Log inSign up

1 Kings 16 · a question people ask

What happened to Hiel's sons?

In the text

The verse says only this: "He laid its foundation with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub" (16:34). It doesn't say how they were lost or how old they were, and these notes don't guess. What it does say is why it is told: "according to the LORD’s word, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun" (16:34). After Jericho fell (Joshua 6:20-24), Joshua "commanded them with an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed is the man before the LORD who rises up and builds this city Jericho. With the loss of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he will set up its gates.”" (Joshua 6:26). The chapter doesn't say whether Hiel knew Joshua's words.

The verses

“In his days Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho. He laid its foundation with the loss of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates with the loss of his youngest son Segub, according to the LORD’s word, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun.”
1 Kings 16:34 · World English Bible
“Joshua commanded them with an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed is the man before the LORD who rises up and builds this city Jericho. With the loss of his firstborn he will lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he will set up its gates.””
Joshua 6:26 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 1 Kings 16

1 Kings 16: Out of the dust

The LORD's word to Baasha opens with almost the words he had sent to Jeroboam (14:7): "I exalted you… and made you prince over my people Israel" (16:2), and Baasha's house fell as Jeroboam's had (16:12). And when Hiel built Jericho, it was "according to the LORD’s word, which he spoke by Joshua the son of Nun" (16:34).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free week1 Kings 16 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about 1 Kings 16

All questions about 1 Kings →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions