Jeroboam’s Hand Withers 1Suddenly, 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. 2And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, “O altar, O altar, this is what the LORD says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and upon you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense upon you, and human bones will be burned upon you.’”a 3That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’” 4Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel, heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it, he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back. 5And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. 6Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray for me that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before. 7Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” 8But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. 9For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’” 10So the man of God went another way and did not return by the way he had come to Bethel. The Old Prophet and the Man of God 11Now a certain old prophet was living in Bethel, and his sonsb came and told him all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told their father the words that the man had spoken to the king. 12“Which way did he go?” their father asked. And his sons showed himc the way taken by the man of God, who had come from Judah. 13So the prophet said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” Then they saddled the donkey for him, and he mounted it 14and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak treed and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” 15So the prophet said to the man of God, “Come home with me and eat some bread.” 16But the man replied, “I cannot go home with you, and I will not eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17For I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” 18Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, 19but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water. 20While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back, 21and the prophet cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the commandment that the LORD your God gave you, 22but you went back and ate bread and drank water in the place where He told you not to do so, your body shall never reach the tomb of your fathers.’” 23And after the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the old prophet who had brought him back saddled the donkey for him. 24As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. 25And there were men passing by who saw the body lying in the road with the lion standing beside it, and they went and reported this in the city where the old prophet lived. 26When the prophet who had brought him back from his journey heard this, he said, “It is the man of God who disobeyed the command of the LORD. Therefore the LORD has delivered him to the lion, and it has mauled him and killed him, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to him.” 27Then the old prophet instructed his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled it, 28and he went and found the body lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. The lion had not eaten the body or mauled the donkey. 29So the old prophet lifted up the body of the man of God, laid it on the donkey, and brought it back to his own city to mourn for him and bury him. 30Then he laid the body in his own tomb, and they lamented over him, “Oh, my brother!” 31After he had buried him, the prophet said to his sons, “When I die, you must bury me in the tomb where the man of God is buried. Lay my bones beside his bones, 32for the message that he cried out by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel and against all the shrines on the high places in the cities of Samaria will surely come to pass.” 33Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places. 34And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth. Footnotes: 2 a See 2 Kings 23:16. 11 b LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate; Hebrew son 12 c LXX; Hebrew had seen 14 d Or a terebinth or a great tree Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  1 Kings 13 Summary Jeroboam's Hand WithersVerses 1–3 – A Man of God from Judah Confronts Jeroboam Verses 4–6 – Jeroboam’s Hand Withers and Is Restored Verses 7–10 – Refusal of Royal Hospitality Verses 11–19 – The Old Prophet’s Deception Verses 20–22 – Judgment on the Disobedient Prophet Verses 23–32 – Lion, Donkey, and Funeral Verses 33–34 – Jeroboam’s Hardened Heart 1 Kings 13 presents an intriguing narrative around prophecy, obedience to God's commands, and the consequences of disobedience. As a captivating tale of two prophets and a king unfolds, we learn vital lessons about the absolute