1 Kings 10:4-7
10:4 When the queen of Sheba saw [in Solomon’s answers to her questions and in his administration of the kingdom] all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built [the palace was mute testimony to Solomon’s power and organizational genius],

10:5 [Solomon’s organizational genius was obvious in every detail the queen of Sheba observed] the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he made at the temple of the LORD, she was overwhelmed [literally “there was no more spirit in her”; the grandeur of all she saw took her breath away; queen later acknowledged source of Solomon’s wisdom and honor (10:9)].

10:6 She said to the king, “The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true.

10:7 But I did not believe [she had been skeptical about what she had heard about Solomon] these things until I came and saw with my own eyes [she took the time to personally investigate]. Indeed, not even half [the reports she had heard were clearly understated] was told me; in wisdom and wealth you have far exceeded the report I heard.

1 Kings 10:14-15
10:14 The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents [almost 25 tons of gold; talent roughly equivalent to 75 pounds],

10:15 not including [Solomon had other sources of income] the revenues from merchants and traders [taxes levied on those who moved their merchandise through Solomon’s territory] and from all the Arabian kings [tribal chiefs in the desert to the south and east of Jerusalem; they paid tribute to Solomon] and the governors of the land.

1 Kings 10:22
10:22 The king had a fleet of trading ships [“trading ships” translates Heb. word “Tarshish” which was a trading center somewhere in the western Mediterranean Sea (some believed it was a port in southern Spain); ships that could travel as far as Tarshish came to be called “Tarshish” which means “large trading vessels”; Solomon constructed fleet of ships at Ezion Geber (cf. 1 Kings 9:26)] at sea along with the ships of Hiram[king of Tyre (1 Kings 5:1); both Solomon and Hiram benefited from this alliance]. Once every three years it returned, carrying gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.

1 Kings 9:15-19
9:15 Here is the account of the forced labor [cf. 1 Sam. 8:11-18 re: Samuel’s warning that a king would use them and their resources for his own ends] King Solomon conscripted to build the LORD’S temple, his own palace, the supporting terraces [may refer to earthworks connecting David’s city of Jerusalem and newly constructed temple], the wall of Jerusalem [probably extended the wall to include the area of the new temple and palace complex; made the city more easily defended], and Hazor [located three miles north of the Sea of Galilee at junction of two major trade routes], Megiddo [a fortress northwest of Jerusalem] and Gezer [located west on the road from Joppa to Jerusalem; these three cities occupied strategic locations].

9:16 (Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire. He killed its Canaanite inhabitants and then gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter, Solomon’s wife.

9:17 And Solomon rebuilt Gezer.) He built up [strengthened] Lower Beth Horon [located northwest of Jerusalem; cf. 2 Chron. 8:5; along with its sister city, Upper Beth Horon, guarded an important travel route],

9:18 Baalath [precise location uncertain], and Tadmor [all of the places named were strategic places; Solomon strengthened these places to protect trade routes and to fortify Israel against attack] in the desert, within his land,

9:19 as well as all his store cities and the towns [Solomon used these cities and towns to stockpile provisions he and his army might need; these cities were strategically located, enabling the forces stationed there to move quickly to defend Israel; Solomon stored tax revenues in these cities] for his chariots and for his horses [archaeological excavations unearthed remains of stables in Megiddo (capable of housing from 300-500 horses)]—whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon and throughout all the territory he ruled.

1 Kings 9:25
9:25 Three times a year [Feasts of Passover (or Unleavened Bread), Weeks (Pentecost), and Booths (Tabernacles); cf. Ex. 23:14-19; cf. parallel passage in 2 Chron. 8:12-13] Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar he had built for the LORD, burning incense before the LORD along with them, and so fulfilled the temple obligations [although he was busy, Solomon took time to focus on the Lord].

Note: King Solomon maintained his focus on God and His work even while completing many impressive building projects. What, if any, earthly concerns or responsibilities distract you from spiritual priorities?

