1 Kings 14:4

And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age.

And Jeroboam's {H3379} wife {H802} did so {H6213}, and arose {H6965}, and went {H3212} to Shiloh {H7887}, and came {H935} to the house {H1004} of Ahijah {H281}. But Ahijah {H281} could {H3201} not see {H7200}; for his eyes {H5869} were set {H6965} by reason of his age {H7869}.

Yarov'am's wife did this; she set out, went to Shiloh and arrived at the house of Achiyah. Now Achiyah could not see, because his eyes were dim with age.

Jeroboam’s wife did as instructed; she arose and went to Shiloh and arrived at Ahijah’s house. Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age.

And Jeroboam’s wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. Now Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age.

Commentary

1 Kings 14:4 details a pivotal moment in the history of the divided kingdom of Israel, focusing on Jeroboam's wife and the prophet Ahijah.

Context

This verse comes at a critical juncture in the reign of King Jeroboam I, the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam had led his people into grave sin by establishing golden calves for worship in Dan and Bethel, diverting the people from Jerusalem and the true worship of God. Now, his son, Abijah, has fallen desperately ill. In a display of desperation and hypocrisy, Jeroboam sends his wife, disguised, to the prophet Ahijah in Shiloh, hoping for a word from the Lord concerning his son's fate. This prophet, Ahijah, had previously delivered a crucial prophecy to Jeroboam himself, promising him the throne of Israel if he would obey God's commands (1 Kings 11:31-39).

Key Themes

  • Divine Revelation Amidst Human Limitations: The verse highlights the stark contrast between Ahijah's physical blindness due to old age and his acute spiritual perception. Though his "eyes were set," meaning he could not see physically, God supernaturally revealed to him the identity of Jeroboam's disguised wife and the impending message. This powerfully illustrates God's ability to communicate His will regardless of human frailty.
  • The Weight of Jeroboam's Apostasy: Jeroboam's decision to send his wife in disguise underscores his conflicted state. He sought God's word when in trouble, yet refused to truly follow Him in his daily reign. His actions had dire consequences, leading to the severe judgment pronounced in the subsequent verses (1 Kings 14:10-11).
  • Shiloh's Enduring Significance: Although no longer the primary religious center it once was during the time of the Judges (where the Tabernacle resided), Shiloh still housed a prophet of God, indicating its continued, albeit diminished, spiritual importance as a place where God's word could be sought.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "his eyes were set by reason of his age" (KJV) or "his eyes were dim because of his age" (ESV) refers to Ahijah's severe blindness. The Hebrew phrase qāmū ʿênāyw (קָמוּ עֵינָיו) literally means "his eyes stood still" or "his eyes were fixed," clearly denoting an inability to see. This physical limitation serves to amplify the miraculous nature of the divine revelation he receives, emphasizing that his spiritual insight came solely from God, not from his own physical senses.

Significance and Application

This verse sets the stage for a crucial and sobering prophecy concerning the end of Jeroboam's dynasty and the severe consequences of his idolatry. It reminds us that God sees through all human disguises and knows all intentions, even when His messengers might be physically limited. The narrative powerfully illustrates God's omniscience and ability to reveal truth through chosen vessels. For believers today, it serves as a powerful reminder that seeking God only in times of crisis, without genuine repentance and consistent obedience, does not avert the consequences of disobedience. God's word is powerful and transcends physical barriers, always delivering His truth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 11:29

    And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; and he had clad himself with a new garment; and they two [were] alone in the field:

  • 1 Samuel 4:15

    Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.

  • 1 Samuel 3:2

    And it came to pass at that time, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, [that] he could not see;

  • Ecclesiastes 12:3

    In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened,

  • Genesis 48:10

    Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, [so that] he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them.

  • Psalms 90:10

    The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

  • 1 Samuel 4:3

    And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.
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