importance of abiding by God's word and the disastrous results of straying from His instructions. Historical Backdrop After Solomon’s reign, Israel split in two. Jeroboam, ruling the ten northern tribes, feared the people would return to the Davidic kingdom if they kept worshiping in Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:26-27). He built rival sanctuaries at Bethel and Dan, installed golden calves, and instituted his own priesthood. Bethel lay just inside his border, an easy, convenient substitute for the Jerusalem temple. Jeroboam’s Altar at Bethel • Bethel means “House of God” (Genesis 28:19). Ironically, Jeroboam turns this sacred site into a center of counterfeit worship. • Large altar stones matching Iron II period dimensions have surfaced at Tel Dan, illustrating the scale kings could afford. Although excavation at Bethel (modern Beitin) is limited, the physical imprint of a major cult center is plausible. • By crying out directly to the altar, the prophet exposes the very heart of Jeroboam’s policy—the structure meant to unify Israel in idolatry becomes a symbol of its downfall. The Man of God: Identity and Mission Scripture withholds his name, spotlighting his message, not his résumé. Sent from Judah—the territory loyal to the house of David—he stands as God’s witness that true authority still rests in the southern kingdom despite the political schism (cf. 1 Kings 12:24). The Sign of Josiah—Prophecy Across Centuries • Josiah ascended Judah’s throne roughly three centuries later (2 Kings 22-23). He destroyed Jeroboam’s altar and burned men’s bones upon it, fulfilling the exact prediction (2 Kings 23:15-20). • Naming Josiah generations in advance underscores God’s sovereign grip on history (cf. Isaiah 44:28–45:1, where Cyrus is named before birth). Miracle of the Withered Hand and Split Altar Jeroboam’s raised hand symbolizes royal power; its sudden paralysis dramatizes how helpless human authority is before God. The healed hand shows divine mercy even toward rebel kings—yet mercy is no guarantee of repentance (Romans 2:4). Obedience Tested: Refusing Bread and Water God’s command to avoid food, drink, and the same road (13:9) served at least three purposes: 1. Publicly distance the prophet from Bethel’s defiled worship. 2. Keep the man of God dependent solely on the LORD for provision. 3. Reinforce that miracles never replace simple obedience (Deuteronomy 8:3). The Old Prophet’s Lie: Lessons on Discernment • Even seasoned ministers can mislead when they drift from God’s voice. • Spiritual experience never outranks a clear command of Scripture (Galatians 1:8-9). • The man of God erred by trusting a message that contradicted the word he had received directly. Compare the warning about prophets who produce signs yet urge apostasy (Deuteronomy 13:1-5). Lion, Donkey, Corpse—A Freeze-Frame of Judgment The tableau is deliberately unnatural: lions attack prey, donkeys flee, yet here both stand silently. God stages this scene to authenticate His judgment. Similar signs appear when Balaam’s donkey sees the angel (Numbers 22:22-35) and when Daniel’s lions hold their mouths (Daniel 6:22). Archaeological Insights • Inscriptions on the Aramaic Têmân Stele (9th century BC) mention a “House of David,” supporting the existence of a Davidic dynasty assumed in the prophecy. • Cult stands from the region depict bulls supporting a shrine, echoing Jeroboam’s calves. • Excavations at Tel Dan show a monumental platform (bamah) with steps and side chambers—architecturally compatible with the kind of altar condemned in 1 Kings 13. Old Testament Links - Deuteronomy 13 and 18:21-22 lay out tests for true prophecy, both applied in this chapter. - 2 Kings 23:15-16 records Josiah’s literal fulfillment. - 1 Samuel 15:22 highlights obedience over sacrifice—Saul’s failure mirrors the man of God’s. - Amos 3:14 later announces judgment on “the altars of Bethel,” echoing the original curse. New Testament Echoes - Jesus resists the devil’s temptation to turn stones to bread, quoting “man shall not live on bread alone” (Matthew 4:4), paralleling the prophet’s initial refusal to eat. - Paul’s warning about “another gospel” (Galatians 1:8-9) reflects the danger of accepting any revelation that contradicts prior truth. - The anonymous prophet parallels John the Baptist—both confront corrupt rulers, preach repentance, and pay a high personal cost. Application for Today 1. God’s word stands even when political power, tradition, or popular religion says otherwise. 2. Miracles can arrest attention, but only obedience sustains a walk with God. 3. Discernment requires measuring every new “word” against the written revelation we already have. 4. Partial repentance, like Jeroboam’s momentary plea, is not enough. Real change bears fruit. 