1 Kings 8:22-30 | Prayer of Dedication

8:22 Then Solomon stood before the altar [the temple had two altars: the gold altar or altar of incense was inside the inner sanctuary in front of the wall of the Most Holy Place; the bronze altar of burnt offering (on which priests sacrificed animals) was placed in front of the temple (Solomon stood before this altar)] of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel [indicates that Solomon’s prayer was part of a public worship service], spread out his hands toward heaven [our spiritual posture in prayer is more important than our physical posture]

Note: Prayer postures in the Bible…
• Solomon “spread out his hands toward heaven” 1 Kings 8:22
• Hezekiah prayed while lying ill in bed 2 Kings 20:1-2
• Daniel prayed while kneeling Daniel 6:10
• Peter prayed while kneeling Acts 9:40

8:23 and said: “O LORD [the personal name for God (the name He revealed to Moses)], God of Israel, there is no God like you [Solomon praised the Lord for His uniqueness] in heaven above or on earth below [people in surrounding nations commonly worshiped various gods/idols] — [Solomon praised the Lord for His faithfulness; cf. Deut. 7:7-9] you who [God has covenant responsibilities] keep your covenant of love [Heb. “chesed” which has been translated “lovingkindness,” “covenant love,” “loyalty,” and “steadfast love”] with your servants [God’s people have covenant responsibilities] who continue wholeheartedly in your way.

Note: How can we affirm God’s faithfulness in our prayer life?

8:24 [illustration of God’s faithfulness…] You have kept your promise [that David’s son would build temple (2 Sam. 7:12-13)] to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it—as it is today.

Note: What experiences in your life have affirmed God’s faithfulness?

8:25 “Now LORD, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father the promises [other promises besides the one referred to in 8:24] you made to him when you said, ‘You shall never fail to have a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel [cf. 2 Sam. 7:12-16], if [a conditional promise] only your sons are careful in all they do to walk before me as you have done [cf. 1 Kings 2:2-4].’

Note: Promises in the Bible
• Some of God’s promises are to everyone Genesis 9:16
• Some of God’s promises are to believers John 14:2-3
• Some of God’s promises are made at a particular time to a particular person 1 Kings 17:14
• Satan temps us to misapply God’s promises Ps. 91:11-12 / Lk. 4:9-12

8:26 [Solomon was concerned that the Lord continue to bless Israel beyond his lifetime] And now, O God of Israel, let your word that you promised your servant David my father come true.

Note: Some tend to think only of their generation. In what ways do you demonstrate concern for future generations?

8:27 “But will God really dwell on earth [God is omnipresent]? The heavens, even the highest heaven [“heaven of heavens”], cannot contain you [cf. Isa. 66:1-2; Acts 7:48-50]. How much less this temple I have built [God’s greatness and magnitude cannot be contained in any earthly structure]!

8:28 Yet give attention to your servant’s prayer [refers generally to any prayer offered to God; can refer specifically to intercession or supplication] and his plea for mercy [denoted entreating a favor from God based on His grace; can also be translated “supplication” or “plea” (cf. 1 Kings 8:52; Ps. 55:1)], O LORD my God. Hear the cry [can indicate an expression of praise to God (Ps. 105:43) or a cry (“a wailing cry of petition”) for God’s help (Pss. 5:2; 61:1)] and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.

8:29 May your eyes be open toward this temple night and day [Solomon wanted God to keep His attention on the temple at all times], this place of which you said, ‘My Name [signified God’s self-revealed character] shall be there,’ so that you will hear [be attentive and responsive to] the prayer your servant prays toward [the temple provided a way for worshipers to focus on God’s reality and holiness] this place.

8:30 Hear [to hear and to act on what was heard; cf. 8:31-53 re: seven specific instances when a person might pray a prayer towards the temple (8:31-32; 8:33-34; 8:35-36; 8:37-40; 8:41-43; 8:44-45; 8:46-53] the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.

1 Kings 8:56
8:56“Praise be to the LORD, who has given rest [implied the end of war and the ensuing security; peaceful settlement in the promised land, freedom from enemies, the Lord’s presence in their midst; people of Israel able to build the temple because they were not preoccupied with war] to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses [cf. Deut. 12:1-14].

