1 Kings 14:13

KJV

And 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all Israel {H3478} shall mourn {H5594} for him, and bury {H6912} him: for he only of Jeroboam {H3379} shall come {H935} to the grave {H6913}, because in him there is found {H4672} some good {H2896} thing {H1697} toward the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} in the house {H1004} of Jeroboam {H3379}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All Isra'el will mourn him, and they will bury him; he is the only one of Yarov'am's line who will lie in a grave, because he alone in the house of Yarov'am has in him an element of good toward ADONAI the God of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

All Israel will mourn for him and bury him. For this is the only one belonging to Jeroboam who will receive a proper burial, because only in him has the LORD, the God of Israel, found any good in the house of Jeroboam.

American Standard Version

And 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 Jehovah, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 14:13 unveils a singular act of divine mercy and precise justice amidst the sweeping judgment pronounced upon the apostate house of King Jeroboam. It records the unique privilege granted to Jeroboam's son, Abijah, who alone among his lineage would receive a proper burial and national mourning. This exceptional favor is attributed to a "good thing" found within him by the LORD God of Israel, a profound testament to God's omniscience and His ability to discern genuine spiritual inclination even within a household steeped in profound idolatry and rebellion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of a severe prophetic oracle delivered by the aged prophet Ahijah of Shiloh to Jeroboam's disguised wife. The preceding verses, specifically [1 Kings 14:7-11](/1_kings/14-7-11 "1 Kings 14:7-11 - Ahijah's Prophecy of Judgment Against Jeroboam"), detail a comprehensive and devastating judgment against Jeroboam's dynasty. This judgment includes the complete destruction of his house and the ignominious fate of its members, whose bodies would be consumed by dogs and birds, signifying a total lack of proper burial and honor. Verse 13 stands in stark contrast to this grim pronouncement, highlighting a singular act of mercy. It follows the announcement of Abijah's imminent death upon his mother's return home, framing his demise not merely as a judgment on the house but also as a distinct act of grace for the individual. The narrative emphasizes the immediate fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty and the certainty of His word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** King Jeroboam I had famously orchestrated a profound spiritual rebellion in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. To solidify his political power and prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship, he established rival cult centers at Bethel and Dan, installing golden calves as objects of 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 and egregious violation of God's covenant and the First Commandment, incurring severe divine wrath that would plague his dynasty. In ancient Israelite culture, a proper burial was of paramount importance, signifying honor, peace, and a connection to one's ancestors and the land. To be unburied, or to have one's body consumed by scavengers, was considered the ultimate disgrace and a clear sign of God's most severe judgment, as frequently warned in prophetic literature ([Deuteronomy 28:26](/deuteronomy/28-26 "Deuteronomy 28:26 - Consequences of Disobedience"); [Jeremiah 8:2](/jeremiah/8-2 "Jeremiah 8:2 - Desecration of the Dead")). Abijah's proper burial, therefore, was not merely a cultural custom but a profound, divinely orchestrated act of grace within a context of overwhelming and deserved judgment.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates the tension between **divine justice and individual mercy**. While God's judgment on Jeroboam's house was absolute due to its pervasive idolatry and leadership in apostasy, His **omniscience and discernment** are profoundly highlighted by His ability to perceive a "good thing" in Abijah's heart. This demonstrates that God looks beyond outward appearances and corporate associations to the true state of the heart, a truth echoed in [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). The passage also underscores the severe **consequences of national apostasy** while simultaneously affirming the **value of personal piety** even within the most corrupt environments. Abijah's story serves as a unique testament to God's readiness to acknowledge and honor genuine spiritual inclination, however small or hidden, even amidst profound wickedness and a general outpouring of divine wrath.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** The Hebrew word טוֹב (_ṭôwb'_) is a versatile term signifying "good," "pleasant," "agreeable," "right," or "morally upright." In this context, it refers to a genuine, perhaps nascent or private, inclination, disposition, or act that was pleasing to the LORD. It was not necessarily a grand public display of righteousness but an internal spiritual quality or a series of quiet choices that stood in stark contrast to the pervasive idolatry and wickedness of his father Jeroboam and the prevailing culture. God recognized an authentic, if perhaps incomplete, turning towards Him.
