Who Was Hiel in the Bible?
Hiel is a biblical figure mentioned in 1 Kings 16:34, noted for his actions during the reign of King Ahab in the time of the Divided Monarchy. Hiel, identified as being from Bethel, undertook the rebuilding of the ancient city of Jericho. This act is historically significant as it fulfilled a curse pronounced by Joshua, the successor of Moses, centuries earlier. The fulfillment of this curse serves as a striking example of the consequences of disobedience to God’s commands and the accuracy of biblical prophecy.
Hiel’s Rebuilding of Jericho
The biblical narrative in 1 Kings 16:34 states: “In Ahab’s time, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt Jericho. He laid its foundations at the cost of his firstborn son Abiram, and he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, in accordance with the word of the Lord spoken by Joshua son of Nun.” This passage highlights the tragic cost Hiel paid for rebuilding Jericho, losing his two sons in fulfillment of Joshua’s ancient curse.
The original curse is found in Joshua 6:26, where Joshua declared, “Cursed before the Lord is the one who undertakes to rebuild this city, Jericho: ‘At the cost of his firstborn son he will lay its foundations; at the cost of his youngest he will set up its gates.’” This curse was pronounced after the miraculous fall of Jericho’s walls, a significant event marking the beginning of Israel’s conquest of Canaan. The curse symbolized the city’s destruction as a divine judgment and served as a warning against defying God’s commands.
Hiel’s decision to rebuild Jericho, despite the well-known curse, reflects a disregard for God’s warning or a lack of faith in the prophetic word. The tragic fulfillment of the curse underscores the seriousness with which God’s commands and warnings are to be taken.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The story of Hiel provides several important lessons for modern Christians. Firstly, it highlights the importance of obedience to God’s word. Hiel’s disregard for the curse pronounced by Joshua led to devastating consequences for his family. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that disobedience to God’s commands can lead to severe and unforeseen consequences. For believers today, it reinforces the need to adhere to biblical teachings and principles, trusting that God’s commands are given for our good.
Secondly, Hiel’s story underscores the seriousness of sin and its consequences. In a broader biblical context, Jericho’s destruction and the associated curse symbolized the judgment of sin. Hiel’s actions and the resulting fulfillment of the curse remind us that sin carries real and often painful consequences, not just for individuals but for families and communities.
Connection to a Loving God
The account of Hiel also reveals aspects of God’s character, particularly His justice and faithfulness. While the fulfillment of the curse may seem harsh, it serves to illustrate God’s unwavering commitment to His word. God’s justice is evident in the fulfillment of the curse, demonstrating that His warnings are not to be taken lightly. However, this also underscores God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, whether of blessing or judgment.
For modern Christians, understanding this aspect of God’s nature is crucial. It reminds us that God’s warnings in Scripture are not arbitrary but are rooted in His love and desire for us to live in a way that is aligned with His will. The story of Hiel serves as a reminder that God’s commands are designed to protect and guide us, and that ignoring them can lead to harmful consequences.
Connection to Jesus Christ
The narrative of Hiel and the curse associated with Jericho can also be seen in the light of the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament often illustrates the severity of sin and the strict justice of God, the New Testament reveals the depth of God’s mercy and grace through Jesus. Christ came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17), and His sacrificial death offers redemption and forgiveness for sins, even those as severe as disregarding God’s direct warnings.
In the context of Hiel’s story, Jesus’ sacrifice offers a contrast: where Hiel’s actions led to death as a result of disobedience, Jesus’ obedience led to life for all who believe. Jesus breaks the curse of sin and death, offering believers a new life through His resurrection. This connection underscores the hope available through Christ, that even when we have strayed, there is a path back to God through repentance and faith in Jesus.
Conclusion
Hiel’s story, though brief, is a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God’s word. His actions in rebuilding Jericho, in defiance of a divine curse, led to the fulfillment of that curse and the loss of his sons. This narrative teaches modern Christians about the seriousness of sin, the importance of obedience, and the reality of divine justice. It also points to the broader narrative of redemption through Jesus Christ, who offers a way to overcome the curse of sin and enter into a life of grace and forgiveness. Through these lessons, believers are encouraged to trust in God’s word, heed His warnings, and embrace the hope and redemption found in Christ.