Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 16:34
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
Hiel was an Israelite who lived during the Divided Monarchy and rebuilt Jericho, fulfilling a curse by Joshua. His name means 'God lives' and he is mentioned in 1 Kings 16:34. Hiel's story is a significant event in the Bible.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.16.34; father of: Abiram (H0048H), Segub (H7687) § Hiel = "God lives" a native of Bethel who rebuilt Jericho in the reign of Ahab and in whom was fulfilled the curse pronounced by Joshua
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Hiel. See also: 1 Kings 16:34.
A Bethelite is an inhabitant of Bethel, which means 'house of God'. The name refers to the city of Bethel, an important location in the Bible.
Definition: Bethelite = "house of God" an inhabitant of Bethel Another name of bet-el (בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל "Bethel" H1008G)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Bethelite. See also: 1 Kings 16:34.
A Bethelite is an inhabitant of Bethel, which means 'house of God'. The name refers to the city of Bethel, an important location in the Bible.
Definition: Bethelite = "house of God" an inhabitant of Bethel Another name of bet-el (בֵּֽיתְ־אֵל "Bethel" H1008G)
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Bethelite. See also: 1 Kings 16:34.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
Jericho was a city in Palestine, the first conquered by the Israelites in Canaan. Its name means 'its moon' and it was located near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea.
Definition: Jericho = "its moon" a city 5 miles (8 km) west of the Jordan and 7 miles (11.5 km) north of the Dead Sea and the first city conquered by the Israelites upon entering the promised land of Canaan Also named: Hierichō (Ἱεριχώ "Jericho" G2410)
Usage: Occurs in 53 OT verses. KJV: Jericho. See also: Numbers 22:1; Joshua 9:3; Jeremiah 39:5.
Abiram means my father is exalted, and refers to two Israelites, one a Reubenite and the other the son of Hiel who rebuilt Jericho. He is mentioned in 1 Kings 16:34 and Numbers 16:1. Abiram was a significant figure in biblical history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ki.16.34; son of: Hiel (H2419); brother of: Segub (H7687) § Abiram = "my father is exalted" or "(the) Exalted One is (my) father" 1) a Reubenite, son of Eliab in exodus 2) son of Hiel the Bethelite who worked to rebuild Jericho
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Abiram. See also: Numbers 16:1; Numbers 16:27; Psalms 106:17.
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
To found or establish something is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It also means to sit down together and consult, as in a meeting or council.
Definition: 1) to found, fix, establish, lay foundation 1a) (Qal) to found, establish, begin 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to fix or seat themselves close together, sit in conclave 1b2) to be founded 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to found 1c2) to establish, appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) to be founded, be laid 1e) (Hophal) to be founded
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: appoint, take counsel, establish, (lay the, lay for a) found(-ation), instruct, lay, ordain, set, [idiom] sure. See also: Exodus 9:18; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 2:2.
Segub was a man in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:21 as the son of Hezron and the father of Jair. His name means exalted.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.21; son of: Hezron (H2696H) and the daughter_of_Machir (H4353I); half-brother of: Ram (H7410), Jerahmeel (H3396), Caleb (H3612H) and Ashhur (H0806); father of: Jair (H2971) § Segub = "exalted" 1) the youngest son of Hiel the Bethelite who rebuilt Jericho 2) a Judaite, son of Hezron
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Segub. See also: 1 Kings 16:34; 1 Chronicles 2:21; 1 Chronicles 2:22.
Segub was a man in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 2:21 as the son of Hezron and the father of Jair. His name means exalted.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living before Israel's Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ch.2.21; son of: Hezron (H2696H) and the daughter_of_Machir (H4353I); half-brother of: Ram (H7410), Jerahmeel (H3396), Caleb (H3612H) and Ashhur (H0806); father of: Jair (H2971) § Segub = "exalted" 1) the youngest son of Hiel the Bethelite who rebuilt Jericho 2) a Judaite, son of Hezron
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Segub. See also: 1 Kings 16:34; 1 Chronicles 2:21; 1 Chronicles 2:22.
This Hebrew word means something or someone is little, young, or insignificant. It appears in the Bible to describe something small in number or size. In the KJV, it is translated as least, little, or small.
Definition: 1) little, insignificant, young 1a) little, insignificant 1b) insignificant, mean 1c) young, younger, youngest
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: least, little (one), small (one), [phrase] young(-er, -est). See also: Genesis 19:31; 1 Kings 16:34; Psalms 68:28.
To stand or station oneself, either physically or as an appointed official. This word is used in various contexts, including setting up a monument or establishing a leader. It can also mean to stand firm or be established in a position.
Definition: 1) to stand, take one's stand, stand upright, be set (over), establish 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to station oneself, take one's stand 1a2) to stand, be stationed 1a3) to stand, take an upright position 1a4) to be stationed, be appointed 1a5) deputy, prefect, appointed, deputed (subst) 1a6) to stand firm 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to set up, erect 1b3) to cause to stand erect 1b4) to fix, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be fixed, be determined, be stationary
Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: appointed, deputy, erect, establish, [idiom] Huzzah (by mistake for a proper name), lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Samuel 15:12; Psalms 39:6.
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Joshua was a leader in the Bible, first mentioned in Ezra 2:2, who helped the Israelites return from exile. His name means Jehovah is salvation, and he is also known as Jeshua in some parts of the Bible. He was a key figure in the conquest of Canaan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; § Joshua or Jehoshua = "Jehovah is salvation" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) a resident of Beth-shemesh on whose land the Ark of the Covenant came to a stop after the Philistines returned it 3) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 4) governor of Jerusalem under king Josiah who gave his name to a gate of the city of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 199 OT verses. KJV: Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare H1954 (הוֹשֵׁעַ), H3442 (יֵשׁוּעַ). See also: Exodus 17:9; Joshua 9:15; Zechariah 6:11.
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Nun was the father of Joshua, a leader of the Israelites who succeeded Moses. His name means fish or posterity in Hebrew. The KJV translates his name as Non or Nun.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Ephraim living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.33.11; son of: Elishama (H0476); father of: Joshua (H3091) § Nun = "fish" or "posterity" father of Joshua the successor of Moses
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Non, Nun. See also: Exodus 33:11; Deuteronomy 34:9; Nehemiah 8:17.
Context — Ahab Reigns in Israel, Marries Jezebel
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Joshua 6:26 |
At that time Joshua invoked this solemn oath: “Cursed before the LORD is the man who rises up and rebuilds this city, Jericho; at the cost of his firstborn he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.” |
| 2 |
Joshua 23:14–15 |
Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know with all your heart and soul that not one of the good promises the LORD your God made to you has failed. Everything was fulfilled for you; not one promise has failed. But just as every good thing the LORD your God promised you has come to pass, likewise the LORD will bring upon you the calamity He has threatened, until He has destroyed you from this good land He has given you. |
| 3 |
Matthew 24:35 |
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 4 |
Zechariah 1:5 |
Where are your fathers now? And the prophets, do they live forever? |
1 Kings 16:34 Summary
The verse 1 Kings 16:34 tells us that Hiel rebuilt the city of Jericho during the reign of King Ahab, but at a great cost - the lives of his two sons, Abiram and Segub. This event was a fulfillment of a prophecy given by Joshua, as recorded in Joshua 6:26, which highlights God's faithfulness to His word. We can learn from this event the importance of respecting and obeying God's commands, lest we suffer the consequences of our disobedience, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:1-2. By trusting in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Hiel rebuilding Jericho in 1 Kings 16:34?
The rebuilding of Jericho by Hiel is a fulfillment of the prophecy given by Joshua in Joshua 6:26, which stated that the city would be rebuilt at the cost of the builder's firstborn son. This event serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His word and the consequences of disobedience, as seen in 1 Kings 16:34 and Deuteronomy 27:15-26.
Why did Hiel sacrifice his sons to rebuild Jericho?
The Bible does not explicitly state that Hiel intentionally sacrificed his sons, but rather that the rebuilding of the city came at the cost of their lives, according to the word of the Lord spoken through Joshua son of Nun, as recorded in Joshua 6:26 and 1 Kings 16:34.
How does this event relate to Ahab's reign?
The rebuilding of Jericho during Ahab's reign, as mentioned in 1 Kings 16:34, serves as a stark contrast to the idolatrous actions of Ahab, who was provoking the Lord to anger, as seen in 1 Kings 16:32-33. This event highlights God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His word, even in the midst of a king's rebellion against Him.
