1 Kings 14:12

KJV

Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house: [and] when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die.

KJV (with Strong's)

Arise {H6965} thou therefore, get {H3212} thee to thine own house {H1004}: and when thy feet {H7272} enter {H935} into the city {H5892}, the child {H3206} shall die {H4191}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So get up and go home; when your feet enter the city, the boy will die.

Berean Standard Bible

As for you, get up and go home. When your feet enter the city, the child will die.

American Standard Version

Arise thou therefore, get thee to thy house: and when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 14:12 delivers a devastating and precisely timed prophecy from the prophet Ahijah to King Jeroboam's disguised wife. It declares that upon her return to Tirzah, their son Abijah, who is gravely ill, will die the very moment her feet cross the city threshold. This verse serves as a stark testament to the immediate and certain nature of divine judgment against Jeroboam's profound apostasy and the tragic, far-reaching consequences of a leader's sin on his family and household.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse represents the climactic and most personal pronouncement within a severe prophetic oracle delivered by the aging and blind prophet Ahijah the Shilonite. The preceding verses, detailing the comprehensive judgment against Jeroboam's house in [1 Kings 14:7-11](/1_kings/14-7-11 "1 Kings 14:7-11 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam's House"), cite his egregious sin of establishing idolatry and turning away from the Lord. Jeroboam, having been divinely chosen and elevated to kingship over Israel, had utterly failed in his covenant responsibilities, leading the northern kingdom into deep spiritual rebellion. His desperate act of sending his wife, disguised, to inquire about their sick son, Abijah, from the very prophet who had once foretold his rise to power ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah Prophesies to Jeroboam")), ironically brings about the confirmation of his doom. Verse 12 is the immediate, personal, and heartbreaking consequence of this wider judgment, focusing on the innocent child as a direct casualty of his father's rebellion. The subsequent verse, [1 Kings 14:13](/1_kings/14-13 "1 Kings 14:13 - Abijah's Burial and God's Favor"), adds a poignant detail, revealing that Abijah was the only one of Jeroboam's descendants who would receive a proper burial, due to "some good thing found in him toward the LORD God of Israel."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeroboam I was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, reigning after the division of the united monarchy following Solomon's death (circa 931 BCE). His primary sin, which set the tone for all subsequent northern kings, was the establishment of rival cult centers at Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves, to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem to worship ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26-33 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry and Its Consequences")). This act was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law and a profound betrayal of the covenant. The setting is Tirzah, Jeroboam's capital at the time, and the prophet Ahijah resides in Shiloh, a historically significant religious center. The practice of consulting prophets for divine guidance, even in disguise, was common in the ancient Near East, though God's omniscience consistently exposed such deceptions. The death of a royal heir was a significant blow, not only personally but also politically, signaling instability and divine disfavor upon the dynasty, often interpreted as a direct sign of God's judgment against the ruling house.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings - History of Israel's Kings") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. First, it vividly illustrates **Divine Judgment and Consequences**, demonstrating God's active involvement in human affairs and His righteous retribution against sin, particularly idolatry and covenant infidelity. The child's death is a direct and undeniable consequence of Jeroboam's actions, highlighting the ripple effect of a leader's sin. Second, it underscores **Prophetic Certainty and Divine Sovereignty**. Ahijah's words are not mere predictions but absolute decrees from God, emphasizing the inevitability and precise timing of the prophecy's fulfillment. The phrase "when thy feet enter into the city, the child shall die" leaves no room for doubt or delay, showcasing God's absolute control over life and death. Third, it reveals **God's Omniscience**, as He sees through Jeroboam's wife's disguise (as seen in [1 Kings 14:5-6](/1_kings/14-5-6 "1 Kings 14:5-6 - God Reveals the Disguise")), demonstrating His perfect knowledge and sovereign control over all circumstances, even hidden intentions. Finally, the tragic outcome for Abijah highlights the **Impact of Leadership**, where the sins of those in authority have far-reaching and often devastating consequences, not only for the nation but also for their own families, underscoring the weighty responsibility of kingship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Arise (קוּם, _qum'_):** This imperative verb, often translated as "rise up" or "get up," conveys a sense of urgency and immediate command. In this context, it is not merely an instruction to stand but a divine dismissal, a command for Jeroboam's wife to depart swiftly, carrying the heavy burden of the impending judgment back to her "house" (H1004, _bayith_). It underscores the finality and unalterable nature of the decree, allowing no further inquiry or reprieve.
* **Enter (בּוֹא, _bo'_):** This verb signifies "to come in," "to go in," or "to enter." Its precise usage here, "when thy feet (H7272, _regel_) enter into the city (H5892, _ʻîyr_)," emphasizes a specific, critical threshold. The moment of entry into Tirzah is the exact trigger for the child's (H3206, _yeled_) death, making the divine judgment undeniably precise and immediate, leaving no room for hope or delay once the point of no return is crossed. This highlights God's meticulous timing in judgment.
* **Die (מוּת, _mûwth'_):** This common primitive root for "to die" is used here in its most direct and stark form. The declaration that "the child shall die" is an absolute, unconditional statement of fact. There is no possibility of recovery or reprieve, underscoring the severity and certainty of God's judgment against Jeroboam's house, even if it falls upon an innocent party. It signifies a divinely ordained cessation of life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own house:"** This opening clause is a direct, imperative command from the prophet Ahijah, reflecting God's instruction. The tone is abrupt and urgent, signaling the end of the inquiry and the beginning of the judgment's execution. It dismisses Jeroboam's wife, sending her back to the very place where the divine decree will be fulfilled. The phrase "thine own house" emphasizes the personal and domestic nature of this particular judgment, striking at the heart of the royal family and highlighting the direct impact of Jeroboam's sin on his immediate household.
* **"[and] when thy feet enter into the city,"** This clause introduces the precise timing and condition for the prophecy's fulfillment. The phrase "thy feet enter into the city" is a vivid and dramatic detail, making the moment of death inextricably linked to her physical return. It highlights the divine precision and the inescapable nature of the judgment; there is no escaping the decree by delaying or changing routes. The city, Tirzah, represents the seat of Jeroboam's power and the place where his idolatry had taken root, now becoming the scene of his family's sorrow and the public manifestation of divine wrath.
* **"the child shall die."** This is the stark, unvarnished pronouncement of judgment. The simplicity of the statement belies its devastating impact. The child, Abijah, an innocent party in his father's sins, becomes the immediate victim of divine wrath against Jeroboam's apostasy. This death is not a natural occurrence but a direct act of God, a sign to Jeroboam and to Israel of the severe consequences of abandoning the Lord and a precursor to the complete destruction of Jeroboam's dynasty.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to amplify its message and underscore the gravity of the situation. **Foreshadowing** is evident in Ahijah's earlier, broader prophecy against Jeroboam's house, with this verse serving as the immediate, personal fulfillment of that larger judgment. **Dramatic Irony** is present as Jeroboam's wife attempts to deceive the prophet, yet God has already revealed her identity and purpose to Ahijah, making her disguise futile and her journey one towards inevitable sorrow. The entire verse functions as a **Divine Decree**, a pronouncement of judgment that is absolute and unalterable, emphasizing God's sovereign will and the certainty of His word. The specific detail "when thy feet enter into the city" is a powerful use of **Precision**, creating a sense of immediate and inescapable doom, tying the physical act of entry to the spiritual consequence. This precise timing also serves as a **Symbol** of the certainty of God's word and the direct, inescapable link between Jeroboam's persistent sin and its tragic outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 14:12 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine judgment and the far-reaching consequences of sin, particularly for those in positions of leadership. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, demonstrating that His word, once spoken through His prophets, is certain and will be fulfilled with precise timing. The death of an innocent child, while tragic, highlights the extreme gravity of Jeroboam's apostasy, which had corrupted the nation and provoked God's righteous anger. This incident reveals that God's justice is not merely abstract but has tangible, often painful, repercussions in the lives of individuals and families, serving as a stark warning against idolatry and disobedience to the covenant. It emphasizes that God holds leaders to a higher account, as their choices impact not only themselves but also those under their influence.

