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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 16 - Verse 34

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.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Kings tells the story of Hiel the Bethelite, who defied the word of the Lord spoken through Joshua the son of Nun. The verse describes how Hiel went ahead and began the rebuilding of Jericho, despite the divine curse that was placed upon the city by Joshua. According to the curse, anyone who attempted to rebuild Jericho would lose their firstborn son upon laying the foundation and their youngest son upon setting up the gates. Hiel's actions resulted in the tragic loss of his two sons, Abiram and Segub, fulfilling the prophecy and serving as a warning to those who dared to disobey the word of the Lord. This verse highlights the importance of obedience and the consequences of going against the will of God. It serves as a reminder of the power of divine judgment and the need to heed the words of the Lord as communicated through his chosen messengers.

Theological Overview

The verse "In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho..." from 1 Kings 16:34 is a poignant reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Hiel decided to rebuild Jericho, despite Joshua's curse on anyone who attempted to do so. This act ultimately led to the fulfillment of Joshua's prophetic words as Hiel lost both his firstborn son, Abiram, during the laying of the foundation, and his youngest son, Segub, during the completion of the gates. This verse serves as a powerful message about the importance of obedience and the consequences of going against God's will.

American Standard Version

In his days did Hiel the Beth-elite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof with the loss of Abiram his first-born, and set up the gates thereof with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of Jehovah, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun.
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