Ahijah ends his life in the city of the old sanctuary where Samuel carried out his ministry. Like Samuel, he condemns the king of Israel. Although Ahijah is nearly blind, he hears clearly, distinguishes sounds, listens to the inner voice of the oracle, and perceives the tragic and impending end of the dynasty he helped establish. The king’s consultation feels both familiar and royal. The death of the child (12) serves as punishment for the father (remember the first son of David and Bathsheba), not the son. The author is not surprised that an innocent person dies. Instead, he sees it as a mercy: God spares him from widespread disaster and grants him the rare honor of private burial.