1 Kings 4:29-34
4:29 God [the source of Solomon’s wisdom] gave [cf. Jas. 1:5] Solomon wisdom [cf. 1 Kings 3:16-28 re: the application of wisdom in determining the mother of an infant; cf. 1 Kings 4:1-19 re: the use of wisdom to organize and govern Israel more effectively] and very great insight [cf. Ps. 119:99], and a breadth of understanding as measureless [impossible to measure] as the sand [imagery of each grain of sand representing a piece of understanding] on the seashore.

4:30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than [surpassed] the wisdom of all [all who lived to that point] the men [cf. 4:31] of the East [included Mesopotamia and Arabia; cf. Matt. 2:1], and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt [cf. Gen. 41:8; Ex. 7:11].

4:31 He was wiser than any other man, including [noted wise men of Solomon’s day included…] Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations.

4:32 He spoke three thousand proverbs [a proverb is a comparison drawn from life; not all of these are included in the Book of Proverbs] and his songs [Pss. 72; 127 are credited to Solomon] numbered a thousand and five.

4:33 [Solomon’s interests and knowledge included botany and biology] He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon [used in royal building projects (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Kings 6:9); ideal building material that resisted dry rot and insects, had a grain suitable for carving, and had a pleasant fragrance] to the hyssop [“cedar” and “hyssop” used in worship (cf. Lev. 14:4; Num. 19:6); hyssop used to place blood on doorframes at Passover (Ex. 12:22); Ps. 51:7] that grows out of walls. He also taught [described] about animals and birds, reptiles and fish [many of Solomon’s observations from nature are recorded in Proverbs (e.g. Prov. 6:5-6; 19:12)].

4:34 Men [also the queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:1)] of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

1 Kings 5:1-7
5:1 When Hiram king [ruled for more than 30 years] of Tyre [the capital of Phoenicia; a major seaport] heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he [Hiram wanted to maintain the mutually beneficial relationship between the two kingdoms] sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David [he had sent men and materials to help David construct his palace (2 Sam. 5:11)].

5:2 Solomon sent back this message [perhaps via sealed letter or oral message entrusted to responsible messenger] to Hiram:

5:3 “You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build [David had shed too much blood to build a temple (cf. 1 Chron. 22:8; 28:3)] a temple for [“in honor of” or “to honor the Lord”] the Name [stands for all that the Lord is (His character, His attributes, the essence of His being)] of the LORD [Heb. YHWH: the personal name of God reveled to Moses (Ex. 3:15; 6:3)] his God [Elohim: a plural form for deity (signifies the fullness of the majesty of God)] until the LORD put his enemies under his feet.

5:4 But now the LORD my God has given me [Solomon’s name is Heb. word “shalom” which means “peace” or “wholeness”] rest on every side [cf. 1 Chron. 22:9-10], and there is no adversary [from Heb. word for “satan”; here refers to anyone who might give him trouble] or disaster [Solomon not distracted by wars; did not have to spend resources on wars; could give priority to building project].

5:5 I intend [Solomon wanted to carry out his father’s wishes and God’s will], therefore, to build a temple for [“in honor of” or “to honor the Lord”] the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, when he said [cf. 1 Chron. 28:6], ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’

Note: What does it mean to honor the Lord? List practical ways in which you can honor the Lord.

5:6 “So give orders that cedars of Lebanon [used in royal building projects (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Kings 6:9); ideal building material that resisted dry rot and insects, had a grain suitable for carving, and had a pleasant fragrance] be cut for me. My men will work with yours, and I will pay you for your men whatever wages you set. You know that [Solomon knew when to seek help from others] we have no one so skilled in felling timber as the Sidonians [from city of Sidon in Phoenicia].”

5:7 When Hiram heard Solomon’s message, he was greatly pleased and said, “Praise be to the LORD [Hiram probably worshiped Baal yet recognized the Lord as Israel’s God] today, for he has given David a wise son to rule over this great nation.”

1 Kings 6:11-14
6:11 The word of the LORD came [the precise method of speaking remains unspecified] to Solomon:

6:12 “As for this temple you are building, if [blessing conditional on obedience; presence of the temple would not guarantee God’s presence] you follow my decrees, carry out my regulations and keep all my commands and obey [the temple and all its ritual worship could not substitute for obedience] them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father.

