Moreover, the LORD will raise up for himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam today. And henceforth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse doesn't just predict a future king, but emphasizes God's active, sovereign choice in "raising up" that king, highlighting His direct involvement in judging Jeroboam's lineage. The phrase "And henceforth" is crucial, signaling a definitive, permanent end to Jeroboam's dynasty, not just a temporary setback.
Moreover, the LORD will raise up for himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam today. And henceforth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is speaking through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam's wife, condemning his entire dynasty because of his sin in leading Israel to worship idols. This prophecy directly follows Ahijah's pronouncement that her own son will die as a consequence, and it sets the stage for the violent overthrow of Jeroboam's family that will occur soon after. The verse emphasizes the finality of God's judgment on Jeroboam's rebellion and the complete destruction that awaits his lineage.
Imagine a royal decree that doesn't just dethrone but aims to obliterate an entire family line. This verse paints a stark picture of divine judgment.
This passage isn't just about a political power shift; it's about God's response to persistent rebellion.
The Sin of Jeroboam
Jeroboam, the first king of the divided Northern Kingdom of Israel, led his people into idolatry. He set up golden calves in Dan and Bethel, claiming they were the gods who brought Israel out of Egypt (1 Kings 12:28-30). This was a direct affront to the covenant God had made with His people, turning their worship away from the one true God.
Divine Retribution
The prophecy here, spoken by the prophet Ahijah, declares that God will raise up a new king. This king's mission is specific and severe: to 'cut off the house of Jeroboam.' This isn't arbitrary violence but a judgment against the lineage that established and perpetuated this national sin of idolatry. It's a cleansing, albeit a harsh one, to redirect the nation.
God's love is boundless, but His justice is also real. This verse reveals that sin, especially when institutionalized by leadership, carries profound and lasting consequences.
The pronouncement against Jeroboam's house underscores a crucial aspect of God's character: He is both merciful and just.
Justice Demands Accountability
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While God is patient and longsuffering, He cannot overlook persistent sin, particularly when it leads an entire nation astray. Jeroboam's actions were not private failings; they were state-sponsored idolatry that corrupted the covenant relationship between God and Israel. God's judgment here is a demonstration that He takes His covenant and His people's faithfulness seriously.
A Warning for Today
This isn't just ancient history. The principle remains: leaders have a significant impact, and their choices can lead to widespread blessing or deep trouble. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God holds individuals and nations accountable for turning away from Him. The phrase 'And henceforth' suggests a definitive turning point, a new era marked by divine reckoning.
Understand the original words
hikhrit · Hebrew Verb
A common biblical motif for divine judgment on an individual or dynasty, signifying the removal of their power and their existence as a ruling family.
This verse is spoken by the prophet Ahijah to the wife of Jeroboam I, concerning the judgment that will fall upon their entire family. The 'today' likely refers to the imminent overthrow of Jeroboam's lineage, which happens shortly after with Baasha's violent coup.
c. 931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following King Solomon's reign, the unified Kingdom of Israel splits into two: the northern Kingdom of Israel (ten tribes) and the southern Kingdom of Judah (two tribes). Jeroboam I becomes the first king of the northern kingdom.
c. 931-910 BC
Jeroboam's Reign and Idolatry
Jeroboam I, fearing a return of the people to worship in Jerusalem, establishes alternative worship centers with golden calves in Bethel and Dan. This act sets Israel on a path of religious apostasy.
c. 910-909 BC
Reign of Nadab
Jeroboam's son, Nadab, succeeds him. His reign is brief and marked by continued sin, following his father's rebellious example.
c. 909 BC— this verse
Baasha Usurps the Throne
Baasha, an army commander, murders Nadab and seizes the throne of Israel. He eliminates the entire house of Jeroboam, fulfilling earlier prophecies of judgment.
This passage directly fulfills the prophecy given to the woman of Tekoa, showing how Baasha 'cut off' all the house of Jeroboam, leaving none alive.
1 Kings 16:1-4This shows God's judgment continuing against Baasha for his actions, demonstrating that even those who execute divine judgment can face consequences for their own sin.
Jeremiah 22:30This prophecy speaks of Jehoiachin, a descendant of David, being written off as childless, echoing the theme of God 'cutting off' a lineage when they disobey Him.
2 Kings 10:10-11This passage describes Jehu carrying out a similar, brutal purge of Ahab's family, illustrating how God uses human hands to execute His severe judgments against corrupt dynasties.
This verse doesn't just predict a future king, but emphasizes God's active, sovereign choice in "raising up" that king, highlighting His direct involvement in judging Jeroboam's lineage. The phrase "And henceforth" is crucial, signaling a definitive, permanent end to Jeroboam's dynasty, not just a temporary setback.
God is speaking through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam's wife, condemning his entire dynasty because of his sin in leading Israel to worship idols. This prophecy directly follows Ahijah's pronouncement that her own son will die as a consequence, and it sets the stage for the violent overthrow of Jeroboam's family that will occur soon after. The verse emphasizes the finality of God's judgment on Jeroboam's rebellion and the complete destruction that awaits his lineage.
God is speaking through the prophet Ahijah to Jeroboam's wife, condemning his entire dynasty because of his sin in leading Israel to worship idols. This prophecy directly follows Ahijah's pronouncement that her own son will die as a consequence, and it sets the stage for the violent overthrow of Jeroboam's family that will occur soon after. The verse emphasizes the finality of God's judgment on Jeroboam's rebellion and the complete destruction that awaits his lineage.
"Moreover, the LORD will raise up for himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam today. And henceforth," — This verse doesn't just predict a future king, but emphasizes God's active, sovereign choice in "raising up" that king, highlighting His direct involvement in judging Jeroboam's lineage. The phrase "…
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Last reviewed October 2026