1 Kings 14:20

KJV

And the days which Jeroboam reigned [were] two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the days {H3117} which Jeroboam {H3379} reigned {H4427} were two {H8147} and twenty {H6242} years {H8141}: and he slept {H7901} with his fathers {H1}, and Nadab {H5070} his son {H1121} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yarov'am's reign lasted twenty-two years; then he slept with his ancestors, and Nadav his son became king in his place.

Berean Standard Bible

And the length of Jeroboam’s reign was twenty-two years, and he rested with his fathers, and his son Nadab reigned in his place.

American Standard Version

And the days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and he slept with his fathers, and Nadab his son reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 14:20 marks the definitive conclusion of Jeroboam's 22-year reign as the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, detailing his death and the immediate succession of his son, Nadab. This pivotal verse serves as a solemn narrative transition, signaling the end of a foundational yet deeply flawed rule and setting the stage for the swift and violent fulfillment of divine judgment prophesied against Jeroboam's idolatrous dynasty, thereby underscoring the transient nature of human power and the unwavering certainty of God's word concerning the consequences of disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse provides the formal narrative closure to Jeroboam's personal reign, immediately following the detailed account of the prophet Ahijah's severe judgment against Jeroboam's house, delivered through Jeroboam's wife in [1 Kings 14:1-18](/1_kings/14-1 "1 Kings 14:1-18 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam's House"). The preceding verses describe the tragic death of Jeroboam's son, Abijah, as the initial, painful fulfillment of Ahijah's prophecy, a tangible sign that the entire dynasty was marked for destruction. Verse 20, therefore, acts as the final historical record of Jeroboam's time on the throne, leading directly into the tumultuous and short-lived reign of Nadab and the subsequent annihilation of Jeroboam's lineage by Baasha, as meticulously detailed in [1 Kings 15:25-30](/1_kings/15-25-30 "1 Kings 15:25-30 - Nadab's Brief Reign and Baasha's Coup"). The concise, almost formulaic nature of this verse—detailing regnal duration, death, and succession—is characteristic of the book of Kings, providing a structured and consistent framework for the historical chronology of Israelite and Judean monarchs, often highlighting the divine hand in their rise and fall.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jeroboam's reign (circa 931-910 BC) was a watershed moment, foundational for the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was established after the ten northern tribes seceded from Rehoboam's rule following Solomon's death, as chronicled in [1 Kings 12](/1_kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom"). Though initially appointed by God through the prophet Ahijah with a conditional promise of an enduring dynasty ([1 Kings 11:29-39](/1_kings/11-29-39 "1 Kings 11:29-39 - Ahijah's Prophecy to Jeroboam")), Jeroboam's defining sin was his establishment of idolatrous worship centers at Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry at Dan and Bethel")). This act, driven by political expediency to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem for worship, became known as the "sin of Jeroboam" and served as a recurring condemnation for nearly every subsequent king of Israel. Culturally, the phrase "slept with his fathers" is a widespread ancient Near Eastern idiom for death and burial, signifying a peaceful, natural end and inclusion in the family tomb, regardless of the individual's moral standing or the spiritual implications of their life. It simply denotes a historical fact of demise.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the broader narrative of the book of Kings. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, demonstrating with stark clarity that despite Jeroboam's relatively long reign and initial divine appointment, God's prophetic word concerning the consequences of his apostasy would be precisely and inevitably fulfilled ([1 Kings 14:7-16](/1_kings/14-7-16 "1 Kings 14:7-16 - Ahijah's Prophecy Against Jeroboam")). Secondly, it underscores the severe **Consequences of Disobedience and Idolatry**. Jeroboam's deliberate choice to lead Israel into national apostasy established a destructive pattern of sin that plagued the Northern Kingdom for centuries, ultimately leading to its downfall and exile. His personal death here is merely the initial tremor of the comprehensive judgment on his house. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Dynastic Instability** in Israel. In stark contrast to the relatively stable and divinely promised Davidic dynasty in Judah, the Northern Kingdom was characterized by frequent coups, assassinations, and short-lived reigns, a direct result of their kings' persistent rejection of God's covenant and their embrace of Jeroboam's sin. Jeroboam's death sets the stage for this volatile pattern of succession, which would soon engulf his own lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Reigned (Hebrew, _mālaḵ_):** This verb signifies "to be king," "to rule," or "to reign." Inceptively, it refers to ascending the throne, and causatively, to inducting into royalty. Its repeated use throughout the books of Kings emphasizes the historical record of succession and the duration of each monarch's rule. For Jeroboam, the mention of "two and twenty years" highlights the significant length of his reign, which, paradoxically, allowed ample time for his idolatrous practices to become deeply entrenched in the national life of Israel, thus intensifying the subsequent judgment.
* **Slept (Hebrew, _šāḵaḇ_):** This primitive root literally means "to lie down" for rest, sexual connection, decease, or any other purpose. In the context of "slept with his fathers," it is a widely used biblical idiom for death, particularly for kings who died a natural death and were buried with their ancestors. Its use here for Jeroboam, despite the severe judgment against him, indicates that his death was not violent or premature in the manner of his son Nadab's, but a natural conclusion to his 22-year rule, a formal historical marker rather than a spiritual assessment.
* **Fathers (Hebrew, _ʼāḇ_):** A primitive word, referring to a father in a literal, immediate, figurative, or remote application. In the idiom "slept with his fathers," it refers to the ancestral lineage and the customary practice of burial in a family tomb. This phrase signifies that Jeroboam was laid to rest in the traditional manner, joining his forebears, which was a common practice for kings, regardless of their moral or spiritual standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the days which Jeroboam reigned [were] two and twenty years":** This opening clause precisely states the duration of Jeroboam's rule over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The specification of "two and twenty years" emphasizes a substantial period, during which Jeroboam not only established his political authority but also firmly entrenched his apostate religious policies, including the creation of the golden calves at Dan and Bethel. This lengthy reign underscores the profound and lasting impact of the idolatry he introduced, which would tragically plague Israel for generations.
* **"and he slept with his fathers":** This common biblical idiom marks Jeroboam's death and burial. It signifies that he died a natural death, as opposed to being assassinated or dying in battle, which was a frequent end for many subsequent kings of Israel. The phrase suggests he was laid to rest in the tomb of his ancestors, a customary practice for monarchs. While a formal marker of his demise, this natural death stands in stark contrast to the ignominious end prophesied for his entire house, whose bodies would be consumed by dogs or birds ([1 Kings 14:11](/1_kings/14-11 "1 Kings 14:11 - The Prophecy of Ignominious Death")), highlighting the distinction between his personal end and the dynastic judgment.
* **"and Nadab his son reigned in his stead":** This final clause announces the immediate and legitimate succession of Jeroboam's son, Nadab, to the throne. This transition is narratively crucial as it sets the immediate stage for the swift and dramatic fulfillment of the prophecy against Jeroboam's dynasty. Nadab's reign would be exceedingly short and end violently, leading directly to the complete eradication of Jeroboam's lineage, thereby confirming the unwavering certainty of the divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key **literary devices** that contribute to its historical and theological weight. The most prominent is **Formulaic Language**, specifically the "regnal formula" that is consistently used throughout the books of Kings to mark the end of a king's reign. This formula typically includes the length of the reign, the king's death (often expressed as "slept with his fathers"), and the succession of his son. This conciseness lends an air of historical objectivity and underscores the divine control over the unfolding narrative of royal succession. The phrase "slept with his fathers" is a classic **Idiom**, a figurative expression whose meaning ("died and was buried") is not directly deducible from the individual words. While it denotes death and burial, its application to Jeroboam, despite his wickedness, highlights the consistent historical record-keeping of the biblical author rather than a spiritual assessment of his fate. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful form of **Foreshadowing**. By stating Nadab's succession, it subtly but powerfully points to the imminent and violent fulfillment of the prophecy against Jeroboam's house, which would occur during Nadab's brief and tragic reign, as detailed in the subsequent chapter. The stark contrast between Jeroboam's "natural" death and the prophesied ignominious deaths for his descendants also creates a profound sense of **Irony**, emphasizing the certainty and severity of God's judgment, even if its full manifestation is delayed beyond the initial subject.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 14:20 serves as a profound theological statement on divine judgment, the enduring consequences of spiritual rebellion, and the inexorable nature of God's prophetic word. Jeroboam's 22-year reign, though long by human standards, ultimately concludes with the quiet certainty of God's prophetic word hanging over his house like a dark cloud. His death, while natural, is merely a prelude to the violent eradication of his dynasty, a direct and devastating consequence of his deliberate decision to establish idolatry and lead an entire nation astray from the true worship of Yahweh. This verse underscores that God's patience is not an endorsement of sin, but rather an extended opportunity for repentance; when that opportunity is squandered through persistent disobedience, His justice will surely and precisely prevail. It serves as a potent reminder that leadership, particularly in spiritual matters, carries immense responsibility, and choices made at the top have ripple effects that can curse generations. The narrative of Jeroboam's quiet end reinforces the biblical principle that while God may use individuals for His sovereign purposes, He holds them ultimately accountable for their obedience to His covenant, and their legacy is judged by their faithfulness.