6:13 And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon [used in OT to describe physical act of leaving (Ex. 2:20) and the spiritual act of forsaking God (Jer. 1:6); God refused to completely abandon His people (Isa. 54:7); cf. Amos 9:11-15 re: a remnant] my people Israel [Solomon’s obedience directly affected the people of Israel].”

6:14 So Solomon built the temple and completed [project took a little more than seven years (1 Kings 6:37-38)] it.

1 Kings 7:51
7:51 When all the work King Solomon had done for the temple of the LORD was finished [Solomon honored his father’s dream of building and furnishing a temple for the Lord], he brought in the things his father David had dedicated—the silver and gold and the furnishings—and he placed them in the treasuries [this wealth helped defray future temple expenses] of the LORD’S temple.

Summarize the events recorded in 1 Kings 12:25-33.
According to 1 Kings 12:25-33, Jeroboam built golden calf shrines (idols) at Dan and Bethel (rival worship centers) and recruited false priests. He did so because he feared that if the people of the ten Northern Tribes continued to return to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, they might want to see the kingdom reunited under Rehoboam. He thus feigned altruism by telling the people that he had erected the worship centers in the north for their convenience. 1 Kings 12:30 tells us “this thing became a sin.” God was not pleased with what Jeroboam had done. He succeeded in keeping the northern tribes at home, but sowed the seeds that would yield a harvest of idolatry and ruin for the nation. The occasion for the events of 1 Kings 13 is the dedication festival of the Bethel altar.

What do we know about the “man of God” who mysteriously appears in 1 Kings 13:1?
A. He is referred to as a “man of God” rather than a prophet throughout the chapter.

B. He was from Judah, Israel’s rival kingdom.

C. He came “by the word of the Lord,” that is to say, “in” the power of God’s Word, obeying its impulsion.

D. He came to Bethel, the center of the problem. God sent this man to the heart of the matter.

Where was Jeroboam when the “man of God” arrived on the scene?
He “was standing by the altar to burn incense” (1 Kings 13:1). Jeroboam was playing a leading role in the national apostasy. According to 1 Kings 14:16, Jeroboam was held accountable for causing Israel to sin. Everything rises and falls on leadership.

Why did the “man of God” cry against the altar rather than against the king?
A. The altar was a symbol of the system of idolatry, which the king had imposed upon Israel.

B. The altar represented the system that would ultimately lead to the downfall of the Northern Kingdom. Recall that the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. (see 2 Kings 17:6-23). 2 Kings 17:22 states, “And the sons of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they did not depart from them.”

C. A prediction regarding the destruction of the altar would carry with it and include the destruction of its architect.

What did the “man of God” prophesy in verse 2?
That a child born to the house of David would desecrate the altar erected by Jeroboam. The descendant’s name was Josiah (which means “whom Jehovah sustains”). King Josiah fulfilled this prophecy 360 years later (see 2 Kings 23:15-16). Note also that this is a very specific prophecy. There are only three other instances in the Bible where specific names were included in a prophecy: Israel (Genesis 17:19), Solomon (I Chronicles 22:9), and Cyrus (Isaiah 45:1).

How was the altar to be desecrated by Josiah?
By burning on the altar the bones of the priests who had used it. See 2 Kings 23:15-16.

What sign did the “man of God” give to show Jeroboam that this was no idle threat?
The altar would be split apart and the ashes upon it poured out in the very presence of Jeroboam. See verses 4 and 6.

What was Jeroboam’s response to the “man of God” and what happened to Jeroboam?
Jeroboam defiantly stretched out his hand and called for the arrest of the “man of God” (verse 4). Like all tyrants who feel they have been threatened or embarrassed, Jeroboam resorted to the use of force. But God protected his messenger by causing Jeroboam’s outstretched arm to become paralyzed “so that he could not draw it back to himself.” This served as a warning to Jeroboam not to harm God’s messenger and as advance notice of judgment to come.

What impact did the events have on Jeroboam according to verse 6?
Jeroboam asked the “man of God” to “entreat” God on his behalf “that my hand may be restored to me.” The word “entreats” means “to soften.” Jeroboam asked the “man of God” to soften the face of the Lord or to smooth the Lord’s angry countenance through prayer. Notice two things about Jeroboam’s request.

