Jeroboam’s son is sick. He sends his wife to the blind prophet Ahijah, who had previously foretold Jeroboam’s rise to power. Jeroboam’s wife disguises herself, prepares a few gifts, and sets out for Shiloh. As she approaches Ahijah’s door, the prophet calls to her and invites her to come in, despite being unable to see her. Ahijah tells the woman that her son will die and their dynasty will be overthrown because of Jeroboam’s idolatrous ways.
Meanwhile, in Judah, Rehoboam tolerates the forbidden altars and idolatrous rites in which his subjects indulge. Shishak, king of Egypt, invades the country and steals the treasures of Solomon’s Temple. The Kingdom of Judah and the Kingdom of Israel descend into an endless cycle of civil war. The constant hostilities bring destruction to both sides. Aggressive behavior is the polar opposite of striving for harmony and peace–two virtues that encourage growth and progress rather than destruction. The two kingdoms are stuck in a cycle of violence that spirals out of control, laying the foundation for both Judah and Israel’s demise.
“he shall tell thee what shall become of the child” (1 Kings 14:3)
“For the LORD shall smite Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall root up Israel out of this good land, which he gave to their fathers, and shall scatter them beyond the river… because of the sins of Jeroboam” (1 Kings 14:15-16)
“And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days” (1 Kings 14:30)
Certainty in the love and blessings of the Creator leads to peacefulness and the end of violence.
