Topical Encyclopedia Ahijah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known primarily for his role as a prophet during the reigns of Solomon and Jeroboam. His name, meaning "brother of Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my brother," reflects his close association with God and his prophetic mission.1. Ahijah the Shilonite Ahijah the Shilonite is perhaps the most well-known of the individuals named Ahijah in the Bible. He is introduced in 1 Kings 11:29-31, where he plays a pivotal role in the division of the united kingdom of Israel. Ahijah, a prophet from Shiloh, encounters Jeroboam, a servant of King Solomon, and delivers a prophetic message that would change the course of Israel's history. In a symbolic act, Ahijah tears a new cloak into twelve pieces, giving ten to Jeroboam, signifying that God would give him rule over ten of the twelve tribes of Israel. This act foreshadows the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death, with Jeroboam becoming the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. The prophecy of Ahijah is fulfilled as recorded in 1 Kings 12, when the ten northern tribes secede from the house of David, establishing Jeroboam as their king. Ahijah's prophecy underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and judgment, as God responds to Solomon's idolatry and disobedience by tearing the kingdom from his lineage, albeit leaving one tribe for the sake of David and Jerusalem. 2. Ahijah's Later Prophecies Ahijah's involvement with Jeroboam continues in 1 Kings 14. As Jeroboam's reign progresses, he leads Israel into idolatry, prompting divine judgment. Jeroboam's wife visits Ahijah in disguise, seeking insight about their ailing son. Despite his blindness due to old age, Ahijah receives a revelation from God and recognizes her. He delivers a harsh prophecy against Jeroboam's house, declaring that disaster will befall his family due to their sins. Ahijah's words come to pass, as recorded in 1 Kings 14:12-16, where the death of Jeroboam's son and the eventual downfall of his dynasty are foretold. 3. Ahijah in the Context of Israel's Prophetic Tradition Ahijah's role as a prophet is consistent with the broader prophetic tradition in Israel, where prophets served as God's messengers, calling the people and their leaders to faithfulness and warning of consequences for disobedience. His interactions with Jeroboam highlight the tension between divine promises and human failure, a recurring theme in the narrative of Israel's monarchy. 4. Other References to Ahijah Apart from Ahijah the Shilonite, the Bible mentions other individuals named Ahijah, though they are less prominent. In 1 Samuel 14:3, Ahijah is identified as a priest, the son of Ahitub, and a descendant of Eli. He serves during the reign of King Saul, wearing an ephod, which indicates his priestly role. Another Ahijah is mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:25 as a descendant of Jerahmeel, and yet another in 1 Chronicles 11:36 as one of David's mighty warriors. 5. Theological Significance Ahijah's life and prophecies emphasize the importance of obedience to God's covenant and the consequences of idolatry and unfaithfulness. His messages serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations and His willingness to raise and depose leaders according to His divine purposes. Ahijah's interactions with Jeroboam illustrate the prophetic office's role in guiding, warning, and sometimes rebuking the leaders of Israel, ensuring that the covenant relationship between God and His people remains central to their identity and mission. Library The New Garment Bent Asa Concerning the Death of a Son of Jeroboam. How Jeroboam was Beaten ... Thesaurus Ahijah's (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Ahijah's (2 Occurrences). 1 Kings 14:4 And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. ... /a/ahijah's.htm - 7k Ahi'jah (22 Occurrences) Ahikam (20 Occurrences) Israel (27466 Occurrences) Sharp (115 Occurrences) Harsh (20 Occurrences) Resources Who was Ahijah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Israel divided into the Southern Kingdom and Northern Kingdom? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ahijah's (2 Occurrences)1 Kings 14:4 1 Kings 14:6 Subtopics Related Terms Nebuchadnez'zar (55 Occurrences) |