5. God’s plans unfold across centuries; what He speaks today may ripen long after we are gone. Stand faithful in your generation and leave the timing to Him. Connections to Additional Scriptures Deuteronomy 13:1-4Warns against following false prophets, emphasizing the need for discernment. Galatians 1:8-9 Paul warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been preached, reinforcing the importance of adhering to true doctrine. Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus warns about false prophets, encouraging believers to recognize them by their fruits. Teaching Points Divine CommissionThe man of God is sent by the LORD to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel, demonstrating God's authority over false worship (1 Kings 13:1-2). Immediate Fulfillment The prophecy includes a sign that the altar will be split apart, which occurs immediately, affirming the authenticity of the message (1 Kings 13:3-5). King Jeroboam's Reaction Jeroboam's initial response is hostility, but he quickly shifts to seeking favor when his hand is paralyzed, showing the power of God over human authority (1 Kings 13:4-6). Obedience and Temptation The man of God initially obeys God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel, but later succumbs to deception by an old prophet, highlighting the danger of false counsel (1 Kings 13:7-19). Consequences of Disobedience The man of God faces death as a consequence of his disobedience, illustrating the seriousness of adhering to God's instructions (1 Kings 13:20-24). Practical Applications Discernment in ObedienceAlways verify that guidance aligns with God's word, even if it comes from seemingly credible sources. Faithfulness to God's Commands Prioritize obedience to God over human persuasion or convenience. Awareness of Spiritual Warfare Recognize that spiritual deception can come from unexpected places and be prepared to stand firm in truth. Repentance and Restoration When we falter, seek God's forgiveness and strive to return to His path. People 1. The Man of God from JudahThis unnamed prophet is sent by God to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar that King Jeroboam has set up. He performs a sign by causing the altar to split apart and the ashes to pour out (1 Kings 13:1-5). The term "man of God" (Hebrew: אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, 'ish ha'Elohim) indicates a person who is a messenger or servant of God. 2. King Jeroboam The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is rebuked by the man of God for his idolatrous practices. When he stretches out his hand against the man of God, it withers, but is later restored after the man of God prays for him (1 Kings 13:4-6). 3. The Old Prophet in Bethel An older prophet living in Bethel who deceives the man of God from Judah by claiming that an angel instructed him to bring the man of God back to his house to eat and drink. This leads to the man of God's disobedience to God's command (1 Kings 13:11-19). 4. The Sons of the Old Prophet They inform their father, the old prophet, about the actions of the man of God from Judah. Their report prompts the old prophet to seek out the man of God (1 Kings 13:11). 5. The Lion While not a person, the lion plays a significant role in the narrative. It kills the man of God from Judah as a consequence of his disobedience to God's command, yet it does not eat the body or harm the donkey, serving as a sign of divine judgment (1 Kings 13:24-25). Places 1. BethelBethel is the primary location in 1 Kings 13 where the events unfold. It is where Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense when the man of God from Judah arrived to deliver a prophecy against the altar. The name "Bethel" means "House of God" in Hebrew, reflecting its historical significance as a place of worship. 2. Judah The man of God who prophesies against the altar in Bethel comes from Judah. Judah is one of the tribes of Israel and also refers to the southern kingdom after the division of Israel. The Hebrew root for Judah is "Yehudah," which means "praise." 3. Samaria Although not directly mentioned in the narrative of 1 Kings 13, Samaria is referenced in the broader context of the divided kingdom, with Bethel being part of the northern kingdom of Israel, of which Samaria was the capital. The Hebrew root for Samaria is "Shomron," meaning "watchtower." Events 1. A Man of God Prophesies Against the AltarA man of God from Judah arrives at Bethel by the word of the LORD and prophesies against the altar, declaring, “O altar, altar, thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and upon you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and human bones shall be burned on you.’” (1 Kings 13:2). The Hebrew word for "altar" is מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach), emphasizing the sacred or sacrificial nature of the structure. 