1 Kings 14

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the story of Jeroboam's son, who becomes ill, and Jeroboam's wife disguising herself to visit the prophet Ahijah to inquire about their son's health. Ahijah tells her that her son will die and that the dynasty of Jeroboam will come to an end because of Jeroboam's idolatry. The chapter then describes the reign of Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, who becomes king of Judah. Rehoboam rejects the counsel of the elders and instead follows the advice of the young men, leading to the division of the kingdom. The chapter ends with a description of the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam and the judgment of God on him. Key verses include 1 Kings 14:8, 1 Kings 14:10, and 1 Kings 14:16, which highlight the consequences of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness to God.

Context for the Chapter

This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which describes the history of Israel from the death of King David to the division of the kingdom. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes God's relationship with His people and His plan of redemption. The chapter is connected to the book of 2 Chronicles, which also describes the reign of Rehoboam and the division of the kingdom. Additionally, the chapter is connected to the New Testament, which describes the fulfillment of God's plan of redemption in Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

The chapter applies to our lives today by warning us about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. We must examine our own hearts and lives to see if there are any areas where we are practicing idolatry or disobedience. We must also seek to be faithful and obedient to God's commands, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

This chapter is about the consequences of idolatry and the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. Jeroboam's son becomes ill, and his wife visits the prophet Ahijah to inquire about his health. Ahijah tells her that her son will die and that Jeroboam's dynasty will come to an end because of his idolatry. The chapter also describes the reign of Rehoboam, who rejects the counsel of the elders and instead follows the advice of the young men, leading to the division of the kingdom. We see in 1 Kings 14:8 that God is a holy and just God who will not tolerate idolatry and disobedience.

Voices from the Church

“The greatest enemy of the church is not the infidel, but the lukewarm Christian. The greatest danger to the church is not the external foe, but the internal decay of spirituality.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The Holy Spirit is the teacher of the church, and it is His work to convince us of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Illness of Jeroboam's Son (1 Kings 14:1-3) — The chapter begins with the story of Jeroboam's son, who becomes ill, and Jeroboam's wife disguising herself to visit the prophet Ahijah to inquire about his health.
2. The Prophecy of Ahijah (1 Kings 14:4-11) — Ahijah tells Jeroboam's wife that her son will die and that Jeroboam's dynasty will come to an end because of his idolatry.
3. The Death of Jeroboam's Son (1 Kings 14:12-13) — The child dies, and the people mourn his death. Ahijah's prophecy is fulfilled, and we see the consequences of Jeroboam's idolatry.
4. The Reign of Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:21-24) — The chapter then describes the reign of Rehoboam, who rejects the counsel of the elders and instead follows the advice of the young men, leading to the division of the kingdom.
5. The Idolatry of Jeroboam (1 Kings 14:25-31) — The chapter ends with a description of the idolatrous practices of Jeroboam and the judgment of God on him.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and the lives of individuals. We see this in 1 Kings 14:8, where God says that He will bring judgment on Jeroboam because of his idolatry.

The Importance of Faithfulness

The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. We see this in the story of the child who did not sin and in the judgment of God on Jeroboam.

The Consequences of Idolatry

The chapter highlights the severe consequences of idolatry, including the death of Jeroboam's son and the end of his dynasty. This serves as a warning to us about the dangers of idolatry in our own lives.

The Role of the Prophet

The chapter highlights the important role of the prophet in speaking God's word to His people. Ahijah serves as a prophet in this chapter, speaking God's judgment to Jeroboam's wife.

Lessons from 1 Kings 14

1. The Dangers of Idolatry — The chapter teaches us about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of guarding against it in our own lives.
2. The Importance of Faithfulness — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, and we see this in the story of the child who did not sin and in the judgment of God on Jeroboam.
3. The Role of the Prophet — The chapter highlights the important role of the prophet in speaking God's word to His people, and we see this in the story of Ahijah.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and the lives of individuals.
5. The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter highlights the severe consequences of disobedience, including the death of Jeroboam's son and the end of his dynasty.

Themes from 1 Kings 14

1. Idolatry and Its Consequences — The chapter highlights the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of practicing it. We see this in the story of Jeroboam and the judgment of God on him.
2. Faithfulness and Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. We see this in the story of the child who did not sin and in the judgment of God on Jeroboam.
3. The Role of the Prophet — The chapter highlights the important role of the prophet in speaking God's word to His people. Ahijah serves as a prophet in this chapter, speaking God's judgment to Jeroboam's wife.
4. The Sovereignty of God — The chapter teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including the rise and fall of kingdoms and the lives of individuals.
5. The Gospel and Redemption — The chapter points to Christ and the gospel, and we see this in the story of the child who did not sin and in the judgment of God on Jeroboam.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways that we can practice idolatry in our own lives, and how can we guard against it?
2. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands?
3. How does the chapter describe the role of the prophet in speaking God's word to His people?
4. What are some ways that we can apply the lessons of this chapter to our own lives and relationships?
5. How does the chapter point to Christ and the gospel, and what are some implications of this for our understanding of salvation and redemption?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on 1 Kings 14

	Sermon	Description
	I Press On by Bob Jennings	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the past dedication and fervor of believers in their pursuit of God's kingdom. They emphasize the importance of constantly seeking God throu
	Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t
	The Apostate Church by Scott Hynds	This sermon delves into the story of King Rehoboam from 1 Kings 14, highlighting his descent into idolatry and the consequences of forsaking God's law. It emphasizes the importance
	I Am Sent to Thee With Heavy Tidings by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of delivering both the heavy and good tidings of God's message, as exemplified in the story of Jeroboam and the old prophet. He warns that sin
	I Kings 14:1 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith delivers a sermon on I Kings 14:1, emphasizing how God uses various methods to capture our attention, particularly in times of trouble. He discusses the character of Je
	A Principle of Grace in the Heart, a Good Thing, Always Tending Toward the Lord God of Israel. by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes that every regenerate person possesses a principle of grace in their heart, which is a good thing that always inclines towards the Lord God of Israel. He illus
	I Kings 14:6 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the story of Jeroboam, emphasizing the futility of disguising our true selves when approaching God. He highlights how people often come to God with hidden tru

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Kings 14

In this chapter, we see the fulfillment of the prophecy that was given to Jeroboam, that his son would die and that his dynasty would come to an end. We also see the reign of Rehoboam, who rejects the counsel of the elders and instead follows the advice of the young men. The chapter ends with a description of the idolatrous practices of the people of Israel and the judgment of God on them. As Matthew Henry notes, 'those who will not be ruled by the counsel of the wise and the aged are easily managed by the counsels of the foolish and the young.' The chapter is a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of idolatry and disobedience. As Henry notes, 'the way of sin is down-hill, and those who begin to forsake God and his law will soon proceed to forsake all that is good.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?