* [1 Kings 11:38](/1_kings/11-38 "1 Kings 11:38 - God's Conditional Promise to Jeroboam")
* [Deuteronomy 28:15](/deuteronomy/28-15 "Deuteronomy 28:15 - Consequences of Disobedience")
* [Proverbs 14:34](/proverbs/14-34 "Proverbs 14:34 - Righteousness Exalts a Nation, but Sin is a Reproach")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The conclusion of Jeroboam's reign in 1 Kings 14:20 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers, particularly concerning the nature of leadership, integrity, and the consequences of compromise. Jeroboam's story is a stark and sobering reminder that even those initially chosen or blessed by God can fall dramatically through disobedience, self-serving ambition, and a lack of spiritual courage. He tragically prioritized political stability and perceived security over spiritual fidelity, leading his nation into a centuries-long pattern of institutionalized idolatry. This narrative powerfully highlights the critical importance of unwavering spiritual integrity in all forms of leadership, whether within the church, the family, the workplace, or wider society. Our decisions, especially those that involve compromising truth or divine principles for expediency or personal gain, have far-reaching and often devastating consequences, not just for ourselves but for those we influence and for generations to come. The unwavering certainty of God's word, as seen in the unfolding judgment on Jeroboam's house, encourages us to trust implicitly in His promises and warnings, knowing that He is faithful to both. It calls us to a deep self-examination: what "golden calves" or false securities do we allow to subtly creep into our lives or spheres of influence, tempting us to compromise our devotion to God? What kind of spiritual legacy are we actively building—one of faithful obedience to God, or one that subtly leads others away from Him?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "golden calves" in my own life or sphere of influence that tempt me to compromise spiritual truth for perceived security or worldly gain?**
* **How does Jeroboam's story challenge my understanding of leadership and accountability, particularly in my responsibility to lead others toward or away from God?**
* **In what specific ways can I ensure that my decisions, whether significant or seemingly small, are consistently rooted in faithful obedience to God's word, rather than worldly expediency or personal ambition?**