What can we learn from Hiel's actions in this verse?
Hiel's actions serve as a warning against ignoring or disobeying God's word, as seen in 1 Kings 16:34 and Joshua 6:26. We can learn the importance of respecting and obeying God's commands, lest we suffer the consequences of our disobedience, as stated in Deuteronomy 28:1-2 and Proverbs 28:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be ignoring or disobeying God's word, and what are the potential consequences of my actions?
- How can I apply the principle of respecting and obeying God's commands in my daily life, as seen in 1 Kings 16:34 and Joshua 6:26?
- What does this event reveal about God's character, particularly His faithfulness to His word, as stated in Numbers 23:19 and Isaiah 55:10-11?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and faithfulness, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 16:34
And in his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho,.... Which was forbidden by Joshua under an anathema; but this man, either ignorant of that adjuration of Joshua, or in contempt and defiance of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 16:34
In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD,
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:34
In his days: this is here added, 1. As a character of the time, and an instance of the truth and certainty of Divine predictions and comminations, this being fulfilled eight hundred years after it was threatened; and withal, as a warning to the Israelites, not to think themselves innocent or safe, because the judgment threatened against them by Ahijah, , was not yet executed, though they continued in that calf-worship which he condemned; but to expect the certain accomplishment of it in due time, if they persisted in their impenitency. Or, 2. As an evidence of the horrible corruption of his times, and of that high contempt of God which then reigned. Hiel the Beth-elite; who lived in Beth-el, the seat and sink of idolatry, wherewith he was thoroughly leavened. Built Jericho; a place seated in the tribe of Benjamin, but belonging to the kingdom of Israel; which place he seems to have chosen for his buildings; not so much for his own advantage as out of a contempt of the true God, and of his threatenings, which he designed to convince of falsehood by his own experience; and out of an ambitious desire to. advance his own reputation and interest thereby, by attempting that which he knew his king and queen too would be highly pleased with. He laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his first-born, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub; i.e. in the beginning of his building God took away his first-born, and others successively in the progress of the work, and the youngest when he finished it. And so he found by his own sad experience the truth of God’ s word, and how vain it was to contend with him. Quest. Why did not God rather punish Hiel himself?
Answ. This was a terrible punishment, to see his children cut off by Divine vengeance before their time, one after another; and all this for his own folly and rashness. Compare . And as for Hiel himself, possibly after he had been spared so long, that he might be an eyewitness of his sons untimely deaths, he also might be cut off, though it be not recorded, as not belonging to the prophecy here mentioned; or if not, his present impunity was his greatest misery; either as it continued his torment in the sad and lasting remembrance of his loss and misery; or as it was a mean to harden his heart so for greater judgments, to which he was reserved. According to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Joshua; of which See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:34
1 Kings 16:34 In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest [son] Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.Ver. 34. In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho.] Al despite di Die, as that blasphemous Pope once said. But this bold wretch paid dearly for his presumption. See on Joshua 6:26. He sought for a name, but hath left it for a curse, as Isaiah 65:15. He might do it also to curry favour with Ahab, as his fellow condemner of God and his prophets.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:34
(34) Did Hiel . . . build Jericho.—This marks both the growth of prosperity and power, and the neglect of the old curse of Joshua (Joshua 6:26). The place had not, it would appear, been entirely deserted. (See Judges 3:13; 2 Samuel 10:5.) But it was now made—what it continued to be even down to the time of Herod—an important place. Its natural advantages were great. It stood in a position well watered, and accordingly of great beauty and fruitfulness (“the city of palm trees”), and was, moreover, a city of military consequence, as commanding the pass from the valley of the Jordan to the high ground of Ai and Bethel. Having been assigned to Benjamin (Joshua 18:21), it should have properly belonged to the kingdom of Judah. Its being rebuilt by a Bethelite, evidently under the patronage of Ahab, is one of the indications of a half-dependent condition of the Southern kingdom at this time.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:34
Verse 34. Did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho] I wish the reader to refer to my note on Joshua 6:26, for a general view of this subject. I shall add a few observations. Joshua's curse is well known: "Cursed be the man before the Lord that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho; he shall lay the foundation thereof in his first-born; and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it," Joshua 6:26. This is the curse, but the meaning of its terms is not very obvious. Let us see how this is to be understood from the manner in which it was accomplished. "In his days did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho; he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his first-born, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son Segub; according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun." This prediction was delivered upwards of five hundred years before the event; and though it was most circumstantially fulfilled, yet we know not the precise meaning of some of the terms used in the original execration, and in this place, where its fulfillment is mentioned. There are three opinions on the words, lay the foundation in his first-born, and set up the gates in his youngest son. 1. It is thought that when he laid the foundation of the city, his eldest son, the hope of his family, died by the hand and judgment of God, and that all his children died in succession; so that when the doors were ready to be hung, his youngest and last child died, and thus, instead of securing himself a name, his whole family became extinct. 2. These expressions signify only great delay in the building; that he who should undertake it should spend nearly his whole life in it; all the time in which he was capable of procreating children; in a word, that if a man laid the foundation when his first-born came into the world, his youngest and last son should be born before the walls should be in readiness to admit the gates to be set up in them; and that the expression is of the proverbial kind, intimating greatly protracted labour, occasioned by multitudinous hinderances and delays. 3.
