1 Kings 14:14

KJV

Moreover the LORD shall raise him up a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the LORD {H3068} shall raise him up {H6965} a king {H4428} over Israel {H3478}, who shall cut off {H3772} the house {H1004} of Jeroboam {H3379} that day {H3117}: but what? even now.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moreover, ADONAI will raise up for himself a king over Isra'el who at that time will cut off the house of Yarov'am. And what will God do now?

Berean Standard Bible

Moreover, the LORD will raise up for Himself a king over Israel who will cut off the house of Jeroboam. This is the day—yes, even today!

American Standard Version

Moreover Jehovah will raise him up a king over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 14:14 delivers a potent prophetic declaration from the aged prophet Ahijah, revealing God's swift and decisive judgment against King Jeroboam of Israel. This verse announces that the LORD Himself will raise up a new king who will completely eradicate Jeroboam's dynasty, emphasizing the immediate and inevitable consequences of Jeroboam's profound spiritual rebellion and his leading the nation into idolatry. It underscores the certainty of divine retribution against unrepentant sin, particularly when committed by those in leadership, and highlights God's absolute sovereignty over human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within a larger narrative of divine judgment against Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Following the division of the united monarchy, Jeroboam, fearing that his people would return to Jerusalem for worship and potentially shift their allegiance back to the Davidic line, established alternative worship centers at Dan and Bethel, installing golden calves and appointing non-Levitical priests. This act constituted a grave sin, leading Israel into idolatry, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:28-31](/1_kings/12-28-31 "1 Kings 12:28-31 - Jeroboam's Idolatry at Dan and Bethel"). When Jeroboam's son, Abijah, fell gravely ill, Jeroboam sent his wife, disguised, to inquire of the prophet Ahijah in Shiloh. Ahijah was the same prophet who had initially foretold Jeroboam's rise to power and the division of the kingdom, as recorded in [1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam"). However, instead of a message of hope, Ahijah, though blind from old age, was supernaturally given a dire prophecy of judgment against Jeroboam's house due to his unfaithfulness and the spiritual corruption he introduced to Israel. Verse 14:14 is the climax of this severe pronouncement, immediately preceding the detailed curses upon Jeroboam's family.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following the death of Solomon was marked by significant political and religious upheaval. The united kingdom of Israel had fractured into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel (under Jeroboam) and the southern kingdom of Judah (under Rehoboam). This division was itself part of God's judgment against Solomon's idolatry, as explained in [1 Kings 11:11-13](/1_kings/11-11-13 "1 Kings 11:11-13 - God's Judgment on Solomon"). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the stability and longevity of a dynasty were paramount, signifying divine favor and legitimate rule. The "cutting off" of a house or dynasty was the most severe form of judgment, implying the complete eradication of male heirs, the loss of name, and the end of legacy. Jeroboam's establishment of golden calves was not merely a religious deviation but a political maneuver to secure his throne, yet it directly violated the foundational covenant command against idolatry, as found in [Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First and Second Commandments"). The role of prophets like Ahijah was crucial in ancient Israel, serving as God's direct spokespersons, often delivering messages of both blessing and judgment to kings and the nation, holding them accountable to the covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Kings and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine judgment and retribution**, demonstrating God's unwavering justice against sin, particularly the grave sin of idolatry and leading His people astray. Jeroboam's actions, which led to national apostasy, incurred severe consequences not only for himself but for his entire lineage. Secondly, the verse underscores **prophetic certainty and the reliability of God's word**. Ahijah's prophecy is delivered with absolute assurance, emphasizing that God's declared will, even concerning the rise and fall of kings, will inevitably come to pass. The phrase "even now" reinforces the immediacy and inevitability of this judgment. Thirdly, it speaks to the **consequences of leadership**, illustrating how the spiritual choices of those in authority have far-reaching implications for their families and the nation they govern. Jeroboam's personal sin became a national snare, incurring divine wrath. Finally, the verse powerfully affirms **God's sovereignty over human rulers and political events**. The LORD declares that He "shall raise him up a king over Israel" to execute this judgment, demonstrating His ultimate control over all earthly kingdoms and His ability to appoint and depose leaders according to His divine purpose, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This refers to the covenant God of Israel, the self-Existent or Eternal One. The use of this specific divine name emphasizes that the impending judgment is not a random occurrence or a mere political upheaval, but a deliberate and sovereign act initiated by the one true God who holds ultimate authority over all creation and human history. It underscores the divine origin and certainty of the prophecy.
