In Ahab's days, Hiel the Bethelite rebuilt Jericho. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn he laid its foundation, and at the cost of Segub his youngest he set up its gates, according to the word that the LORD had spoken through Joshua son of Nun. In Ahab’s daysThis phrase situates the events within the reign of King Ahab, a period marked by significant apostasy and moral decline in Israel. Ahab, influenced by his wife Jezebel, led Israel into idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal. The phrase underscores the spiritual darkness of the era, setting the stage for the fulfillment of a divine curse. The historical context is crucial, as it highlights the contrast between the faithfulness of God’s word and the unfaithfulness of Israel’s leadership. Hiel the Bethelite
Hiel, identified as a Bethelite, indicates his origin from Bethel, a city associated with idolatry since Jeroboam I set up a golden calf there (1 Kings 12:29). This association with Bethel may imply Hiel’s disregard for the God of Israel, aligning with the idolatrous practices of the time. His actions reflect a broader cultural and spiritual rebellion against God’s commands. rebuilt Jericho
Jericho, the first city conquered by the Israelites under Joshua, was cursed to remain unrebuilt (Joshua 6:26). The act of rebuilding it signifies a blatant defiance of God’s explicit command. This rebuilding is not merely a physical act but a spiritual transgression, symbolizing the rejection of God’s authority and the consequences of ignoring His decrees. At the cost of Abiram his firstborn
The phrase indicates the fulfillment of Joshua’s curse, where the rebuilder of Jericho would do so at the cost of his firstborn. The death of Abiram serves as a divine judgment and a stark reminder of the seriousness of God’s word. It illustrates the principle that disobedience to God’s commands leads to severe consequences, reinforcing the theme of divine justice. he laid its foundations
Laying the foundations of Jericho signifies the beginning of its reconstruction. This act, resulting in the loss of Hiel’s firstborn, underscores the gravity of defying God’s pronouncements. It serves as a warning that the foundations of any endeavor built in opposition to God’s will are inherently unstable and doomed to bring sorrow. and at the cost of Segub his youngest
The completion of Jericho’s gates at the cost of Segub, Hiel’s youngest son, further fulfills Joshua’s curse. This tragic outcome emphasizes the totality of God’s judgment and the fulfillment of His word. It serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of rebellion and the importance of adhering to God’s commands. he set up its gates
Setting up the gates represents the completion of Jericho’s reconstruction. The gates, often symbolizing security and strength, ironically become a testament to the futility of human efforts against divine decrees. This act, resulting in the loss of another son, highlights the ultimate futility and tragedy of opposing God’s will. according to the word of the LORD
This phrase affirms the reliability and authority of God’s word. Despite the passage of time, God’s pronouncements remain true and unalterable. It serves as a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God’s promises and the certainty of His judgments. spoken through Joshua son of Nun
Referencing Joshua, the leader who initially conquered Jericho, ties the events back to the original divine command. It underscores the continuity of God’s word across generations and the enduring nature of His decrees. Joshua’s role as a faithful servant contrasts with the disobedience of Hiel, highlighting the blessings of obedience versus the curses of rebellion. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhabThe king of Israel during whose reign Hiel rebuilt Jericho. Ahab is known for his idolatry and leading Israel away from God. 2. Hiel the BetheliteThe man who rebuilt Jericho, fulfilling a curse pronounced by Joshua. 3. JerichoAn ancient city whose walls famously fell after Joshua's conquest. It was cursed by Joshua to remain unrebuilt. 4. Abiram and SegubHiel's sons, whose deaths fulfilled the curse associated with rebuilding Jericho. 5. Joshua son of NunThe leader of Israel who pronounced the curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho ( Joshua 6:26). Teaching Points The Consequences of DisobedienceHiel's actions demonstrate the severe consequences of ignoring God's commands and prophecies. Disobedience to God's word can lead to personal and familial tragedy. The Fulfillment of God's WordThe fulfillment of Joshua's curse centuries later underscores the reliability and authority of God's word. Believers can trust that God's promises and warnings will come to pass. The Influence of LeadershipAhab's reign, marked by idolatry and rebellion against God, sets a cultural tone that allows for such disobedience. Leadership can significantly influence the spiritual direction of a community or nation. The Cost of SinSin often has a broader impact than anticipated, affecting not just the sinner but also their family and community. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of sin's far-reaching consequences. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fulfillment of Joshua's curse in 1 Kings 16:34 demonstrate the reliability of God's word? 2. In what ways can the spiritual climate of a nation or community influence individual actions, as seen in the reign of Ahab? 3. Reflect on a time when ignoring a warning led to negative consequences in your life. How can this passage encourage you to heed God's warnings? 4. How does the account of Hiel and his sons illustrate the broader impact of sin on families and communities? 5. Considering the leadership of Ahab, what qualities should we look for in leaders to ensure they guide us toward righteousness rather than rebellion against God? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 6:26This verse records Joshua's curse on anyone who would rebuild Jericho, stating that it would cost the rebuilder his firstborn and youngest sons. This prophecy is fulfilled in 1 Kings 16:34. Deuteronomy 18:20-22Discusses the test of a true prophet, which is relevant as Joshua's prophecy is fulfilled exactly as spoken. 1 Kings 18:17-18Highlights Ahab's role in leading Israel into sin, providing context for the spiritual climate during Hiel's actions. People Abiram, Ahab, Arza, Asa, Baasha, Elah, Ethbaal, Ginath, Hanani, Hiel, Israelites, Jehu, Jeroboam, Jezebel, Joram, Joshua, Nebat, Nun, Omri, Segub, Shemer, Sidonians, Tibni, Tirzah, Zidon, Zidonians, ZimriPlaces Bethel, Gibbethon, Jericho, Samaria, TirzahTopics Abiram, Abi'ram, Accordance, Base, Bethel, Bethelite, Beth-elite, Build, Built, Cost, Doors, Firstborn, First-born, Foundation, Foundations, Gates, Hiel, Hi'el, Jericho, Joshua, Laid, Loss, Nun, Oldest, Position, Price, Rebuilt, Segub, Spake, Spoke, Spoken, Thereof, YoungestDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 16:34 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment
1690 word of God
5317 foundation
5323 gate
5688 firstborn
6160 fathers, sin of
7435 sacrifice, in OT Library Whether the Mode of virtue Falls under the Precept of the Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that the mode of virtue falls under the precept of the law. For the mode of virtue is that deeds of justice should be done justly, that deeds of fortitude should be done bravely, and in like manner as to the other virtues. But it is commanded (Dt. 26:20) that "thou shalt follow justly after that which is just." Therefore the mode of virtue falls under the precept. Objection 2: Further, that which belongs to the intention of the lawgiver comes chiefly under the precept. …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa TheologicaWhether a Man Can be Saved Without Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that no man can be saved without Baptism. For our Lord said (Jn. 3:5): "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." But those alone are saved who enter God's kingdom. Therefore none can be saved without Baptism, by which a man is born again of water and the Holy Ghost. Objection 2: Further, in the book De Eccl. Dogm. xli, it is written: "We believe that no catechumen, though he die in his good works, will have eternal life, except …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the Old Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that there can be no suitable cause for the sacraments of the Old Law. Because those things that are done for the purpose of divine worship should not be like the observances of idolaters: since it is written (Dt. 12:31): "Thou shalt not do in like manner to the Lord thy God: for they have done to their gods all the abominations which the Lord abhorreth." Now worshippers of idols used to knive themselves to the shedding of blood: for it is related (3 Kings 18:28) that they …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether a Vow Consists in a Mere Purpose of the Will?
Objection 1: It would seem that a vow consists in nothing but a purpose of the will. According to some [*William of Auxerre, Sum. Aur. III, xxviii, qu. 1; Albertus Magnus, Sent. iv, D, 38], "a vow is a conception of a good purpose after a firm deliberation of the mind, whereby a man binds himself before God to do or not to do a certain thing." But the conception of a good purpose and so forth, may consist in a mere movement of the will. Therefore a vow consists in a mere purpose of the will. Objection …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Whoever is Perfect is in the State of Perfection?
Objection 1: It would seem that whoever is perfect is in the state of perfection. For, as stated above (A[3], ad 3), just as bodily perfection is reached by bodily growth, so spiritual perfection is acquired by spiritual growth. Now after bodily growth one is said to have reached the state of perfect age. Therefore seemingly also after spiritual growth, when one has already reached spiritual perfection, one is in the state of perfection. Objection 2: Further, according to Phys. v, 2, movement "from …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether after the Resurrection Every one Will Know what Sins He Has Committed?
Objection 1: It seems that after the resurrection everyone will not be able to know all the sins he has committed. For whatever we know, either we receive it anew through the senses, or we draw it from the treasure house of the memory. Now after the resurrection men will be unable to perceive their sins by means of sense, because they will be things of the past, while sense perceives only the present: and many sins will have escaped the sinner's memory, and he will be unable to recall them from the …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Sennacherib (705-681 B. C. )
The struggle of Sennacherib with Judaea and Egypt--Destruction of Babylon. Sennacherib either failed to inherit his father's good fortune, or lacked his ability.* He was not deficient in military genius, nor in the energy necessary to withstand the various enemies who rose against him at widely removed points of his frontier, but he had neither the adaptability of character nor the delicate tact required to manage successfully the heterogeneous elements combined under his sway. * The two principal …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8 The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 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 Links 1 Kings 16:34 NIV1 Kings 16:34 NLT1 Kings 16:34 ESV1 Kings 16:34 NASB1 Kings 16:34 KJV
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