A reading from the book of first kings.

At that time, Abijah, the son of Jeroboam, fell sick.

And Jeroboam said to his wife, arise and disguise yourself.

That it not be known that you are the wife of Jeroboam.

And go to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there,

who said of me that I should be king over this people.

Take with you ten loaves, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him.

He will tell you what shall happen to the child.

Jeroboam's wife did so. She arose and went to Shiloh and came to the house of Ahijah.

Now Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were dim because of his age, and the Lord said to

Ahyja, behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to inquire of you concerning her son, for he is sick.

Thus and thus shall you say to her. When she came, she pretended to be another woman, but when

Ahijah heard the sound of her feet, as she came in at the door, he said,

Come in, wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another? For I am charged with unbearable news for you.

Go tell Jeroboam, thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, because I exalted you from among the

people, and made you leader over my people Israel, and

tore the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it to you, and yet you have not been

like my servant David, who kept my commandments and followed me with all his heart, doing only

that which was right in my eyes. But you have done evil above all who were before you, and

have gone and made for yourself

other gods and metal images, provoking me to anger, and have cast me behind your back.

Therefore, behold, I will bring harm upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from

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