* **cut off (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** This primitive root means "to cut (off, down or asunder)" and implies to destroy or consume. In this context, it signifies a complete and utter eradication. When applied to a "house" or dynasty, it means the termination of the family line, specifically the male heirs, ensuring no one is left to continue the name or legacy. This term conveys the totality and finality of God's judgment against Jeroboam's lineage.
* **house (Hebrew, _bayith'_):** While literally meaning a physical dwelling, in this context, "house" is used idiomatically to refer to a family, household, or dynasty. Therefore, "cutting off the house of Jeroboam" means the complete annihilation of his dynastic line, ensuring that his name and legacy would not continue through his descendants as kings in Israel. This highlights the comprehensive nature of the divine retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the LORD shall raise him up a king over Israel,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and agency of the impending judgment. It is not a random political upheaval or a human conspiracy, but a sovereign act of God. The LORD Himself will orchestrate the rise of a new king, not for the benefit of Jeroboam, but specifically as an instrument of His judgment against him and his house. This emphasizes God's ultimate control over history and human rulers.
* **"who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day:"**: This specifies the precise nature and target of the divinely appointed king's mission: the complete destruction of Jeroboam's dynasty. "That day" refers to the day this new king rises to power and executes the judgment, implying a swift and decisive action. The phrase "cut off the house" denotes a total eradication, leaving no male heir to continue Jeroboam's lineage, thereby ending his name and legacy in Israel.
* **"but what? even now."**: This concluding phrase is an emphatic and rhetorical exclamation, highlighting the shocking immediacy and certainty of the prophecy. The "what?" expresses a sense of astonishment or urgency, as if the prophet is saying, "Why are you even asking? It's already happening!" or "What more is there to say? It's imminent!" The "even now" reinforces that the judgment is not a distant threat but is already at hand, underscoring the irreversible nature of Jeroboam's fate due to his deep-seated rebellion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as Ahijah delivers a divinely inspired foretelling of future events, specifically the downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty. This highlights God's omniscience and His active involvement in human history. The phrase "cut off the house" functions as a potent **idiom**, a culturally specific expression whose meaning (total dynastic annihilation) is understood beyond the literal words. This idiom vividly communicates the severity and totality of the impending judgment. Finally, the concluding phrase "but what? even now" acts as a powerful **rhetorical exclamation** or interjection. It is not a question seeking an answer, but a dramatic declaration that emphasizes the immediacy, certainty, and shocking nature of the judgment, leaving no room for doubt or delay. This device creates a sense of urgency and finality, underscoring the irreversible consequences of Jeroboam's sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 14:14 stands as a stark reminder of God's unwavering justice and His absolute sovereignty over human affairs. It reveals that while God is patient, His patience has limits, and unrepentant sin, especially idolatry and leading others astray, will inevitably incur severe consequences. The swift and total eradication of Jeroboam's dynasty serves as a powerful object lesson that no earthly power or political maneuvering can thwart the divine will. God raises up and casts down rulers according to His righteous purposes, ensuring that His word is always fulfilled. This prophecy underscores the profound responsibility of leadership, demonstrating that those who guide nations or communities are held to a higher standard, as their choices can have catastrophic spiritual and historical repercussions.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Isaiah 46:9-11](/isaiah/46-9-11 "Isaiah 46:9-11 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling certainty of 1 Kings 14:14, with its pronouncement of imminent judgment, compels us to reflect deeply on the nature of sin, leadership, and God's unwavering character. While we may not establish golden calves, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our hearts – be it career, relationships, material possessions, personal comfort, or even self-righteousness – becomes an idol that distorts our worship and leads us astray. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to identify and dismantle any idols that compete for our ultimate allegiance. For those in positions of influence, whether in families, churches, workplaces, or society at large, this passage serves as a sobering reminder of the heightened accountability before God. Our actions, decisions, and spiritual posture have ripple effects, impacting those we lead for good or ill. Ultimately, the "even now" aspect of the judgment underscores the urgency of repentance and turning back to God. God's justice is not delayed indefinitely; His word is certain, and His consequences are sure. We are called to live with a holy reverence for His commands, understanding that true security and blessing come from wholehearted devotion to Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "golden calves" or idols might be subtly competing for God's ultimate place in my life today?**
* **In what ways do my leadership (even in small spheres of influence) impact the spiritual well-being of others?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment, as seen in this verse, shape my understanding of His character and my motivation for obedience?**
* **What does "even now" mean for my response to God's call for repentance and devotion in my own life?**

