solomon, Tirzah
Places
Bethel, Egypt, Euphrates River, Jerusalem, Shiloh, Tirzah
Topics
Anger, Back-, Behind, Cast, Evil, Gods, Goest, Hast, Idols, Images, Makest, Metal, Molten, Moving, Provoke, Provoked, Provoking, Thrust, Turning, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 14:9

     1025   God, anger of
     4303   metals
     5127   back
     6218   provoking God

1 Kings 14:6-16

     1431   prophecy, OT methods

1 Kings 14:7-9

     6163   faults

1 Kings 14:7-13

     1429   prophecy, OT fulfilment

Library
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 Which
It 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
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. "Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin."--1 KINGS xiv. 16. Jeroboam's character is worthy of serious study, not only because it influenced the destiny of God's ancient people, but because it suggests lessons of the utmost value to His people still. He may be fairly regarded as a type of those who are successful men of the world. He was not an example of piety, for he had none--nor of lofty principle, for he was an opportunist who made expediency …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Whether Contention is a Mortal Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that contention is not a mortal sin. For there is no mortal sin in spiritual men: and yet contention is to be found in them, according to Lk. 22:24: "And there was also a strife amongst" the disciples of Jesus, "which of them should . . . be the greatest." Therefore contention is not a mortal sin. Objection 2: Further, no well disposed man should be pleased that his neighbor commit a mortal sin. But the Apostle says (Phil. 1:17): "Some out of contention preach Christ," …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful?
Objection 1: It would seem that divination by drawing lots is not unlawful, because a gloss of Augustine on Ps. 30:16, "My lots are in Thy hands," says: "It is not wrong to cast lots, for it is a means of ascertaining the divine will when a man is in doubt." Objection 2: There is, seemingly, nothing unlawful in the observances which the Scriptures relate as being practiced by holy men. Now both in the Old and in the New Testament we find holy men practicing the casting of lots. For it is related …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Whole Heart
LET me give the principal passages in which the words "the whole heart," "all the heart," are used. A careful study of them will show how wholehearted love and service is what God has always asked, because He can, in the very nature of things, ask nothing less. The prayerful and believing acceptance of the words will waken the assurance that such wholehearted love and service is exactly the blessing the New Covenant was meant to make possible. That assurance will prepare us for turning to the Omnipotence …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants

Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). In our last chapter we considered at some length the much debated and difficult question of the human will. We have shown that the will of the natural man is neither Sovereign nor free but, instead, a servant and slave. We have argued that a right conception of the sinner's will-its servitude-is essential to a just estimate of his depravity and ruin. The utter corruption and degradation of human nature is something which …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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