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Hiel of Bethel

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)

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Hiel of Bethel

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  1. Hiel of Bethel 1 Kings 16:34

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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)

  9. 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

  10. 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?

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