Jeroboam and Saul

In 1 Kings 14, Jeroboam’s wife goes disguised to visit a prophet from Shiloh, who announces the death of her son and the eventual destruction of his dynasty. Ahijah tells Jeroboam’s wife that another king will take the kingdom.

In 1 Samuel 28, Saul goes disguised to visit a medium at Endor, who, he hopes, will be able to conjure Samuel, a prophet from Shiloh, who announces Saul’s death, the death of his sons, and the destruction of his dynasty. Samuel tells Saul that the kingdom has been given to David.

Previously, in 1 Kings 13, Jeroboam has refused to listen to the rebuke of a prophet. An altar is “torn” to signify the tearing of Jeroboam’s kingdom. When the man of God from Judah heals him, Jeroboam seeks reconciliation, which the man of God refuses.

In 1 Samuel 15, Saul refuses to listen to the rebuke of a prophet, and a garment is torn to signify the tearing of the kingdom. Saul asks the prophet to go back with him to worship, and Samuel initially refuses but then goes.

Saul is the first king of Israel, but he falls and loses the kingdom. Jeroboam is the first king of “all Israel,” but he falls and loses the kingdom.