1 Kings 13:6

Then the king responded to the man of God, "Intercede with the LORD your God and pray 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.

Study Bible

Then the king said to the man of God
This phrase introduces us to the interaction between King Jeroboam and the unnamed prophet, referred to as the "man of God." The title "man of God" is significant, indicating a person who is a messenger or servant of the divine, often used in the Old Testament to describe prophets. Jeroboam, despite his idolatrous actions, recognizes the authority and spiritual connection of the prophet, which is a testament to the undeniable power of God working through His chosen vessels.

Please entreat the LORD your God
The word "entreat" suggests a plea or earnest request, indicating Jeroboam's desperation and acknowledgment of his need for divine intervention. The phrase "the LORD your God" is telling; it reflects a distance between Jeroboam and the God of Israel, as he refers to God as belonging to the prophet rather than himself. This highlights Jeroboam's spiritual state and the consequences of his idolatry, as he has distanced himself from a personal relationship with God.

and pray for me
Here, Jeroboam seeks intercession, recognizing that he cannot approach God directly due to his sin. This request for prayer underscores the biblical principle of intercessory prayer, where the righteous can appeal to God on behalf of others. It also reflects the mercy and grace available through God's servants, who can mediate and bring others into God's presence.

that my hand may be restored
Jeroboam's hand had withered as a sign of God's judgment. The request for restoration is both physical and symbolic, representing a desire for healing and a return to wholeness. In the biblical context, physical ailments often symbolize spiritual conditions, and the restoration of Jeroboam's hand can be seen as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and repentance.

So the man of God entreated the LORD
The prophet's response is immediate and obedient, demonstrating his role as a faithful servant of God. His willingness to pray for Jeroboam, despite the king's previous actions, exemplifies the Christian principle of loving one's enemies and praying for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). It also highlights the power of prayer and the importance of interceding for others, regardless of their spiritual state.

and the king’s hand was restored
This miraculous healing serves as a testament to God's power and mercy. It confirms the authority of the prophet's message and the reality of divine intervention. The restoration of Jeroboam's hand is a physical manifestation of God's willingness to forgive and heal, offering a chance for repentance and change.

and became as it was before
The phrase "as it was before" indicates a complete and perfect healing, emphasizing God's ability to fully restore what was lost or damaged. It serves as a reminder of God's original design and intention for His creation, and His desire to bring about restoration and redemption. This complete healing is a foreshadowing of the ultimate restoration available through Christ, who makes all things new (Revelation 21:5).

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is known for leading Israel into idolatry.

2. The Man of God
An unnamed prophet sent by God from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar Jeroboam had built.

3. The Altar at Bethel
A place where King Jeroboam set up an altar for idol worship, contrary to God's commandments.

4. The Withered Hand
A miraculous sign from God where King Jeroboam's hand withered as a consequence of his actions against the man of God.

5. Restoration of the Hand
The event where, after the man of God prayed, Jeroboam's hand was miraculously restored, demonstrating God's power and mercy.

Teaching Points

The Power of Intercessory Prayer
The man of God's prayer for Jeroboam shows the importance and effectiveness of praying for others, even those who oppose us.

God's Mercy and Restoration
Despite Jeroboam's sin, God shows mercy by restoring his hand, illustrating that God is willing to forgive and restore when we turn to Him.

The Role of Prophets
The man of God serves as a reminder of the prophetic role to speak truth to power and call people back to God's ways.

Consequences of Disobedience
Jeroboam's initial punishment serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

Responding to God's Signs
The restoration of Jeroboam's hand was a sign meant to lead him to repentance, prompting us to consider how we respond to God's interventions in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the man of God's response to Jeroboam's request demonstrate the power of intercessory prayer, and how can we apply this in our own prayer lives?

2. In what ways does God's restoration of Jeroboam's hand reflect His character, and how should this influence our understanding of God's mercy?

3. What can we learn from the man of God's obedience to deliver God's message despite the potential danger, and how can we apply this courage in our own lives?

4. How does the account of Jeroboam's withered and restored hand serve as a warning and a lesson about the consequences of idolatry and disobedience?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's intervention in your life. How did you respond, and what changes did it prompt in your relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 8:8
Pharaoh asks Moses to plead with the LORD to remove the frogs, showing a similar request for intercession.

James 5:16
Highlights the power of a righteous person's prayer, connecting to the man of God's effective prayer for Jeroboam.

Luke 6:27-28
Jesus teaches to pray for those who mistreat you, which the man of God exemplifies by praying for Jeroboam despite his opposition.