In 1 Kings 13 and 1 Kings 14, when the kingdom divided, many priests and Levites who had originally served in the northern kingdom moved to Judah. These men were well versed in the Torah or law and the Covenant between God and the people. They knew that the promised king had to come from David’s line. They knew of the laws surrounding worship. And they knew that Jeroboam was disobeying the Torah and breaking the Covenant.
Many priests left the Northern Kingdom, but in this story it appears some did not…
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The scene in 1 Kings 13 begins with a physical warning. When the prophet Ahijah informed Jeroboam he would be king, he warned him to obey God. Jeroboam did not. So, it is no surprise that God is swift to judge this evil king for his disobedience. God does not do so without another warning. This time, it was a visible warning that should have convinced Jeroboam who the real God was. It was an opportunity for Jeroboam to turn from his rebellion and his idolatrous leadership of Israel.
As the scene opens, Jeroboam is standing at one of his golden calve altars at Bethel, acting out some new ritual that he created. He was probably not alone. An audience of Israelites was most likely reverently watching their new king act like a priest. Then, out of nowhere, a stranger stepped forward.
Scene 1: A Man of God Warns Jeroboam
Scene 2: The Old Prophet Plays a Fatal Trick
In Scene 3: Ahijah Prophesies the End of Israel
Scene 4: The Death of Jeroboam, the First Northern King
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Show Notes Mentioned:
Kings of Israel
The author of this article is Hayley Mowatt, producer of Bible Book Club podcast.