### FAQ

**What was Jeroboam's primary sin that led to this severe judgment?**

Answer: Jeroboam's primary sin was idolatry and leading the nation of Israel into apostasy. After the kingdom divided, he feared that if his subjects continued to worship at Jerusalem, their hearts would return to the Davidic king. To prevent this, he set up two golden calves in the northern kingdom, one in Dan and one in Bethel, declaring them to be the gods who brought Israel out of Egypt. He also established a non-Levitical priesthood and instituted new feast days, as described in [1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26-33 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry and New Worship System"). This was a direct violation of God's covenant commands against idolatry and false worship, and it became the "sin of Jeroboam" that plagued the northern kingdom for generations.

**How was the prophecy in 1 Kings 14:14 fulfilled?**

Answer: The prophecy was fulfilled swiftly and completely, demonstrating the absolute certainty of God's word. Just two years after Jeroboam's death, his son Nadab reigned for only two years before being assassinated by Baasha, a man from the tribe of Issachar. Baasha then became king and, in accordance with Ahijah's prophecy, proceeded to destroy all of Jeroboam's descendants, leaving none alive. This brutal purge ensured that "he left to Jeroboam not one who breathed, until he had destroyed him, according to the word of the LORD which He spoke by His servant Ahijah the Shilonite," as recorded in [1 Kings 15:29](/1_kings/15-29 "1 Kings 15:29 - Fulfillment of Ahijah's Prophecy"). This event served as a powerful testament to the veracity of God's judgment and the consequences of unrepentant sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 14:14 details a judgment of cutting off, it paradoxically points forward to the ultimate King whom God would raise up, not to destroy, but to save. The "king over Israel" who would "cut off the house of Jeroboam" foreshadows the divine sovereignty by which God orchestrates history, ultimately culminating in the reign of Jesus Christ. Unlike the kings of Israel who often failed and incurred judgment, Jesus is the righteous King, the Son of David, whose kingdom will have no end, as proclaimed in [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Reign of Jesus"). He came not to "cut off" a specific earthly dynasty through violence, but to "cut off" the power of sin and death itself, to destroy the works of the devil, as revealed in [1 John 3:8](/1_john/3-8 "1 John 3:8 - Jesus Destroys the Works of the Devil"). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering a path to reconciliation rather than just judgment. The certainty of the prophecy in 1 Kings 14:14, the "even now" aspect, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the "already and not yet" reality of Christ's kingdom, where His victory over sin is assured, and His return to establish full righteousness is imminent, as promised in [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus' Promise to Return"). Thus, the judgment on Jeroboam's house serves as a stark backdrop against which the grace and eternal reign of Christ shine even 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

1 Kings 15:27

And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him; and Baasha smote him at Gibbethon, which [belonged] to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon.

1 Kings 15:29

And it came to pass, when he reigned, [that] he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him, according unto the saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite:

Ecclesiastes 8:11

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

James 5:9

Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.

2 Peter 2:3

¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

Ezekiel 12:22

Son of man, what [is] that proverb [that] ye have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth?

Ezekiel 12:28

Therefore say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; There shall none of my words be prolonged any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done, saith the Lord GOD.