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. Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incenseThis phrase sets the scene during the reign of King Jeroboam I, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Jeroboam established alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem in Judah, which was under the rule of Rehoboam. The act of burning incense was typically reserved for priests, and Jeroboam's participation in this ritual indicates his usurpation of religious authority, which was against the Mosaic Law (Exodus 30:7-9). This act of idolatry and false worship is a direct violation of the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3-4). there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD Persons / Places / Events 1. JeroboamThe first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is known for leading Israel into idolatry by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan. 2. Man of God An unnamed prophet sent by God from Judah to deliver a message of judgment against Jeroboam's idolatrous practices. 3. Judah The southern kingdom of Israel, from where the man of God was sent. It remained under the rule of the house of David. 4. Altar The place where Jeroboam was burning incense, symbolizing his unauthorized religious practices. 5. Word of the LORD The divine message or command that the man of God was delivering, emphasizing the authority and power of God's word. Teaching Points The Authority of God's WordThe man of God acts solely on the command of the LORD, demonstrating the authority and power of God's word over human authority and idolatrous practices. The Danger of Idolatry Jeroboam's actions serve as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of leading others away from true worship. Obedience to God's Command The man of God's journey from Judah to Bethel illustrates the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it involves personal risk or challenge. God's Sovereignty in Judgment The event underscores God's sovereignty in executing judgment against sin and idolatry, reminding believers of the seriousness of disobedience. The Role of Prophets The man of God represents the role of prophets as messengers of God's truth, often standing against prevailing cultural and religious norms. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from the man of God's obedience to God's command, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?2. How does Jeroboam's idolatry reflect the temptations we face today to compromise our faith, and what steps can we take to remain faithful? 3. In what ways does the authority of God's word challenge the cultural norms and practices we encounter? 4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in 2 Kings 23 reinforce our trust in God's promises and timing? 5. What role do modern-day "prophets" or truth-tellers play in the church, and how can we discern their messages in light of Scripture? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 12Provides context for Jeroboam's actions, detailing his establishment of alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem. 2 Kings 23 Describes the fulfillment of the prophecy given by the man of God, when King Josiah of Judah destroys the altar at Bethel. Deuteronomy 13 Warns against false prophets and idolatry, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's commands, which is relevant to Jeroboam's actions.
People David, Jeroboam, JosiahPlaces Bethel, SamariaTopics Altar, Behold, Beth, Bethel, Beth-el, Burn, Burning, El, Incense, Jeroboam, Jerobo'am, Judah, Offer, Offering, Offerings, Order, Perfume, Standing, StoodDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 13:1-3 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment Library Whether Christ Took Flesh of the Seed of David?Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not take flesh of the seed of David. For Matthew, in tracing the genealogy of Christ, brings it down to Joseph. But Joseph was not Christ's father, as shown above ([4138]Q[28], A[1], ad 1,2). Therefore it seems that Christ was not descended from David. Objection 2: Further, Aaron was of the tribe of Levi, as related Ex. 6. Now Mary the Mother of Christ is called the cousin of Elizabeth, who was a daughter of Aaron, as is clear from Lk. 1:5,36. Therefore, … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Interpretation of Prophecy. And Yet, by Reason of that Affection of the Human Heart... The Prophet Hosea. Paul's Departure and Crown; Kings Links 1 Kings 13:1 NIV1 Kings 13:1 NLT 1 Kings 13:1 ESV 1 Kings 13:1 NASB 1 Kings 13:1 KJV 1 Kings 13:1 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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