1 Kings 14:8 Komentář

The kingdom being divided into that of Judah and that of Israel, we must henceforward, in these books of Kings, expect and attend their separate history, the succession of their kings, and the affairs of their kingdoms, accounted for distinctly. In this chapter we have, I. The prophecy of the destruction of Jeroboam's house (Kg1 14:7-16). The sickness of his child was the occasion of it (Kg1 14:1-6), and the death of his child the earnest of it (Kg1 14:17, Kg1 14:18), together with the conclusion of his reign (Kg1 14:19, Kg1 14:20). II. The history of the declension and diminution of Rehoboam's house and kingdom (Kg1 14:21-28) and the conclusion of his reign (Kg1 14:29-31). In both we may read the mischievous consequences of sin and the calamities it brings on kingdoms and families.

INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS 14 This chapter relates the sickness of Jeroboam's son, the application of his wife, at his instance, to the prophet Ahijah, in the child's favour, Kg1 14:1, the prophecy of the prophet concerning the ruin of Jeroboam's house, and the death of the child, which came to pass, Kg1 14:7, an account of the years of Jeroboam's reign, and also of Rehoboam's, Kg1 14:19, and of the evil things done and suffered by the latter in his kingdom, and the calamities that came upon him for it, Kg1 14:22 and the conclusion of his reign, Kg1 14:29.

But hast done evil above all that were before thee,.... Not only above David, but above Saul, who never gave into idolatry, yea, even above Solomon, who, though he connived at idolatry, and might be guilty of it in some instances, yet did not attempt to draw his people into it; and if this was the latter end of Jeroboam's reign, which is probable, Rehoboam and Abijam might be both dead; and though they were blameworthy in some things, yet not so bad as Jeroboam; though perhaps this may respect only such who had been kings of Israel before him: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger; the two calves of gold; for however he might colour things over, and pretend he did not look upon these as gods, but as representations of God, and that he did not worship them, but God by them, yet the Lord considered it as idolatry, than which nothing is more provoking to him: and hast cast me behind thy back; as unworthy of his regard; or my worship, as the Targum, which he neglected, and showed no concern for.

“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, long-suffering and plenteous in mercy.” “The Lord is sweet to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works.” You hear that his mercies are so great, and do you dare to put your trust in your own virtue? “Let all your works, O Lord, confess to you.” If people are also part of his works, then all people should confess their sins. We read it said in Samuel about Solomon: “He shall build a house to my name, and I shall establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.” And again: “If he commits any iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of people, but my mercy I will not take away from him.” After giving thanks to God, David said in conclusion, “And this is the law of humankind.” Have recourse, O Lord, always to your mercy, and sustain the weakness of my flesh by your divine assistance. “What have I to do,” he says, “with you also, you sons of Sarvia? Let Shimei curse. The Lord had bid him curse David. And who shall say to him, why have you done so?” For the will of God is not to be discussed but kindly accepted. And in another place: “The Lord commanded that the profitable counsel of Ahitophel be defeated that he might bring evil on Absalom,” whose counsel was certainly the counsel of God. And for what reason was the power of the free will subverted by a greater power? Jeroboam, who caused Israel to sin, is reproved for having neglected the commandment of the Lord, and it is said to him, “I gave you the kingdom of the house of David, and you have not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing that which was well pleasing in my sight.” Therefore, the commandments of God are possible, which we know David had kept; and yet, we find holy people growing weary in maintaining justice forever.

Abijah, son of Jeroboam, falls sick, Kg1 14:1. Jeroboam sends his wife disguised to Ahijah the prophet, and with her a present, to inquire concerning his son, Kg1 14:2-4. Ahijah discovers her by a Divine intimation and delivers to her a heavy message concerning the destruction of Jeroboam's house, and the death of her son, Kg1 14:5-16. The child dies, according to the prediction of Ahijah, Kg1 14:17. Jeroboam's reign and death, Kg1 14:18-20. Rehoboam's bad reign, and the apostasy of Judah, Kg1 14:21-24. Shishak, king of Egypt, invades Judea, spoils the temple, and takes away the golden shields made by Solomon; instead of which Rehoboam makes others of brass, Kg1 14:25-28. Rehoboam's reign and death, Kg1 14:29-31.

And rent the kingdom away from the house of David - That is, permitted it to be rent, because of the folly and insolence of Rehoboam.

AHIJAH DENOUNCES GOD'S JUDGMENTS AGAINST JEROBOAM. (1Ki. 14:1-20) At that time--a phrase used often loosely and indefinitely in sacred history. This domestic incident in the family of Jeroboam probably occurred towards the end of his reign; his son Abijah was of age and considered by the people the heir to the throne.

thou hast not been as my servant David--David, though he fell into grievous sins, repented and always maintained the pure worship of God as enjoined by the law.