* [1 Kings 14:7-11](/1_kings/14-7-11 "1 Kings 14:7-11 - Ahijah's Full Prophecy Against Jeroboam's House")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience to the Covenant")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Efficacy and Power of God's Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This somber verse compels us to consider the profound weight of our choices, especially when we are in positions of influence, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. Jeroboam's decision to lead Israel into idolatry had devastating consequences, not only for his kingdom but also for his own family, illustrating that sin, particularly that which leads others astray, carries a heavy price that can affect even the innocent. The immediate and precise fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy reminds us of the certainty of God's word and the seriousness with which He regards disobedience. It challenges us to examine our own lives: are we leading ourselves and others towards God or away from Him? Do we truly believe that God's promises and warnings are absolute and will come to pass? This passage calls for genuine repentance and a commitment to living in obedience to God's revealed will, understanding that while His justice is real and inescapable, His mercy is also abundant for those who turn to Him in humility and faith. We are reminded that our actions have ripple effects, and faithfulness to God is not merely a personal virtue but a communal responsibility.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jeroboam's sin, as a leader, illustrate the far-reaching impact of authority on a community and family?**
* **What does the immediate and precise fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy teach us about the nature of God's word and His sovereignty over life and death?**
* **In what ways might our own choices, even seemingly private ones, have unintended and negative consequences for those around us, particularly those we love?**
* **How should the certainty of divine judgment, as seen in this passage, motivate us to live lives of greater obedience and faithfulness to God today?**

