Abiram

Abiram was the firstborn son of Hiel the Bethelite, who died when his father relaid the foundations of Jericho during the reign of King Ahab (1 Kings 16:34). This fulfilled the curse Joshua had pronounced centuries earlier: 'At the cost of his firstborn shall he lay its foundation' (Joshua 6:26). Abiram's death, alongside that of his youngest brother Segub at the setting up of the gates, is presented as direct divine judgment. His tragic end illustrates the enduring authority of prophetic pronouncements in Israel's historical theology.