Jeroboam's wife is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Kings. She is the unnamed spouse of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Her account is primarily found in 1 Kings 14.

Background

Jeroboam I was a servant of King Solomon who rebelled and became the first king of the newly formed northern kingdom of Israel. His reign is marked by idolatry and a departure from the worship of Yahweh, as he established golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem to worship (1 Kings 12:28-30).

The Visit to Ahijah

The most significant biblical account involving Jeroboam's wife occurs when their son, Abijah, falls ill. Jeroboam, concerned for his son's health, sends his wife to the prophet Ahijah in Shiloh to inquire about the boy's fate. Jeroboam instructs her to disguise herself so that Ahijah would not recognize her as the king's wife (1 Kings 14:1-2).

Despite her disguise, God reveals her identity to Ahijah. The prophet, though blind due to old age, greets her with the words, "Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why this pretense of yours? I have been sent to you with bad news" (1 Kings 14:6). Ahijah delivers a message of judgment from God, condemning Jeroboam's idolatry and foretelling the downfall of his house. He prophesies that their son Abijah will die as soon as she returns home, and that he will be the only one of Jeroboam's family to receive a proper burial because "in him there is found something good toward the LORD, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam" (1 Kings 14:13).

Significance

Jeroboam's wife's visit to Ahijah highlights several themes in the biblical narrative. It underscores the consequences of Jeroboam's idolatry and disobedience to God. The episode also illustrates the futility of attempting to deceive God, as He reveals the truth to His prophets. Furthermore, the account emphasizes God's sovereignty and justice, as well as His ability to discern the hearts of individuals, as seen in His favorable view of Abijah despite the broader judgment on Jeroboam's house.

Legacy

The account of Jeroboam's wife serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God. Her account is a reminder of the prophetic role in Israel's history and the divine authority behind the prophets' messages. While her name is not recorded, her actions and the resulting prophecy had a lasting impact on the narrative of Israel's kings and their relationship with God.