Abijah אֲבִיָּה
Son of Jeroboam I, died in childhood
Who is Abijah in the Bible?
Abijah was the son of King Jeroboam I, the first ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after the monarchy divided (1 Kings 14:1). When the child fell ill, Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise to consult the prophet Ahijah, who recognized her and declared that the boy would die as judgment against Jeroboam's idolatry and unfaithfulness to God (1 Kings 14:1-3). Abijah died in childhood upon his mother's return home, fulfilling the prophet's word (1 Kings 14:17). Though brief, Abijah's life held spiritual significance, as the prophet revealed that he would be the only member of Jeroboam's family to receive a proper burial because God found good in him alone (1 Kings 14:13). Abijah's death served as a sign of divine judgment against Jeroboam and the beginning of the downfall of his dynasty.
Biography
Abijah was the son of Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. When Abijah fell sick, Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise to the prophet Ahijah to inquire about the child's fate (1Ki.14.1-3).
Ahijah, guided by God, recognized Jeroboam's wife and delivered a message of judgment against Jeroboam's house for his idolatry and disobedience. The prophet also revealed that Abijah would die, and indeed, as soon as Jeroboam's wife returned home, the child died (1Ki.14.12-17).
Ahijah prophesied that Abijah would be the only one of Jeroboam's family to receive a proper burial because he was the only one in whom God found something good (1Ki.14.13). The death of Abijah was a sign of God's judgment against Jeroboam and his dynasty.
Family
In Scripture
1 biblical book1 Kings 1 verse
- 1 Kings 14:1
"At that time Abijah son of Jeroboam became ill,"
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | אֲבִיָּה |