1 Kings 13:1

Jeroboam’s Hand Withers · 1 Kings 13:1–10
Read 1 Kings 13

Translations

Modern
Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD.
Traditional
And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the Lord unto Beth–el: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.
Literal
And behold, a man of God went from Judah by the word of YHWH to Bethel. And Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.
Latin
Et ecce vir Dei venit de Juda in sermone Domini in Bethel, Jeroboam stante super altare, et thus jaciente.

Original

Hebrew
English
Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD.

Notes

The story of the unnamed man of God who spoke against Jeroboam’s false altar at Bethel shows the authority of God’s word. This prophecy even gave a personal name connected with an event that would happen much later (2 Kings 23:15–20).

Other examples are Isaiah’s prophecy of Cyrus as a future ruler (Isaiah 44:28; 45:1) and Micah’s prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Prophecies like these give assurance that God is in control of history and knows all things (see Isaiah 42:9).

Theme notes and profiles

Jeroboam I Josiah Prophets in 1 Kings True Success

Events

Parallels

2 Kings 23:4–20 2 Chronicles 34:3–7

People

Jeroboam: First king of the northern kingdom of Israel Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Places

Bethel: Important city in Israel, associated with Abraham and Jacob

Glossary

Ashes False Prophets Josiah Kings, Books of First and Second Pekahiah Prophets, False

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Benefits of, Illustrated Beth-El: A City North of Jerusalem: Prophecies Against the Idolatrous Altars At Calf: Prophecies Against the Golden Calves at Beth-El Calves of Jeroboam: Sacrifices offered To Calves of Jeroboam: Worship of Denounced by a Prophet Disobedience to God: Disobedience to God of the Prophet of Judah Intercession: Answered: The Prophet of Israel, for the Restoration of Jeroboam's Withered Hand Jeroboam: First King of Israel After the Revolt: Hand of, Paralyzed Josiah: King of Judah: Prophecies Concerning Judgments: The Prophet of Judah, for Disobedience Prophets: Prophet of Judah Reproof: Faithfulness in a Prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam Rulers: Wicked: Jeroboam, Perverting the True Worship Sheba: Queen of, Visits Solomon