Hiel of Bethel

1 Kings 16:34

Introduction

• Some characters from the Bible are well-known– Abraham, Moses, David, etc.

• Others are barely mentioned and quickly forgotten– Yet God said the things written were for our

instruction (Rom 15:4; 2 Tim 3:16-17)– There are things to be learned even in

seemingly insignificant events

• So let’s look at the life of Hiel of Bethel

Background

• 1 Kings 16:29-33– In the days of Ahab

• Idolatry had reached new heights

• Paganism (Baal worship) was rampant

– Ahab did more to make God angry than all the kings before him• Astounding when you consider the kings before

him (idolaters, traitors, murderers, etc)

• It is during Ahab’s reign that Hiel’s story is briefly told– There are at least 3 lessons in Hiel’s story

No Excuses

• Josh 6:26– Jericho had been clearly cursed

• So why did Hiel decide to rebuild it?– Perhaps he didn’t know. Unlikely but possible– Perhaps he didn’t believe (superstition)– Perhaps he thought time had removed the need

for the curse (600 years)– Perhaps the choice location on trade routes and

agricultural areas was worth the price

• Doesn’t matter why he chose to disobey God– No excuses are acceptable

No Excuses

• Ignorance is no excuse– Hosea 4:6

• Whether it is willful or not

– Isaiah 5:13

• Disbelief or rejection are no excuses– Proverbs 1:28-31

• Not acceptable to sin and plan to repent later

• But there is more to learn from Hiel

Watch for Warnings

• His eldest son, Abiram, died at the laying of the foundation– Some think Hiel sacrificed his son

• If so, then Hiel has become a complete pagan

– Others think he tragically died during the laying• Should have caused him to stop and reconsider

– The curse was being fulfilled– If he continues, would cost the life of his youngest

Watch for Warnings

• Sometimes there are signs that we have wandered from God– Prov 3:11-12 (Heb 12:5-11)– Though suffering can also be the result of doing

good or simply a result of sin in the world

• 1 Pet 3:13-17– Better to suffer while doing good, than to suffer

because one has done evil

• And there is still another lesson from Hiel

God’s Word is Certain

• Didn’t matter that nearly 600 years had passed– Most of us would find it hard to think about what

was happening 600 years ago• Wouldn’t think the events of then had any

influence on our actions today

• God always keeps His word– Josh 21:45 (600 yrs from promise to fulfillment)– Isa 45:1 (200 yrs from promise to fulfillment)– Isa 7:14 (700 yrs from promise to fulfillment)

God’s Word is Certain

• 2 Pet 3:3-14– Some people think God is not going to judge

and destroy the world– Is it really too much to realize God always keeps

His promises?– He has said He will judge each person– He has said there is heaven for the righteous

and hell for the wicked

• He gave the warnings

• He accepts no excuses

• He keeps His promises

Conclusion

• God has also told us how to be prepared for that judgment day– We can have our sins forgiven

• You can count on His promise of judgment

• You can count on His promise of forgiveness

– Acts 2:36-41

• Why not be forgiven now?