A. Jeroboam asked the “man of God” to “entreat the Lord your God” thus implying that he had no personal relationship with the God of Israel. Someone noted, “They who in prosperity reject the warnings of God’s messengers are ready enough in distress to have recourse to their prayers.”

B. Jeroboam betrayed his impenitent heart by expressing greater concern for his sufferings than for his sins. Yet God in his grace allowed the king’s hand to be restored to normal. Even this did not cause Jeroboam to repent of his evil ways according to 1 Kings 13:33-34.

What invitation did the king issue to the “man of God” according to verse 7? What do you think was Jeroboam’s motivation in issuing the invitation?
The king invited the “man of God” to his home for rest, refreshment, and a reward for restoring his arm. It was customary to offer a prophet a gift or reward if he performed something requested of him (see 1 Samuel 9:7-8, 1 Kings 14:3, 2 Kings 5:5 and 8:9). Regarding Jeroboam’s motivation, his offer could have been a step to try to “buy” the prophet.

Why did the “man of God” refuse Jeroboam’s invitation?
A. Because God said no (see verse 9).

B. Because accepting Jeroboam’s invitation could have been perceived as his approval of what was going on in Bethel. He did not want to imply any kind of friendly relationship with Jeroboam.

C. Rejecting Jeroboam’s invitation was a marked way of showing God’s abhorrence of Jeroboam’s actions.

Notice also that the “man of God” was instructed by God to take a different route home. Perhaps this was to insure his safety lest anyone be lying in wait to harm him.

What do we know about the old prophet of Bethel mentioned in verse 11?
A. It is possible that he was a “false” prophet.

B. He was living in Bethel, a center of idolatry.

C. He had sons who witnessed the events of 1 Kings 13:1-10.

What did the old prophet of Bethel do when he heard the report from his sons? What do you think motivated his actions?
He got on his donkey and pursued the “man of God” to persuade him to come to his home for rest and refreshment. He could have been motivated to pursue the “man of God” for several reasons:

A. Perhaps he was filled with shame for being a faithless prophet in the midst of faithlessness.

B. Perhaps he felt that he would somehow benefit from an association with the courageous “man of God.”

C. Perhaps he saw an opportunity to gain the king’s favor by getting the “man of God” to contradict himself and thus impair the weight of his message.

What should have “tipped off” the “man of God” regarding what kind of prophet the old man was?
A. He was living in Bethel but apparently had not spoken out against the sins of Jeroboam. It is possible that the old prophet did not agree with the king, but he lacked the courage to speak out and the sense to protect his family from such sin. If the old prophet had spoken out against the corruption in Bethel there would have been no need for God to send the “man of God.”

B. “‘An angel spoke to me’ is regarded by the story as an inferior medium of revelation to the direct command by the Lord already quoted.” (Broadman Bible Commentary, Volume 3)

How did the “man of God” disobey God?
Note that verse 14 states the “man of God” was sitting under an oak tree when the old prophet found him. Delay sometimes gives opportunity for the tempter to overtake us.

The “man of God” disobeyed God by violating the command of God, which he defined in verses 9 and 10 and verses 16 and 17. It is interesting to note that the “man of God” nobly resisted greater temptation when invited by the king and yet yielded to a lesser temptation when he accepted the invitation of the old prophet. 1 Corinthians 10:12 states, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”

D.C. Martin comments (Bible Book Study Commentary, page 80), “One main lesson in this baffling story is probably this. When we have a strong conviction of the Lord’s expressed will, one from Him alone, then we must be extremely cautious when considering doing something different, even if the new thought seems to come from a messenger of the Lord.”

How was the “man of God” punished?
A lion killed him and remained with the body until the old prophet of Bethel arrived on the scene (see verse 28). Note the behavior of the lion and the donkey in verse 24. This was regarded as a sign that these animals were under the Lord’s control.

What did the old prophet do when he learned of the death of the “man of God”?
He took the body back to Bethel and buried the “man of God” in his own grave. He then spoke to his sons and asked them to bury him in the same grave (see verses 29-31).

