Ahijah
“Brother (friend) of Yahweh, or my brother is Yahweh”
Summary
A name borne by several biblical figures, most notably the prophet of Shiloh who foretold the division of Solomon's kingdom and later pronounced doom on Jeroboam's house.
☩The Prophet of Shiloh
The most significant Ahijah was a prophet from Shiloh who lived during the reigns of Solomon and Jeroboam I. In the latter part of Solomon's reign, he enjoyed great authority as Yahweh's prophet. He gave voice to the deep dissatisfaction of true worshipers over Solomon's idolatry, meeting Jeroboam outside Jerusalem and performing a dramatic symbolic act to announce God's judgment.
☩Prophecy to Jeroboam
Ahijah clothed himself with a new garment, met Jeroboam, tore the garment into twelve pieces, and gave Jeroboam ten pieces, symbolizing that he would receive ten tribes from Solomon's kingdom. He promised Jeroboam a 'sure house' like David's if he would walk in God's ways and keep His commandments. This prophecy became known to Solomon, who sought to kill Jeroboam, forcing him to flee to Egypt.
☩Judgment on Jeroboam's House
Years later, when Ahijah was an old man with failing eyesight, Jeroboam sent his wife in disguise to inquire about their sick son. Though she came disguised, God revealed her identity to Ahijah, who pronounced doom on Jeroboam's house for his idolatry. The child would die, the dynasty would be cut off like dung, and Israel would eventually be scattered beyond the Euphrates.
☩Other Biblical Ahijahs
Other men named Ahijah include: a priest during Saul's reign (possibly identical with Ahimelech); a Levite who kept the Temple treasury; a son of Shisha who served as Solomon's scribe; the father of King Baasha of Israel; and an Israelite who sealed Nehemiah's covenant.
Related Verses23 mentions
References
- 1.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "Ahijah," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. I (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).
- 2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ahijah," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ahijah," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.James Orr (ed.), "Ahijah," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).