Jeroboam's Son and God's Judgment

1 Kings chapter 14 delivers a somber account of God's judgment upon Jeroboam and his family due to his rampant idolatry, which led the northern kingdom of Israel astray. Jeroboam, despite God's promise to establish his dynasty if he followed Him, quickly turned to false worship by setting up golden calves in Dan and Bethel. In this chapter, when his son Abijah falls ill, Jeroboam's wife disguises herself to seek advice from the prophet Ahijah, the very prophet who had initially foretold Jeroboam's kingship. However, Ahijah, now blind, is supernaturally informed by God of her arrival and delivers a devastating message: because of Jeroboam's great sin in leading Israel to worship idols, his son will die, and his entire dynasty will be cut off. As Jeroboam's wife returns home, their son Abijah dies just as Ahijah had prophesied. This chapter powerfully illustrates the consequences of rejecting God and leading others into sin.

Discussion Questions:

1. What was Jeroboam's great sin that provoked God's anger? Why was this particularly offensive to God?

2. When Jeroboam's son fell ill, what did Jeroboam's wife do? Why do you think she disguised herself?

3. What message did the prophet Ahijah deliver to Jeroboam's wife? What does this tell us about God's knowledge and justice, even when people try to hide?

4. What were the immediate and long-term consequences prophesied for Jeroboam's family and for Israel because of his sin?

5. How does the death of Jeroboam's son, Abijah, emphasize the seriousness of Jeroboam's actions and God's judgment?

6. This chapter shows the ripple effect of a leader's choices, both good and bad. How do the choices of parents and leaders impact their families and communities?

7. What can we learn from Jeroboam's story about the importance of consistent obedience to God, especially for those in positions of influence?

8. How does God's warning and subsequent judgment in this chapter demonstrate both His holiness and His desire for His people to be faithful?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, this chapter is a stark reminder of the seriousness of disobedience and idolatry. We pray that You would help us, as individuals and as a family, to always keep You first in our lives. Guard our hearts from anything that would draw us away from You. Help us to recognize and turn away from any false gods or distractions that might compete for our devotion. Give us the courage to follow You wholeheartedly and to lead others in Your truth, knowing that our choices have far-reaching impacts. Amen.

This discussion is based on The One Year Bible Storybook by Virginia Muir.