Why do you think the old prophet asked his sons to bury him in the same grave as the “man of God”?
The old prophet was now convinced that what the “man of God” had spoken would come true. Perhaps he hoped to escape having his bones burned on the altar as the “man of God” had prophesied. According to 2 Kings 23:16-18 the bones of the old prophet were not burned on the altar because he was buried in the same grave as the “man of God.”

What impact did the events of 1 Kings 13:1-32 have on Jeroboam?
Absolutely none, according to 1 Kings 13:33-34. He continued to blatantly sin against God. Such behavior would have disastrous results in the life of Jeroboam, his family, and the nation. We are reminded in verse 34 that sin will not triumph. See Galatians 6:7 and Colossians 3:25.

Do you think there is any connection between Jeroboam’s sin and his son’s illness?
Yes. See 1 Kings 13:34. The child’s illness was yet another warning from God to the impenitent Jeroboam.

Practical Considerations

God will hold us accountable for how we live our lives.
God held Jeroboam accountable for the sinful leadership he offered the nation of Israel. Jeroboam continued in his evil ways (1 Kings 13:33) even after repeated warnings from God. See Proverbs 29:1. The “man of God” was held accountable for disobeying God’s instructions. He had a clear word from God and compromised it by listening to the lie of the old prophet of Bethel.

We should speak out against the evil in our day.
The “man of God” spoke out against Jeroboam’s evil. The old prophet of Bethel remained silent in the midst of evil. When God’s people are silent, evil grows.

The consequences of sin are always severe.
The consequences of sin were severe for Jeroboam, his family, and for the nation. Jeroboam sowed seeds of sin that yielded a terrible harvest at the hands of the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The Bible teaches us that we cannot break the law of the harvest (see Galatians 6:7).

Delay sometimes gives opportunity for the tempter to overtake us.
The “man of God” was “sitting under an oak” when the old prophet of Bethel found him and enticed him to return to his home.

We must listen to God if we expect Him to listen to us.
Jeroboam was not interested in what God had to say until his son Abijah became sick. Only then did he seek to get a word from God. We cannot ignore God and spurn His laws and then expect Him to listen to us. Proverbs 28:9 states, “He who turns away his ear from listening to the law, even his prayer is an abomination.”

Children suffer when their parents refuse to follow God.
Abijah suffered because his father was unrepentant and persisted in his evil ways. This impenitent attitude (1 Kings 13:33-34) resulted in the prophesy of severe judgment upon Jeroboam’s house (1 Kings 14:10-11). Abijah was the first male to be cut off from Jeroboam’s house.

Why do you think Jeroboam asked his wife to put on a disguise and travel to Shiloh to see the prophet Ahijah?
A. Perhaps he felt that the prophet would not help him in light of his unresponsiveness to the message of the “man of God.”

B. Perhaps he felt that he might discredit his sinfully contrived religious system if the people knew he was consulting a true prophet rather than his carelessly appointed false priests and hirelings in a time of personal distress. Jeroboam’s actions indicate that he had no confidence in either his golden calves of his false priests. It is interesting to note that people often have no need for God’s man until they are in distress.

C. Perhaps he felt that since Ahijah had rightly prophesied his ascent to the throne he could rightly reveal the outcome of his son’s illness.

D. Perhaps he sent his wife because he did not have the courage to face the prophet himself, knowing that Ahijah would probably condemn him for his sinful leadership.

Note that Jeroboam said to his wife, “He will tell you what will happen to the boy” (verse 2). He did not ask his wife to ask the prophet how his son’s health might be restored.

Note also that the disguise did not work. God revealed to the blind old prophet that Jeroboam’s wife was coming to see him. God also instructed Ahijah regarding what to tell Jeroboam’s wife (see 1 Kings 14:5). This accentuates the fact that a prophet is a servant of God and is to be obedient to fulfill the instructions he receives from God. A prophet must tell God’s message faithfully without respect of persons, even as Ahijah delivered God’s message to Jeroboam’s wife.

What news did Jeroboam’s wife receive from Ahijah?
Ahijah reviewed God’s goodness to Jeroboam (verses 7-8), Jeroboam’s sin (verses 8-9), and prophesied the complete destruction of the house of Jeroboam (verses 10-16) and the scattering of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (see 2 Kings 17:6-23). Ahijah was the first of a long line of prophets to speak of exile beyond the Euphrates River.