That he who rebuilt this city should, in laying the foundation, slay or sacrifice his firstborn, in order to consecrate it, and secure the assistance of the objects of his idolatrous worship; and should slay his youngest at the completion of the work, as a gratitude-offering for the assistance received. This latter opinion seems to be countenanced by the Chaldee, which represents Hiel as slaying his first-born Abiram, and his youngest son Segub. But who was Hiel the Beth-elite?
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 16:34
34. The rebuilding of Jericho (Not in Chronicles) 34. Hiel the Bethelite] We may perhaps trace the influence here of evil surroundings. Hiel had been living at one of the seats of Jeroboam’s calf-worship, and the neglect of one command had led to ignorance or disregard of another. did … build Jericho] As the kings, Omri and Ahab, were great builders, so their wealthier subjects were led to imitate their grand works. For the command that Jericho should not be rebuilt, see Joshua 6:26. The importance of the place lay no doubt in its neighbourhood to the passage of the Jordan, and at a time when commerce was much fostered this advantage was likely to outweigh, with such men, the prohibition which had been given so many generations before, and would be now reckoned as obsolete. in Abiram] R.V. with the loss of Abiram. The R.V. explains the literal rendering of A.V. The preposition is used to express the cost or price of anything, and so here the penalty which Hiel paid for his transgression. The same change is also made in the second clause of the verse. The meaning is that between the beginning and the end of the undertaking all Hiel’s children were cut off. by Joshua] The Hebrew has ‘by the hand of Joshua,’ as in so many other places where a message is in question.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 16:34
This seems to be adduced as a proof of the general impiety of Ahab’s time. The curse of Joshua against the man who should rebuild Jericho had hitherto been believed and respected.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 16:34
34. Hiel the Bethelite — A native of that city which had so long been the scene of Israelitish calf-worship, and, perhaps, a despiser of Jehovah and his laws. He was thus a fit person to undertake the daring work here mentioned.
Sermons on 1 Kings 16:34
| Sermon | Description |
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We Need a Double Portion
by Alan Cairns
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In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a chapter in the Bible that has had a significant impact on the ministry of a particular church. The speaker poses the question of whether C |
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Elijah’s Dramatic Appearance
by A.W. Pink
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A.W. Pink discusses the dramatic appearance of Elijah during a dark period in Israel's history, marked by rampant idolatry and wicked kings. He highlights the spiritual decline ini |
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Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congr |
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Joshua 23:14
by Chuck Smith
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Chuck Smith emphasizes the faithfulness of God as Joshua addresses the Israelites in his old age, reminding them that they know in their hearts the truth of God's promises. He high |
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Church Be Still!
by C.H. Spurgeon
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In this sermon on the concept of 'Cannot lie,' the preacher delves into the profound truth that God is the epitome of truth and cannot lie, contrasting Him with the deceitful natur |
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The Lord Faithful, and His Word True to the Last
by Octavius Winslow
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Octavius Winslow emphasizes the unwavering faithfulness of God and the truth of His promises, as illustrated by Joshua's reflection on God's fulfilled promises at the end of his li |
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Not My Will, but Thine
by A.B. Simpson
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A.B. Simpson emphasizes that just as Jesus faced suffering in Gethsemane, we too can find strength and victory through submission to God's will. He encourages believers to approach |