* **found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʾ'_):** The Hebrew verb מָצָא (_mâtsâʾ'_) means "to come forth to," "to appear," "to exist," or "to attain, find, acquire." Its use here emphasizes God's active perception and discernment. It implies that this "good thing" was not merely assumed or hoped for, but was genuinely present and discovered by God's omniscient gaze within Abijah, even amidst the spiritual darkness of his family. This highlights God's ability to see and acknowledge hidden spiritual realities.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** The Hebrew word בַּיִת (_bayith'_) primarily means "house," but extends to encompass "household," "family," or "dynasty." The phrase "in the house of Jeroboam" emphasizes the unlikely and remarkable context in which this "good thing" was found. The "house of Jeroboam" was synonymous with profound spiritual rebellion and was under a severe divine curse. To find anything "good" or God-ward within such a corrupt environment underscores the depth of God's discernment and His ability to see beyond the corporate identity to the individual heart. It highlights Abijah's unique spiritual integrity despite being raised in a household of apostasy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him":** This clause describes the unique privilege granted to Abijah, setting him apart from the rest of his family. In a culture where proper burial and mourning were highly valued, this signifies a measure of honor and divine favor. The phrase "all Israel" suggests a widespread, national recognition of his passing, contrasting sharply with the ignominious, unmourned deaths prophesied for the rest of Jeroboam's lineage. It implies a public acknowledgment of his distinction and the divine approval of his character.
* **"for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave":** This is the stark declaration of Abijah's exceptional fate, emphasizing the singularity of God's mercy. The word "only" (Hebrew, _raq_) underscores that this privilege was exclusive to Abijah. While the rest of Jeroboam's family would suffer the disgrace of unburied bodies, becoming carrion, Abijah alone would receive a proper burial. This highlights the severity of the judgment on the "house of Jeroboam" as a whole, making Abijah's fate a powerful testament to God's individualized discernment and the precision of His justice.
* **"because in him there is found [some] good thing toward the LORD God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam":** This is the divine rationale for Abijah's unique treatment. God's omniscience allowed Him to perceive an inner spiritual disposition in Abijah that was oriented towards the true God, despite his family's pervasive idolatry. This "good thing" was the basis for God's mercy, demonstrating that even a subtle or private inclination towards the LORD is recognized and honored by Him, even in the most ungodly of environments. It reveals that God's judgment is not indiscriminate but deeply personal and discerning.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Contrast** is paramount, setting Abijah's fate in stark opposition to the utter destruction and dishonor prophesied for the rest of Jeroboam's house. This highlights the exceptional nature of God's mercy towards an individual amidst corporate judgment. There is also a strong element of **irony** in the phrase "good thing... in the house of Jeroboam," as Jeroboam's household was the epitome of wickedness and rebellion against the LORD. The presence of any "good thing" within such a context is unexpected and underscores God's ability to find and honor genuine faith even in the most unlikely and corrupt places. Furthermore, the act of proper burial serves as a powerful **symbolism** of divine favor, peace, and honor, contrasting sharply with the symbolic disgrace of unburied bodies and the ultimate rejection by God. The entire narrative also functions as a **prophecy**, with Ahijah's words precisely foretelling Abijah's death and burial, thereby validating the prophet's authority and God's sovereign control over human events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly illustrates the tension between corporate judgment and individual accountability, revealing God's character as both perfectly just and infinitely merciful. While the consequences of Jeroboam's apostasy were dire and extended to his entire lineage, God's discerning eye recognized a unique spiritual inclination in Abijah. This demonstrates that God's judgment is not a blind sweep but a precise and personal assessment of the heart. It underscores the biblical truth that God sees beyond outward appearances and family associations, valuing genuine, internal devotion even when it is hidden or imperfect. This encourages believers to cultivate an authentic relationship with the LORD, knowing that even small acts of faithfulness or a sincere heart orientation towards Him are seen and honored.