2. The Sign of the Altar Splitting As a sign, the man of God declares that the altar will be split apart and the ashes upon it will be poured out. This occurs immediately, fulfilling the prophecy and demonstrating the power of God’s word (1 Kings 13:3, 5). 3. King Jeroboam’s Hand Withers King Jeroboam, witnessing the prophecy, stretches out his hand from the altar to seize the man of God, but his hand withers and becomes paralyzed (1 Kings 13:4). The Hebrew root for "withered" is יָבֵשׁ (yabesh), indicating a drying up or loss of function. 4. The King’s Hand is Restored Jeroboam pleads with the man of God to intercede with the LORD to restore his hand. The man of God prays, and the king’s hand is restored to its original state (1 Kings 13:6). 5. The Man of God Refuses the King’s Invitation Despite the king’s offer of hospitality and a reward, the man of God refuses, citing the LORD’s command not to eat bread or drink water, nor return by the way he came (1 Kings 13:7-9). 6. The Deceptive Old Prophet An old prophet from Bethel deceives the man of God by claiming an angel instructed him to bring the man of God back to his house to eat and drink. The man of God complies, disobeying the LORD’s command (1 Kings 13:11-19). 7. The Prophecy of the Man of God’s Death While at the old prophet’s house, the word of the LORD comes to the old prophet, declaring that the man of God will not be buried in the tomb of his fathers because he disobeyed the LORD’s command (1 Kings 13:20-22). 8. The Man of God is Killed by a Lion After leaving Bethel, the man of God is killed by a lion on the road. The lion and the donkey stand by the body, a sign of the fulfillment of the prophecy (1 Kings 13:23-24). 9. The Old Prophet Retrieves the Body The old prophet retrieves the body of the man of God, mourns for him, and buries him in his own tomb, instructing his sons to bury him beside the man of God when he dies (1 Kings 13:29-31). 10. The Continued Sin of Jeroboam Despite these events, Jeroboam does not turn from his evil ways, continuing to appoint priests for the high places, leading to his eventual downfall (1 Kings 13:33-34). The Hebrew term for "sin" is חַטָּאת (chatta'ah), indicating a moral failure or offense against God. Topics 1. The Man of God from JudahA prophet, referred to as a "man of God," is sent from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar that King Jeroboam has erected. This event underscores the theme of divine intervention and prophecy. The Hebrew term for "man of God" (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים, ish ha'elohim) emphasizes his role as a messenger of Yahweh. 2. Prophecy Against the Altar The man of God prophesies that a future king named Josiah will desecrate the altar by burning human bones on it. This prophecy highlights the certainty of God's word and the eventual judgment against idolatry. The specific naming of Josiah (יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ, Yoshiyahu) centuries before his reign demonstrates the foreknowledge of God. 3. Jeroboam's Reaction and the Withered Hand King Jeroboam reacts by stretching out his hand to seize the prophet, but his hand withers. This miraculous event serves as a sign of God's power and a warning against opposing His messengers. The Hebrew root for "withered" (יָבֵשׁ, yabesh) conveys the suddenness and severity of the judgment. 4. The Altar Splits Apart As a confirmation of the prophecy, the altar splits apart and ashes pour out, fulfilling the sign given by the man of God. This physical manifestation of the prophecy underscores the reliability of God's word. 5. The King's Plea and the Restoration of His Hand Jeroboam pleads with the man of God to intercede with Yahweh for the restoration of his hand. The man of God prays, and the king's hand is restored, demonstrating God's mercy and the power of intercessory prayer. 6. The Man of God's Refusal of the King's Offer Despite the king's offer of hospitality and reward, the man of God refuses, citing God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel. This act of obedience highlights the importance of adhering to divine instructions. 7. The Deception by the Old Prophet An old prophet from Bethel deceives the man of God by claiming an angelic message that contradicts God's original command. This incident illustrates the dangers of false prophecy and the need for discernment. 8. The Man of God's Disobedience and Consequence The man of God succumbs to the deception and eats with the old prophet, leading to a pronouncement of judgment against him. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience to God's word. 9. The Death of the Man of God As foretold, the man of God is killed by a lion on his way back, yet the lion does not eat the body or harm the donkey, signifying divine judgment. The Hebrew word for "lion" (אֲרִי, ari) is often associated with strength and judgment. 