The End of Jeroboam: Jeroboam had been promised a dynasty like David’s (1 Kgs. 11:38). His desire to have also a temple like David’s, however, has led him into disobedience—and we have seen in chapter 13 what happens to the disobedient. First Kings 14:1–20 now describes to us the consequences of Jeroboam’s attempt to possess the two “houses” he wanted instead of the one he was promised, and they do so in a way that makes clear the essential differences between the two kings.

14:1–5 We begin on familiar territory. In spite of the events of chapter 13, Jeroboam apparently still thinks he can control his own destiny—that he can manipulate a prophet of God into giving him a positive message about his son. He appears to believe still that only human actors participate in this drama—albeit some o…