* [1 Samuel 16:7](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart, Not Appearance")
* [Ezekiel 18:20](/ezekiel/18-20 "Ezekiel 18:20 - Individual Responsibility for Sin")
* [Psalm 139:2-4](/psalms/139-2-4 "Psalm 139:2-4 - God's Omniscience and Knowledge of Our Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 14:13 offers a powerful message of hope and challenge for believers today. It reminds us that God's grace and discernment extend to individuals, even when they are part of a spiritually compromised family, community, or society. Abijah's story emphasizes the profound value of personal piety: even a "some good thing" in the heart, a genuine turning towards God, is recognized and honored by Him. This encourages us to cultivate an authentic relationship with the LORD, regardless of our surroundings, knowing that our internal disposition matters deeply to God. For those who find themselves in environments hostile to faith, Abijah's example shows that personal integrity and devotion to God can still be maintained and will be acknowledged. It also serves as a sobering reminder that while God's judgment for corporate and national sin is real, His justice is also highly individualized, recognizing the heart of each person. We are called to live with integrity, knowing that God sees our hearts and honors genuine faith, even when it is unseen by others, offering a profound comfort that our sincere efforts to please Him are never overlooked.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abijah's story challenge our assumptions about corporate versus individual sin and judgment?**
* **What "good thing" might God be seeking in our own hearts, even in unseen ways, and how can we cultivate it daily?**
* **In what ways can we maintain genuine devotion to God, regardless of the spiritual environment we find ourselves in?**
* **How does God's discernment of Abijah's heart encourage you in your own walk of faith, knowing He sees and values your inner disposition?**

### FAQ

**Why was Abijah the only one of Jeroboam's house to receive a proper burial?**

Answer: Abijah was uniquely favored because God found "some good thing toward the LORD God of Israel" in him. This indicates a genuine, though perhaps private, spiritual inclination or devotion to the true God, which stood in stark contrast to the pervasive idolatry and wickedness of his father Jeroboam and the rest of the household. God's omniscience allowed Him to discern this internal disposition, distinguishing Abijah from his family who were under severe divine judgment for their apostasy.

**What exactly was this "good thing" found in Abijah?**

Answer: The Bible does not specify the exact nature of this "good thing." It likely refers to a genuine, perhaps nascent or private, reverence for the LORD, a turning of his heart towards the covenant God of Israel, or actions consistent with such a disposition. It was not necessarily a grand public act of righteousness, but an internal spiritual quality that God recognized and honored. This contrasts sharply with Jeroboam's deliberate and public rejection of the LORD in favor of idol worship, as detailed in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - Jeroboam's Idolatry").

**Does this mean God is unfair to Jeroboam's other descendants who did not receive proper burial?**

Answer: No, it does not imply unfairness. Instead, it highlights God's *mercy* and *discernment* towards Abijah. The judgment on Jeroboam's house was a just consequence of their widespread and persistent sin of leading Israel into idolatry. The ignominious deaths prophesied for the rest of the family were a deserved outcome for their rebellion. Abijah's proper burial was an exception, a specific act of grace based on God's unique perception of his heart, demonstrating that God's justice is precise and His mercy is sovereign, even amidst corporate judgment. This aligns with the principle that God's ways are always just, as seen throughout the biblical narrative, for example, in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Justice").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "good thing" found in Abijah, which garnered God's unique favor and a proper burial, points forward to the ultimate "good thing" in the person of Jesus Christ. While Abijah's goodness was partial and imperfect, Christ embodied perfect righteousness and complete devotion "toward the LORD God." In Jesus, God found not "some good thing," but the absolute and perfect good, the very Son who perfectly pleased the Father ([Matthew 3:17](/matthew/3-17 "Matthew 3:17 - The Father's Voice at Jesus' Baptism")). Abijah's burial was an act of mercy for one individual, but Christ's death and burial on the cross secured eternal life and spiritual burial for all who believe, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through faith in Him, we are not merely found with "some good thing," but are clothed in His perfect righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The divine discernment that saw Abijah's heart now sees those who are "in Christ," granting them not just a physical grave but an eternal inheritance and resurrection life, fulfilling God's ultimate plan of justice and mercy through the perfect sacrifice of His Son ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ Through Baptism")). This ultimate act of divine favor through Christ far surpasses any earthly burial, offering eternal peace and communion with God.

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 Chronicles 19:3

Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God.

2 Chronicles 12:12

And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the LORD turned from him, that he would not destroy [him] altogether: and also in Judah things went well.

2 Peter 2:8

(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed [his] righteous soul from day to day with [their] unlawful deeds;)

2 Peter 2:9

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

Jeremiah 22:18

Therefore thus saith the LORD concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah; They shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah my brother! or, Ah sister! they shall not lament for him, [saying], Ah lord! or, Ah his glory!

Job 19:28

But ye should say, Why persecute we him, seeing the root of the matter is found in me?

Philemon 1:6

That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.