Hiel of Bethel - 1 Kings 16:34

Introduction

1. Some characters of the Bible are well known (i.e. Moses, Abraham, Paul).
2. Others are somewhat obscure, with very little written concerning them.
3. Examples: Shamgar (Jg. 3:31; 5:6), Manoah (Jg. 13), Jabez (1 Chr. 4:9,10).
4. Yet what is written is profitable for us, (2 Tim. 3:16,17; Rom. 15:4).
5. Such is the case with Hiel of Bethel.
6. Background: Ahab's reign (1 Kg. 16:29-33).
7. What can we learn from him? Let's consider 3 valuable lessons

1. Ignorance is no excuse.

   1. Perhaps Hiel had not heard of the curse spoken by Joshua, (Jos. 6:26).
      1. This is hard to believe, but possible.
      2. Or he heard and just rebelled against God's word.
      3. Either way, he lost two sons (some believe all of his sons were lost).
   2. Destroyed for lack of knowledge, (Hosea 4:6).
   3. God's word was first despised, (Pr. 29:18)
   4. Then it was forgotten.
   5. Yet the consequences still came, (Isa. 5:13; Pr. 1:28-31).

2. Adversity can serve as a warning.

   1. The death of his eldest son should have caused him to stop and count the cost.
   2. When we encounter hardships in our lives, we should consider our actions
      1. It may be God's discipline, (Pr. 3:11,12; Heb. 12:5-11; Rev. 3;19).
      2. Or it could be our adversary the devil trying to hinder our good works.
   3. Two examples of adversity
      1. From without: Balaam, (Num. 22:22-33).
      2. From within: Paul (Acts 9:4,5)

3. God's word is certain.

   1. Time didn't alter it
      1. More than 500 yrs since Joshua pronounced that curse.
      2. Yet God's truth stood firm, (2 Pet. 3:8,9; Jos. 21:45; Isa. 40:7; Pr. 22:20,21).
   2. Unbelief didn't nullify it (Matt. 24:35; 5:18).
   3. Ignorance couldn't avoid it.