1 Kings 14:10

KJV

Therefore, 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore, behold, I will bring {H935} evil {H7451} upon the house {H1004} of Jeroboam {H3379}, and will cut off {H3772} from Jeroboam {H3379} him that pisseth {H8366} against the wall {H7023}, and him that is shut up {H6113} and left {H5800} in Israel {H3478}, and will take away {H1197} the remnant {H310} of the house {H1004} of Jeroboam {H3379}, as a man taketh away {H1197} dung {H1557}, till it be all gone {H8552}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, I will now bring disaster on the house of Yarov'am. I will cut off every male of Yarov'am's line, whether a slave or free in Isra'el; I will sweep away the house of Yarov'am as completely as when someone sweeps away dung until it's all gone.

Berean Standard Bible

Because of all this, behold, I am bringing disaster on the house of Jeroboam: I will cut off from Jeroboam every male, both slave and free, in Israel; I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns up dung until it is gone!

American Standard Version

therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every man-child, him that is shut up and him that is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a man sweepeth away dung, till it be all gone.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 14:10 presents a severe divine judgment pronounced by the prophet Ahijah against the house of King Jeroboam I. This prophecy, delivered in response to Jeroboam's profound apostasy and the establishment of idolatrous worship in Israel, foretells the complete and humiliating eradication of his male lineage and dynasty. The vivid imagery employed underscores the totality of God's righteous wrath against a king who led his people astray from the covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This potent declaration is part of a larger prophetic oracle delivered by the aged and blind prophet Ahijah of Shiloh. It occurs at a critical moment when Jeroboam's son, Abijah, falls ill. Jeroboam, despite his rebellion against God, sends his wife in disguise to inquire of Ahijah about their son's fate. The irony is palpable: Jeroboam consults a true prophet of the Lord, yet refuses to obey the Lord's commands. Instead of a message of healing, God reveals through Ahijah a devastating judgment against Jeroboam's entire household, directly linking it to his egregious sin of leading Israel into idolatry and provoking the Lord to anger. This immediate context sets the stage for the swift and decisive fulfillment of divine judgment, which unfolds in the subsequent chapters of [1 Kings](/1_kings/15 "1 Kings 15 - Baasha's Conspiracy and Judgment").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeroboam I was the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, having led the ten tribes in secession from Rehoboam, Solomon's son. His ascension was initially sanctioned by God, with a promise of an enduring dynasty if he remained faithful, as recorded in [1 Kings 11:38](/1_kings/11-38 "1 Kings 11:38 - God's Promise to Jeroboam"). However, fearing that continued worship at the temple in Jerusalem would lead his people back to the Davidic dynasty, Jeroboam established rival centers of worship at Bethel and Dan, installing golden calves and an illegitimate priesthood ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This act constituted a fundamental breach of the Mosaic covenant, a direct assault on Yahweh's exclusive right to worship, and became the "sin of Jeroboam" that plagued the Northern Kingdom for generations. The cultural context of the ancient Near East often saw a king's dynasty as an extension of his person and legacy; thus, the utter destruction of a royal house was the ultimate disgrace and the most severe form of judgment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Kings. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine judgment and retribution** against apostasy. God's intolerance for idolatry and disobedience is starkly evident, demonstrating that His covenant faithfulness also includes His commitment to justice. Secondly, it highlights the **consequences of sin, particularly leadership sin**. Jeroboam's personal and public sins had devastating, far-reaching repercussions not only for himself but for his entire family line, serving as a solemn warning that rebellion against God carries severe penalties. The phrase "caused Israel to sin" is a recurring indictment throughout Kings, emphasizing the profound responsibility of leaders. Finally, the imagery of "cutting off" and "taking away as dung" reinforces the theme of **total eradication and humiliation** for those who defy God, illustrating the complete end of a dynasty deemed utterly worthless in God's sight due a lack of repentance and continued rebellion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Evil (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** In this context, "evil" does not refer to moral wickedness on God's part, but rather to calamity, disaster, or misfortune. It signifies the severe, destructive consequences that God, as the righteous judge, will bring upon Jeroboam's house. This "evil" is a direct and just recompense for Jeroboam's own evil actions in leading Israel into idolatry.
* **Him that pisseth against the wall (Hebrew, _mashtin beqir'_):** This is a strong and graphic ancient Semitic idiom universally understood to mean "every male." It emphasizes the complete and utter extermination of the male line, ensuring that no male heir, from the most insignificant to the most prominent, would be left alive to continue Jeroboam's name or dynasty. The phrase underscores the totality of the judgment and the absolute end of the royal house.
* **Dung (Hebrew, _galal'_):** This word refers to excrement or refuse. The metaphor "as a man taketh away dung" is profoundly demeaning and illustrates the complete removal and utter contempt God had for Jeroboam's house due to their wickedness. It implies that the dynasty would be swept away as something foul, worthless, and utterly repulsive, leaving no trace or legacy of honor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam":** This opening declaration establishes the divine origin and certainty of the judgment. The "therefore" links the impending calamity directly to Jeroboam's prior actions of leading Israel into idolatry and abandoning the Lord. It is a sovereign pronouncement of disaster from God Himself.
* **"and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel":** This clause details the extent of the judgment: the complete annihilation of all males in Jeroboam's family. "Him that pisseth against the wall" signifies every male, while "him that is shut up and left in Israel" refers to those confined (perhaps imprisoned or in a secure place) and those left at large within the land. The combined phrases emphasize that no male, regardless of status or location, would escape the judgment; the eradication would be absolute and comprehensive.
* **"and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.":** This final clause reinforces the totality and the humiliating nature of the judgment. The "remnant" refers to any survivors or remaining elements of the dynasty. The comparison to "dung" vividly portrays the utter worthlessness and contempt with which God views Jeroboam's house, indicating that they would be removed entirely, without honor or dignity, leaving no trace of their existence.

