And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
Read it in contextProphecy Against Jeroboam's House and His Death
Start reading at 1 Kings 14:1 (1 Kings 14:1 to 1 Kings 14:20).
This unit covers the sickness and death of Jeroboam's son, the prophet Ahijah's severe prophecy against Jeroboam's house, and the summary of Jeroboam's reign and his death.
14:1At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick.
14:2And Jeroboam said to his wife, Arise, I pray thee, and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam; and get thee to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophet, which told me that I should be king over this people.
14:3And take with thee ten loaves, and cracknels, and a cruse of honey, and go to him: he shall tell thee what shall become of the child.
14:4And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age.
14:5And the LORD said unto Ahijah, Behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a thing of thee for her son; for he is sick: thus and thus shalt thou say unto her: for it shall be, when she cometh in, that she shall feign herself to be another woman.
14:6And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, that he said, Come in, thou wife of Jeroboam; why feignest thou thyself to be another? for I am sent to thee with heavy tidings.
14:7Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among the people, and made thee prince over my people Israel,
14:8And rent the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: and yet thou hast not been as my servant David, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all his heart, to do that only which was right in mine eyes;
14:9But hast done evil above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone and made thee other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and hast cast me behind thy back:
14:10Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.
14:11Him that dieth of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and him that dieth in the field shall the fowls of the air eat: for the LORD hath spoken it.
14:12Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: and when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die.
14:13And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him: for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam.
14:14Moreover the LORD shall raise him up a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now.
14:15For 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 they have made their groves, provoking the LORD to anger.
14:16And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.
14:17And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: and when she came to the threshold of the door, the child died;
14:18And they buried him; and all Israel mourned for him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by the hand of his servant Ahijah the prophet.
14:19And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
14:20And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 14:1–14:31): Jeroboam's wife receives Ahijah's message concerning Jeroboam's house. The later record concerns Rehoboam, Judah, and the Egyptian invasion. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
What is the main event or theme? The verse serves as a concluding summary for the reign of Jeroboam, stating that the rest of his acts, including his wars and how he reigned, are recorded in 'the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.' This indicates that the biblical account is selective, focusing on specific theological and historical points rather than providing an exhaustive record.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His meticulous oversight of history, ensuring that even the detailed records of earthly kings are kept, whether within Scripture or in external historical documents. It also highlights that the biblical narrative, while divinely inspired, is not a comprehensive secular history but a theological history focused on God's dealings with His people.
What is the literary style? The literary style is historical narrative, specifically a concluding summary statement that references an external historical source for further details, a common feature in the books of Kings and Chronicles.
When
When was it written? The book of 1 Kings was written approximately between 560 and 540 B.C. book background
When does the event take place? The events referenced in the verse, namely Jeroboam's wars and reign, occurred during his twenty-two year rule over Israel, which took place between approximately 975 and 954 B.C. stated in the text
Where
Where did it happen? The events of Jeroboam's reign, including his wars and rule, took place in the northern kingdom of Israel. The 'book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel' would have been a court record kept within that kingdom. stated in the text
Where was the author located? The author of 1 Kings was located in either Judah or Babylon. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Prophecy Against Jeroboam's House and His Death (1 Kings 14:1 to 1 Kings 14:20).
Start reading at 1 Kings 14:1. This unit covers the sickness and death of Jeroboam's son, the prophet Ahijah's severe prophecy against Jeroboam's house, and the summary of Jeroboam's reign and his death.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse concludes the account of Jeroboam's reign, providing a summary statement before his death is recorded in the following verse (1 Kings 14:20). It serves as a transition, signaling the end of one king's narrative and preparing the reader for the succession of his son, Nadab, and then the subsequent account of Rehoboam's reign in Judah. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The reference to detailed historical records, even those not fully included in Scripture, points to God's ultimate sovereignty over all history and His perfect knowledge of every deed. This foreshadows Christ as the King of kings, whose reign is perfectly just and whose every act is righteous and fully known, unlike the flawed and partially recorded reigns of earthly monarchs. All human records are incomplete, but Christ's eternal kingdom and perfect governance are fully known to God. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This verse reminds us that our lives and deeds, though perhaps not fully recorded in human history, are known to God. It encourages us to live with integrity and purpose, knowing that God is the ultimate record-keeper and judge. It also highlights that while human records provide historical context, God's inspired Word (Scripture) provides the essential spiritual truths and lessons necessary for life and godliness. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 14
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Solomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author.
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.