### FAQ

**Why was Jeroboam's sin considered so grievous, even leading to the destruction of his dynasty?**

Answer: Jeroboam's sin was particularly grievous because it was not merely a personal transgression but a deliberate, national act of apostasy, designed to prevent the people from worshipping God at His prescribed place, the Temple in Jerusalem. Instead of trusting God to maintain his kingdom, Jeroboam established alternative worship sites at Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves, which directly violated the first two commandments against idolatry and having other gods ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")). This was a systemic, institutionalized rebellion against God's covenant, leading an entire nation into idolatry and establishing a pattern of sin that plagued the Northern Kingdom for centuries. The prophet Ahijah explicitly condemned this act as "evil above all that were before thee" ([1 Kings 14:9](/1_kings/14-9 "1 Kings 14:9 - Ahijah's Condemnation of Jeroboam's Idolatry")), ensuring that the consequences would extend to his entire lineage as a severe warning against such profound and widespread disobedience.

**What is the significance of "he slept with his fathers" if Jeroboam was under divine judgment?**

Answer: The phrase "he slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom for death and burial, signifying that a king died a natural death and was interred in the family tomb. Its use for Jeroboam, despite the severe judgment against his house, indicates that his personal death was not violent or premature, unlike the fate prophesied for his descendants (who would have their bodies consumed by dogs or birds, as foretold in [1 Kings 14:11](/1_kings/14-11 "1 Kings 14:11 - Prophecy of Ignominious Death")). The significance lies in the stark contrast: while Jeroboam himself experienced a "normal" or natural end to his life, the judgment against his dynasty was still certain and would be fulfilled through his son, Nadab, and the subsequent coup by Baasha ([1 Kings 15:25-30](/1_kings/15-25-30 "1 Kings 15:25-30 - Nadab's Reign and Baasha's Coup")). It highlights that God's judgment, though certain and severe, may unfold in stages, and a natural death does not negate the spiritual consequences of a life of rebellion and the subsequent judgment on one's legacy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Jeroboam's reign and its conclusion in 1 Kings 14:20, marked by human failure, spiritual compromise, and divine judgment, profoundly points to the necessity and glory of Jesus Christ, the true King. Jeroboam, though chosen by God to rule, ultimately failed as a king, leading his people into egregious idolatry and establishing a pattern of sin that plagued Israel for generations. His story underscores the inherent inadequacy of human kingship and the devastating consequences of human rebellion against God's perfect law and covenant. In stark contrast, Jesus is the true and faithful King, the promised Son of David, who perfectly fulfills God's will and never compromises truth for political expediency or personal gain ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest, Tempted Yet Sinless")). Where Jeroboam led his people into spiritual bondage and false worship, Christ leads His people into true freedom and authentic worship of the Father "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")). The judgment pronounced upon Jeroboam's house, fulfilled in Nadab's brief reign and the subsequent annihilation of his lineage, foreshadows the ultimate and just judgment against all sin and rebellion. This judgment, however, was fully and completely borne by Christ on the cross for those who believe ([Romans 8:3](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Condemned Sin in the Flesh")), offering redemption and reconciliation. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus inaugurates an eternal kingdom that will never be overthrown, a dynasty of grace and righteousness that stands in glorious and eternal contrast to the fleeting, flawed, and ultimately judged reigns of earthly kings like Jeroboam ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "Daniel 7:13-14 - The Son of Man Receives an Everlasting Kingdom"); [Luke 1:32-33](/luke/1-32-33 "Luke 1:32-33 - The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus")).

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

Job 14:12

So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens [be] no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

Psalms 3:5

I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.

1 Kings 11:43

And Solomon slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father: and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead.

1 Kings 2:10

So David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David.

1 Kings 15:25

¶ And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years.

1 Kings 15:31

Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that he did, [are] they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?

Psalms 4:8

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.