10. The Burial and Mourning by the Old Prophet The old prophet retrieves the body and buries it in his own tomb, mourning for the man of God. This act of respect and mourning reflects the complexity of human relationships and the recognition of divine truth, even in the midst of failure. 11. The Continued Sin of Jeroboam Despite witnessing these events, Jeroboam does not turn from his evil ways, continuing to lead Israel into sin. This persistent disobedience highlights the theme of hardened hearts and the long-term consequences of idolatry. Themes 1. Divine Authority and ProphecyIn 1 Kings 13, the theme of divine authority is evident as a man of God is sent from Judah to Bethel to deliver a prophecy against the altar. This underscores the authority of God's word and the role of prophets as His messengers. The Hebrew term for "man of God" (אִישׁ־הָאֱלֹהִים, ish-ha'elohim) emphasizes the divine commission and authority bestowed upon the prophet. 2. Obedience to God's Command The narrative highlights the importance of strict obedience to God's instructions. The man of God is commanded not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor return by the way he came (1 Kings 13:9). This command underscores the necessity of adhering to God's specific directives without deviation. 3. Deception and Disobedience The theme of deception is introduced when an old prophet deceives the man of God, leading him to disobey God's command (1 Kings 13:18). This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of being misled and the importance of discerning truth from falsehood. 4. Judgment and Consequences The narrative illustrates the theme of divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. After the man of God disobeys, he is judged by God and killed by a lion (1 Kings 13:24). This event highlights the seriousness of disobedience and the inevitable consequences that follow. 5. Repentance and Recognition of God's Sovereignty The old prophet's actions after the man of God's death reflect a recognition of God's sovereignty and a form of repentance. He acknowledges the truth of the prophecy and ensures the man of God is buried with respect (1 Kings 13:29-30). This theme emphasizes the acknowledgment of God's ultimate authority and the need for repentance. 6. Fulfillment of Prophecy The chapter concludes with the theme of prophecy fulfillment, as the events surrounding the man of God serve as a precursor to the eventual fulfillment of his prophecy against the altar (1 Kings 13:32). This underscores the reliability and certainty of God's word as delivered through His prophets. Answering Tough Questions 1. In 1 Kings 13:24–28, how can we reconcile the lion’s unnatural behavior with known animal instincts? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does 1 Kings 13 illuminate the importance of obedience to God's commands? 2. What role does deception play in this chapter? How does it affect the man of God from Judah? 3. Discuss the characteristics of God as depicted in 1 Kings 13. 4. How does King Jeroboam respond to the events unfolding around him? What does this say about his character and his relationship with God? 5. How does 1 Kings 13 define true and false prophecy? 6. Discuss the symbolism behind the miraculous signs in this chapter. 7. How would you relate the man of God’s experience to modern-day living? Have you ever felt deceived or led astray? 8. How do we discern God's true voice amidst the many voices we hear today? 9. How can we apply the lesson of strict obedience to God's word in our lives? 10. Why do you think the man of God fell for the old prophet's lie despite having heard directly from God? 11. How does the man of God's death reaffirm God's sovereignty and justice? 12. How does this narrative affect your understanding of God’s grace and judgment? 13. In what ways does the story of the man of God serve as a warning for believers? 14. How might the outcome have been different if the man of God had been more discerning? 15. What can we learn from the actions of the old prophet? 16. How does this chapter teach us about the consequences of leading others into sin, as King Jeroboam did? 17. How does the story relate to present day teachings about obeying the voice of God, even when other voices conflict? 18. How would you have responded if you were in the man of God's shoes when the old prophet approached him? 19. How does this chapter influence your understanding of the relationship between faith, obedience, and consequences? 20. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you stay obedient to God's word and do not allow deception to derail you from your spiritual journey? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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