2. Hiel of Bethel 1 Kings 16:34

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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)

10. 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

11. 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?