God’s judgment is always just and always justified. So that Jeroboam and the people and the generations to come might know the reason for such severe judgment, Ahijah stated the reason in verse 16. We see in this verse the severe consequences (God “will give up Israel”) and contagious nature (Jeroboam “made Israel to sin”) of sin. See Psalm 103:8-9. God will not tolerate evil forever.

Note that only one member of Jeroboam’s family, Abijah, was to receive a proper burial (see verses 13 and 17-18). The descendants of Jeroboam would be denied a proper burial (verse 11). As prophesied in verse 14, Jeroboam’s house was destroyed (see 1 Kings 15:25-30).

What confirmation do we have in 1 Kings 14:17-18 that what Ahijah spoke would come to pass?
A. The child died as soon as Jeroboam’s wife stepped over the threshold of her home, just as Ahijah had said (verse 12). This was the beginning of judgment.

B. The nation mourned the child’s death (verse 13) as Ahijah had said.

What does the Scripture tell us about Nadab?
A. He was the son of Jeroboam (15:25).

B. He became king of Israel during the second year of Asa’s reign in Judah (15:25).

C. He reigned over Israel only two years (15:25), a short and unproductive reign.

D. Like his father before him, he did evil in the sight of the Lord (15:26). Refer to 1 Kings 12:28-31 for a record of the evil which Nadab’s father Jeroboam did in the sight of the Lord. Proverbs 16:12 states, “It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established on righteousness.” But where sin rules and righteousness is disregarded there can be no stable throne.

E. He was assassinated by Baasha who plotted against him and usurped the throne (15:27-28). This was the first “regicide” in the history of the kingdom.

What was Baasha’s first act once he usurped the throne?
Baasha “struck down all the household of Jeroboam” and thus fulfilled the word of Ahijah the prophet to Jeroboam (see 1 Kings 14:10-11). Baasha was the “broom” God used to “make a clean sweep of the house of Jeroboam” (1 Kings 14:10).

Why did Baasha completely destroy the house of Jeroboam?
A. From Baasha’s view: Because it was politically expedient. Such action would ensure that any surviving member of Jeroboam’s household would not threaten his reign.

B. From the writer’s view: To fulfill the word of The Lord through Ahijah the prophet. Psalm 119:91b states, “For all things are Thy servants.” God, in this case, used the wicked to punish the wicked.

What does the Scripture tell us about Baasha?
A. He was the son of Ahijah (not the same person as the prophet) of the house of Issachar (an undistinguished tribe named after the ninth son of Jacob). See 1 Kings 15:27.

B. He was the first person to assassinate a king of Israel, namely Nadab the son of Jeroboam (15:27-28).

C. He utterly destroyed the house of Jeroboam. He not only destroyed the male members of the household as per the prophesy of Ahijah in 1 Kings 14:10, but also “did not leave to Jeroboam any persons alive” (15:29).

D. He usurped the throne of Israel and reigned a total of twenty-four years (15:33).

E. His capital city was Tirzah, a few miles north of Shechem (the capital city of Jeroboam). Some believe that Jeroboam moved his capital from Shechem to Tirzah (see 1 Kings 14:17) while others hold that Baasha made Tirzah the capital city of the northern kingdom.

F. Like Jeroboam, “he did evil in the sight of the Lord” (15:34). His reign was not distinguished from the wicked and evil reigns of Jeroboam and Nadab. 1 Kings 16:7 states that his house was “like the house of Jeroboam.” He was a wicked man who killed a wicked king and continued a wicked reign. He usurped the throne because he wanted power and dominion, not because he was interested in introducing religious reforms. This is seen in that he embraced the sins of Jeroboam.

G. He failed to recognize that God had exalted him (that is, allowed him to attain the throne) and made him leader over Israel (16:2) and consequently lived his life in a manner displeasing to God.

Practical Consideration

A life of sin leads to misery and death.
Nadab continued to try God’s patience (Psalm 103:9) by following the wicked example of his father. He suffered the consequences of not honoring God with his life. As long as men think they can live their lives without regard to God or His Word, they will suffer the consequences of their foolishness. Sin rewards men in the currency of misery, frustration, and death.

