1 Kings 14 Commentary
Jeroboam turns to the LORD, not in repentance but to find healing for his sick son. The LORD announces Jeroboam’s downfall and that of his entire household. Unlike David, Jeroboam has sold himself to evil and remains unrepentant.
It is strange that Jeroboam consults the LORD God through Abijah, instead of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan! When you know what works and what doesn’t, and you still pick the wrong card… it defeats logic!
But why is the LORD speaking of David in such a glorious way that we start wondering if we are hearing it correctly? David, spotless? This is interesting! Here is the point: David repented, and his record was wiped clean. This is what Jeroboam has failed to do. This is what many have failed to do.
Genuine repentance alters one’s record in heaven. And the LORD remembers one’s sins no more.
Then the LORD speaks about Israel’s future. Because of Jeroboam’s sin, Israel would be scattered beyond the Euphrates. Between this time and the actual scattering, many kings and consequently many more sins would be committed by Israel, but this decision here is final. The LORD would also send more prophets to try to restore the nation.
After twenty-two years on Israel’s throne, Jeroboam dies, and Nadab, his son, succeeds him as king.
Meanwhile, Rehoboam’s rule over Judah isn’t exactly as expected. Pharaoh Shishak’s attack on Jerusalem and the Temple itself confirms the sorry state of the nation under Rehoboam. The LORD had long left the Temple. It was just an empty structure.
Instead, Rehoboam instituted other worship systems: Asherah poles, sacred stones, high places, and shrine prostitution. He had nothing to do with the God of the Temple.
Rehoboam continued his trips to the Temple but only as state functions, devoid of any real substance.
Satan’s worship systems exist today, but under different names and with disguised mission statements. Brothels, dirty sports, and dirty clubs would exist as businesses and entertainment activities. But these are satanic worship systems.
These worship systems are patronized by the same people we often find in our churches!
Pharaoh’s attack on Jerusalem is a direct slap on Solomon’s famed alliance with the King of Egypt. Solomon thought he could trust the devil! The devil attacks your son, and your corpse is hardly cold!
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