#### Literary Devices
The prophet Ahijah employs several powerful literary devices to convey the severity and certainty of God's judgment. Most prominent is the use of **Idiom** in "him that pisseth against the wall," a graphic and forceful expression to denote every male, emphasizing the complete extermination of Jeroboam's lineage. This is complemented by a striking **Metaphor** comparing the removal of Jeroboam's house to "a man taketh away dung." This imagery is designed to evoke revulsion and contempt, underscoring the utter worthlessness and disgrace that would befall the dynasty. The **Hyperbole** inherent in "till it be all gone" further stresses the absolute and irreversible nature of the destruction. Together, these devices create a vivid and unforgettable picture of divine wrath, leaving no doubt about the totality of the impending doom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The judgment against Jeroboam's house in 1 Kings 14:10 serves as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His zealousness for His own glory and the purity of worship. It illustrates the principle that covenant disobedience, particularly idolatry and leading others astray, carries severe consequences, not only for the individual but for their entire lineage and the nation. This passage underscores God's sovereignty over human kingdoms and His commitment to upholding His moral order, demonstrating that even kings are accountable to Him. It foreshadows the pattern of judgment that would repeatedly fall upon the Northern Kingdom due to its persistent idolatry, a cycle initiated by Jeroboam's foundational sin.

* [1 Kings 15:29](/1_kings/15-29 "1 Kings 15:29 - Fulfillment of Ahijah's Prophecy")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 2:19](/jeremiah/2-19 "Jeremiah 2:19 - Consequences of Forsaking God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 14:10 offers profound lessons for believers today, serving as a sobering warning about the seriousness of sin and the far-reaching consequences of spiritual compromise. While the specific context is ancient Israelite kingship, the underlying principles of divine justice, accountability, and the dangers of idolatry remain timeless. It calls us to examine our own lives for anything that might usurp God's rightful place, whether it be material possessions, career success, personal comfort, or even good causes that become ultimate concerns. For those in positions of leadership, whether in the family, church, or workplace, this passage underscores the immense responsibility to lead with integrity, faithfulness, and a commitment to God's truth, recognizing that our actions can have profound and lasting impacts on those we influence. Ultimately, it reminds us that while God is rich in mercy, He is also perfectly just, and genuine repentance and obedience are paramount for walking in His favor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "golden calves" or idols might I be setting up in my own life, subtly or overtly, that divert my worship or allegiance from God?**
* **How do my personal choices and leadership (in any sphere) impact those around me, and am I leading them closer to or further from God?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's justice, and how does that understanding shape my view of His character?**
* **Given the severity of God's judgment against sin, what does this tell me about the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice on the cross?**