1 Kings 15:9-21 NIV

15:9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel [the Northern Kingdom], Asa [names means “doctor” or “healing”] became king of Judah [Asa was the third king of the Southern Kingdom of Judah],

15:10 and he reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years [length of his reign surpassed the reigns of David (1 Kings 2:11) and Solomon (1 Kings 11:42)]. His grandmother’s name was Maacah [mother of Abijah] daughter of Abishalom [Absalom].

15:11 Asa did what was right in the eyes of the LORD [Asa sought to keep the Lord’s commands and to carry out his covenant responsibilities as Judah’s king], as his father [used here in the sense of forefather or ancestor] David had done.

15:12 He expelled the male shrine prostitutes [part of Canaanite religious practice: men and women cult prostitutes engaged in sexual relations in hope of bringing fertility to the land; included the practice of sodomy and other sexual acts] from the land [these practices had been tolerated in the land since reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:24)] and got rid of all the idols [worshiping idols a violation of the First and Second Commandments (Ex. 20:4-6)] his fathers [Solomon, Rehoboam, and Abijah] had made.

15:13 He even deposed [an indication of Asa’s commitment to spiritual reformation] his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother [she wielded influence from this position], because she had made [possibly did so after Asa began instituting his reforms (cf. 2 Chron. 15:10-16)] a repulsive [frightening, horrible, abominable] Asherah [a Canaanite fertility goddess and mother of 70 sons, of whom Baal was the most famous; worshiped by Canaanites and Phoenicians] pole [used as an image in worship of Asherah; some believe the pole was a phallic symbol that was part of worship practices of fertility cult]. Asa cut the pole down and burned it in the Kidron Valley [cf. 2 Chron. 15:16; Kidron Valley separated the city of David and the temple from the Mount of Olives].

15:14 Although he did not remove the high places [worship sites throughout the countryside where people worshiped pagan gods], Asa’s heart was fully committed to the LORD all his life.

15:15 He brought into the temple of the LORD the silver and gold and the articles [these items (probably the plunder of military victories) would ensure adequate financial support to maintain formal worship of God] that he and his father had dedicated.

15:16 There was war [being committed to God does not mean an absence of difficult or threatening problems] between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their reigns.

15:17 Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah [located five miles north of Jerusalem on main north-south road running through Israel and Judah; this was a strategic location from which to launch a further invasion of Judah] to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.

15:18 Asa [resorted to bribery and political intrigue to deal with Baasha rather than trusting God as he did when threatened by Zerah the Cushite (2 Chron. 14:9-15)] then took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the LORD’S temple [Asa used the funds he had set aside in the temple treasury (cf. 1 Kings 15:15) to hire a pagan king to attack the Northern Kingdom; Asa started his reign well (called Judah back to God) but did not finish well (depended on money and military power to deal with Baasha)] and of his own palace. He entrusted it to his officials and sent them to Ben-Hadad [name “Hadad” referred to Arameans’ storm god] son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram [geographical region located northeast of holy land and west of Mesopotamia; also known as Syria], who was ruling in Damascus [located northwest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel].

15:19 [1] “Let there be a treaty between me and you,” he said, “as there was between my [Asa’s] father [King Abijah] and your [Ben-hadad’s] father.  [2] See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold [an extra incentive for Ben-hadad to restore earlier treaty with Judah].  [3] Now [accept the bride and…] break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he [Baasha and the armies of the Northern Kingdom Israel] will withdraw from me.”

Note: Have you ever been tempted to compromise your faith in an effort to overcome some obstacle? What factors cause you to shift your focus from God? What definite actions can help you stay focused on the Lord as you seek solutions to your problems?

15:20 Ben-Hadad agreed with King Asa and sent the commanders of his forces against the towns of Israel. He conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maacah [these three towns lay in the northern part of Israel close to border with Aram] and all Kinnereth [referred to area around Sea of Galilee] in addition to Naphtali [referred to area north and west of Sea off Galilee].

15:21 When Baasha heard this [the attacks against Israel in the north], he stopped building Ramah [in the south] and withdrew [Baasha not able to fight a war on two fronts] to Tirzah [current capital of Northern Kingdom; located a few miles north of Shechem].