### FAQ
**Why did an innocent child have to die for Jeroboam's sin?**

Answer: The death of Abijah, an innocent child, is one of the most tragic aspects of this judgment and raises profound questions about divine justice. Theologically, it serves several purposes. Firstly, it underscores the extreme gravity of Jeroboam's sin, particularly his establishment of idolatry, which was a direct affront to God's covenant and led an entire nation astray ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry and Its Consequences")). God's judgment often impacts the family and lineage of the offender, demonstrating the ripple effect of sin and the corporate solidarity of humanity (e.g., [Exodus 20:5](/exodus/20-5 "Exodus 20:5 - Consequences of Idolatry for Generations")). Secondly, it was a clear, undeniable sign to Jeroboam that God's word was true and His judgment against his house was certain and immediate. The death of the heir was a devastating blow to the dynasty, signaling its impending end. Interestingly, [1 Kings 14:13](/1_kings/14-13 "1 Kings 14:13 - Abijah's Burial and God's Favor") notes that Abijah was the only one of Jeroboam's house who would receive a proper burial, "because in him there is found some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel." This suggests that while he suffered the consequences of his father's sin, God's discerning eye recognized his personal righteousness and granted him a measure of grace even in judgment, setting him apart from the rest of his condemned family.

**What does this verse tell us about God's omniscience, given Jeroboam's wife's disguise?**

Answer: This verse, read in conjunction with [1 Kings 14:5-6](/1_kings/14-5-6 "1 Kings 14:5-6 - God Reveals the Disguise"), powerfully demonstrates God's omniscience – His perfect and complete knowledge of all things. Even before Jeroboam's wife reached Ahijah's house, God revealed her identity and purpose to the blind prophet, stating, "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 I am sent to her with heavy tidings." This highlights that no human attempt at deception, no hidden motive or secret action, can escape God's all-seeing eye. He knows not only our outward actions but also the intentions of our hearts and the precise timing of events. This divine knowledge ensures that His judgments are always just and His prophecies are always accurate, as they are based on a complete understanding of reality that transcends human limitations.

**Was there any hope for Jeroboam or his house after this prophecy?**

Answer: The prophecy delivered by Ahijah, culminating in [1 Kings 14:12](/1_kings/14-12 "1 Kings 14:12 - Abijah's Death Prophecy"), was a definitive declaration of judgment against Jeroboam's house, indicating that his dynasty would be cut off entirely ([1 Kings 14:10-11](/1_kings/14-10-11 "1 Kings 14:10-11 - Destruction of Jeroboam's House")). This was a direct consequence of his persistent and unrepentant idolatry. While God is always merciful to those who genuinely repent, the narrative in [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") portrays Jeroboam as a king who "sinned, and who made Israel to sin" ([1 Kings 14:16](/1_kings/14-16 "1 Kings 14:16 - Jeroboam's Enduring Sin")) and showed no signs of turning from his wicked ways. Therefore, for Jeroboam and his house, the prophecy signaled the irreversible end of their royal line, which was indeed fulfilled by Baasha who struck down all of Jeroboam's house ([1 Kings 15:29](/1_kings/15-29 "1 Kings 15:29 - Fulfillment of Ahijah's Prophecy")). The only "hope" mentioned is for the child Abijah, who, despite dying, received a proper burial because "there is found in him some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel" ([1 Kings 14:13](/1_kings/14-13 "1 Kings 14:13 - Abijah's Burial and God's Favor")), a small glimmer of God's discerning grace amidst severe judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 14:12 speaks of a specific judgment against a disobedient king and the tragic death of his son, it points us toward Christ in profound ways. The innocent suffering of Abijah, dying as a direct consequence of his father's sin, foreshadows the ultimate innocent suffering of the [Lamb of God, Jesus Christ](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who bore the full weight of humanity's sin, though He Himself knew no sin ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Just as Ahijah's prophecy was certain and fulfilled with precise timing, so too were the prophecies concerning Christ's death, resurrection, and return, all part of God's unalterable decree ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant and His Atoning Work")). The divine omniscience that saw through Jeroboam's wife's disguise is the same omniscience of God the Father who "knew no sin" in Christ, yet "made him to be sin for us" to secure our redemption. Furthermore, Jeroboam's failure as king, leading his people into idolatry and away from God, contrasts sharply with Jesus, the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd") and the [true King of Israel](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World"), who perfectly fulfilled God's law and led His people to eternal life through His sacrifice. The judgment against Jeroboam's house, though severe, pales in comparison to the eternal judgment that awaits those who reject the ultimate King and His gracious offer of salvation through faith in Christ ([John 3:18](/john/3-18 "John 3:18 - Condemnation for Unbelief")). Yet, for those who believe, there is no condemnation, but eternal life in the presence of the [righteous King](/romans/5-17 "Romans 5:17 - Reigning in Life Through Christ").

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

1 Kings 14:16

And he shall give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, who did sin, and who made Israel to sin.

1 Kings 14:17

And Jeroboam's wife arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: [and] when she came to the threshold of the door, the child died;

2 Kings 1:6

And they said unto him, There came a man up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, [Is it] not because [there is] not a God in Israel, [that] thou sendest to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron? therefore thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

2 Kings 1:16

And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to enquire of Baalzebub the god of Ekron, [is it] not because [there is] no God in Israel to enquire of his word? therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die.

1 Kings 14:3

And 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.

John 4:50

Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.

John 4:52

Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.