### FAQ
**What does "him that pisseth against the wall" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is a vivid and forceful ancient Semitic idiom used to refer to "every male." It is a graphic way of emphasizing the complete and utter extermination of Jeroboam's male lineage. The intent is to convey that absolutely no male descendant would be left alive, ensuring the total end of his dynasty and name. It highlights the comprehensive nature of the divine judgment, leaving no heir to continue the royal line.

**Why was God's judgment against Jeroboam's house so severe?**

Answer: God's judgment was severe because Jeroboam's sin was not merely personal but national and foundational to the Northern Kingdom's apostasy. He deliberately led Israel away from the worship of the true God in Jerusalem by establishing idolatrous golden calves in Bethel and Dan, creating an illegitimate priesthood, and altering the divine worship calendar ([1 Kings 12:28-33](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-33 - Jeroboam's Sin")). This was a direct affront to God's covenant and a provocation of His holiness. The severity of the judgment reflects the gravity of leading God's chosen people into widespread idolatry, a sin that would plague Israel for centuries and ultimately lead to their exile.

**Was this prophecy against Jeroboam's house actually fulfilled?**

Answer: Yes, the prophecy was fulfilled swiftly and completely. Just a few years after this prophecy was given, Jeroboam's son Nadab succeeded him as king. However, in the second year of Nadab's reign, Baasha of the tribe of Issachar conspired against him and struck him down, seizing the throne. As recorded in [1 Kings 15:29](/1_kings/15-29 "1 Kings 15:29 - Fulfillment of Ahijah's Prophecy"), Baasha then "struck down all the house of Jeroboam; he did not leave to Jeroboam anyone that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite." This demonstrates the absolute certainty and faithfulness of God's prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The harsh judgment pronounced upon Jeroboam's house in 1 Kings 14:10, a direct consequence of his idolatry and rebellion, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate judgment for sin, yet also points to the perfect King and the ultimate deliverance found in Christ. Jeroboam, as a king, failed miserably in his responsibility to lead God's people in righteousness, instead becoming the archetype of apostasy who "made Israel to sin." His dynasty was cut off, swept away as "dung," because of its utter worthlessness in God's eyes. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ is the true and faithful King, the Son of David, whose kingdom is eternal and whose reign is perfectly righteous ([Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32 "Luke 1:32-33 - Jesus' Eternal Kingdom")). While Jeroboam's house faced total annihilation for its sin, Christ, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the full weight of God's judgment against sin on the cross, becoming "dung" for us, as it were, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). The ultimate cutting off from God, which Jeroboam's house experienced physically, is the spiritual death from which Christ delivers those who believe in Him, offering eternal life and a place in His unshakeable kingdom ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakeable Kingdom")). Thus, the judgment on Jeroboam serves as a dark backdrop against which the glorious light of Christ's atoning work and His perfect, everlasting reign shines all the more brightly.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 14:26

For the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, [that it was] very bitter: for [there was] not any shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel.

Deuteronomy 32:36

For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.

1 Kings 21:21

Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and will take away thy posterity, and will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel,

2 Kings 9:8

For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

2 Kings 9:9

And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah:

1 Samuel 25:22

So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that [pertain] to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

Psalms 83:10

[Which] perished at Endor: they became [as] dung for the earth.