BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Jeroboam fled to Egypt to escape Solomon’s wrath but returned when God appointed him king over ten Israelite tribes. Fearing he’d lose the people’s loyalty, he introduced his own form of worship in defiance of God. When his son fell gravely ill, Jeroboam, aware that God could heal, sent his wife—disguised as a commoner—with humble gifts to the prophet Ahijah. Though blind, Ahijah, guided by God, recognized her and prophesied judgment: their son’s death and the downfall of Jeroboam’s dynasty. His descendants would be left unburied and eaten by scavenging dogs (1 Kings 14:11), a humiliation in Israelite culture. Baasha later fulfilled this prophecy by destroying Jeroboam’s household (1 Kings 15:27-30). Ahijah also foretold Israel’s future downfall, which came in 722 B.C. under Assyrian conquest (1 Kings 14:15).
David is upheld in the Bible as the standard for Judah’s kings, while Jeroboam is the benchmark of sin for Israel’s rulers. The phrase “who made Israel to sin” is first used here and repeated eight times verbatim, with at least twenty references in total. Verse 21 shifts focus to Judah, where King Rehoboam ruled. His mother, an Ammonite who worshipped Molech, reflected the kingdom’s departure from God (1 Kings 11:1,7). Solomon reigned for forty years, and since Rehoboam was forty-one at his coronation, Solomon must have married foreign wives before becoming king. References to Sodomites here indicate male prostitutes in pagan worship, highlighting Judah’s moral decline.
Israel cycled through nine dynasties in 250 years, whereas Judah retained David’s lineage for over 350 years. Despite Judah’s flawed rulers, its monarchy represented the one true God. Abijam, also called Abijah (2 Chronicles 13), was not Rehoboam’s eldest son but the child of his favourite wife, Maachah (2 Chronicles 11:18-22). Though ungodly, Abijam was supported by God due to his lineage. He continued Judah’s war with Israel, reclaimed lost territory, and reigned three years before Asa succeeded him. Asa purged idolatry and sodomy, urging Judah to seek God. He even deposed his grandmother for idol worship. In his fifteenth year, he led a great covenant renewal in Jerusalem, rededicating the sacrificial altar. Later, Asa sought political alliances, giving Syria sacred treasures instead of relying on God. His divided heart led to affliction—his feet diseased in his thirty-ninth year. He died two years later, and Jehoshaphat took the throne.
Jeroboam ruled Israel for twenty-two years, followed by his son Nadab, who continued his father’s evil ways but was assassinated by Baasha after just two years. Baasha became king, wiping out Jeroboam’s dynasty as prophesied (1 Kings 14:10-16) and perpetuating Israel’s wicked leadership.

A TESTIMONY FROM OUR DAY

When I graduated from college and landed a job, it felt like I had gone from rags to riches. As a student, I lived frugally—counting every penny, driving a beat-up car, hunting for free meals, and even recycling pop cans for spare change. Then, I secured a good position with a stable salary. In just a week, I went from barely getting by to receiving a regular income!
Soon after, I bought a brand-new car—sleek, beautiful, and running smoothly. A few months later, I started looking into purchasing a condo. My wardrobe improved, and I no longer had to check my purse before eating out after church. Suddenly, I had many treasures. Yet, with this newfound wealth, I felt a strong urge to bring every blessing before the Lord and dedicate it to Him. It had been easier to surrender my treasures when I had little to give, but as my material blessings increased, I realized that, now more than ever, I needed to consecrate them to God.
When Asa became king, he honored God, dedicating his inherited wealth to Him. But later, he used those sacred treasures to form an alliance with an ungodly nation.
What treasures do you hold in your life? Perhaps God has blessed you financially or with special talents. Have you dedicated them to Him? Maybe you did so years ago but have since reclaimed them for yourself. Surrender them fully to God! The spiritual blessings that come from dedicating our treasures far outweigh any worldly riches.

A CLOSER LOOK

Question 1
Why did Abijah’s death differ from the rest of the descendants of Jeroboam? How does this show God’s mercy and grace? I Kings 14:13
Question 2
Why do you think Rehoboam made brazen shields to replace the ones that had been taken away by Shishak? 1 Kings 14:25-27
Question 3
How can we keep our hearts open to God and be sure that we are listening for His directions? Romans 10:17; Jeremiah 7:23; James 1:22; Isaiah 30:21
Question 4
Under the reign of King Rehoboam, the nation of Judah also turned to idolatry (1 Kings 14:21-24). Of the ten kings mentioned in today’s text, only two of the kings — Asa of Judah and his son Jehoshaphat — did “that which was right in the eyes of the Lord” (1 Kings 15:11). After reading 1 Kings 15:9-15, note the difficulties that Asa must have faced in trying to do right. How might we face similar difficulties?
Question 5
At the beginning of Asa’s reign, in what ways did he show he had a heart like his forefather David? Asa cleansed the nation of idolatry except for the high places. What do you think this says about Asa? I Kings 15:11-14
Question 6
With what kind of treasures has God blessed your life? How can you give them to God? I Kings 15:15

TAKE HOME

We can never conceal anything or any thought from God. If we are living in obedience to Him, we want Him involved in every area of our lives. Let us remember that any treasures we have really belong to God. We need to hold them with a loose hand and use them for His glory.