1 Kings 14:20

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.

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.

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

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.

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

1 Kings 14:20 marks a significant turning point in the early history of the divided kingdom of Israel, specifically concerning its first king, Jeroboam. This verse concisely concludes his reign and introduces his successor.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse concludes the narrative of Jeroboam's 22-year reign over the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Following the division of the united monarchy after the death of Solomon, Jeroboam, a former servant of Solomon, was chosen by God to rule ten tribes (1 Kings 11:31). However, to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, Jeroboam established idolatrous worship centers at Dan and Bethel, setting up golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act of national apostasy became the "sin of Jeroboam" and a recurring condemnation for subsequent kings of Israel. The prophet Ahijah had already delivered a severe judgment against Jeroboam's house, prophesying its utter destruction (1 Kings 14:10-11), a prophecy that began to unfold immediately after his death.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Judgment: Jeroboam's reign, though long, was marked by disobedience, and this verse silently underscores God's ultimate control over human affairs and the fulfillment of His prophetic word concerning the consequences of sin.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Despite his initial divine appointment, Jeroboam's deliberate choice to lead Israel into idolatry had dire long-term consequences, not just for himself but for his entire dynasty, which would be swiftly cut off.
  • Succession and Continuity: The phrase "Nadab his son reigned in his stead" highlights the ongoing dynastic succession, even within a kingdom under divine judgment. It sets the stage for the tumultuous period of kingship in Israel, often characterized by instability and short reigns.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "he slept with his fathers" is a common biblical idiom used throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles to denote the death of a king. It typically implies a natural death and burial with his ancestors, regardless of the king's moral standing or the circumstances of his reign. While it doesn't necessarily imply a peaceful or honored end in the spiritual sense, it's a standard literary device to mark the close of a monarch's life and the transition of power.

Practical Application

Jeroboam's story, culminating in this verse, serves as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of leadership decisions, especially concerning spiritual matters. His choices established a pattern of idolatry that plagued the Northern Kingdom for centuries, demonstrating that:

  • Legacy Matters: The influence of a leader, whether good or bad, extends far beyond their lifetime. What kind of spiritual legacy are we building?
  • God's Word Endures: Despite human rebellion, God's prophecies and warnings always come to pass. We can trust in the certainty of His word.
  • Accountability: Every individual, especially those in positions of authority, is accountable to God for their actions and the direction in which they lead others.

The transition to Nadab's reign sets the stage for the continued unfolding of God's justice against Jeroboam's house, as detailed in 1 Kings 15:25-30.

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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.
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