Ahijah Warns Jeroboam

This is an example of Jeroboam’s cruel ingratitude and of the Lord’s compassion and earnest endeavor to save him. But the effort failed, for the record says: “After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way.” He continued to lead the people into heathen worship. “And this thing became sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the face of the earth.” 1 Kings 13:33, 34.AGP 85.3

After a time, Abijah, Jeroboam’s son, became seriously ill, nigh unto death. Jeroboam knew that he was under the displeasure of God, and undoubtedly feared that he was being visited with divine judgment. In his distress he remembered the good old prophet Ahijah, God’s inspired messenger. The prophetAGP 85.4

would know if this sickness was a judgment from the Lord, and whether his son would die.AGP 86.1

“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…. He shall tell thee what shall become of the child. And 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.” 1 Kings 14:2-4.AGP 86.2

Jeroboam wanted help. He knew that God could restore his son, even as he had restored his own withered arm. He knew that Ahijah was in communication with God. He vainly hoped that his wife might secure the prophet’s mighty intercession for his son’s recovery. But he feared to let Ahijah know that it was Jeroboam who was seeking this help. Hence the instruction to his wife to “disguise” herself.AGP 86.3