I Kings 14:1-15:8 - The Fall of Jeroboam I and Rehoboam

I Kings 14:1-15:8 

And Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they provoked Him to jealousy more than all that their fathers had done, with the sins which they committed. For they also built for themselves high places and pillars and Asherim on every high hill and beneath every luxuriant tree. And there were also male cult prostitutes in the land. They did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord dispossessed before the sons of Israel. (14:22-24)

Message: The Fall of Jeroboam I and Rehoboam 

Time: The author of 1&2 Kings (originally 1 book) is not known. First Kings follows the history of this divided kingdom from the death of David around 971 BC through the year 853 BC. First Kings reveals Solomon’s relationship with Yahweh and introduces the prophet Elijah who pronounces judgment on the evil northern king Ahab. Like other books, it helps us to understand the history of Israel and Judah.

What the Lord is Saying: In the preceding chapter, at the end of the chapter it is mentioned that "Jeroboam did not return from his evil way." The problem with Jeroboam is he did not turn from his evil ways but continued. He also did not take the naming of priests seriously, but instead "he made priests...from among all the people." In his world, he could name whomever to take upon the role as priest. Despite Jeroboam being warned, he did not change. Jeroboam's problem was he did right in his own eyes. This is the biggest problem of man and one I think we must be careful to observe --People make up their own rules and follow their own personal feelings or desires instead of obeying an external, higher authority or absolute moral law. 

I was speaking to a man from work yesterday who said that he no longer attends church. He seemed to have genuine faith but he felt like because of the crookedness of leadership in churches, it was better for him to not practice church. I have heard of others doing this, but this seems contrary to God's words. To me, man is deciding it is easier to not do church. He also mentioned his daughter marrying an atheist. But, what can we do with our children at times. They must sow their own seeds. 

Thus, as chapter 14 begins, Abijah is mentioned. He is the son of Jeroboam. He is ill. The author seems to be connecting the sin and destruction of Jeroboam's house with Abijah, his son's sickness. Perhaps we need to look at the illness that comes into our lives for a connection to sin - not only personal sin, but national sin as well. Then in verse 2, Jeroboam tells his wife to disguise herself and go to the prophet Ahijah, who was known to communicate God's messages to Jeroboam. She brought food with her to give to him. Ahijah is now blind. The Lord told Ahijah that Jeroboam's wife was coming in disguise and so Ahijah calls Jeroboam's wife her real name upon her arrival. 

In verse 7-16 pronounces a judgment on Jeroboam, by way of Ahijah. His judgment on Jeroboam is intense. First of all, Jeroboam had a model of good and righteous behavior with David and he ignored it. It had been 40 years since David's reign ended. Solomon's reign began good but then ended poorly in the way of submitting and surrendering to God and now Jeroboam is even worse and in verse 9 he is called to "have done more evil than all who were before you." He defined worship and deity in the manner he was more comfortable with and that was more convenient. Those closet to Jeroboam will receive the worst death - "the dogs will eat." When his wife enter the city Abijah will die upon entry (v. 12). In verse 20, it states Jeroboam reigned 22 years, died and his son Nadab reigned in his place. 

Meanwhile, Rehoboam reigned in Judah (the son of Solomon); verse 21. Rehoboam did not fare any better than Jeroboam. "Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord" (verse 22). Nothing good is said of Rehoboam. These people also "built for themselves high places." They substituted what God had made with something else that fit their liking. 

Another king of Egypt (to the south) comes up against Jerusalem, taking treasures and shields of gold from Jeroboam. Jeroboam made shields of bronze to replace. Rehoboam's reign ends after 17 years and his son Abijam takes his place. (v. 25-31). Abijam did no better as "he walked in all the sins of his father" (15:3).  

Summary: From the northern and southern kingdom, the reigns of Jeroboam and Rehoboam, respectively, did evil in the sight of the Lord. Jeroboam's consequences are detailed. 

Promise: Let us serve God faithfully, continually, consistently. 

Prayer: God, you establish ways for us to worship. Sometimes I think I look for the way that is most convenient or justify my worship ways and modes of worship. I am not sure I am always careful to align myself with your plans for me. I pray that our ways of worship are true and praiseworthy. 

Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.