Topical Bible: Miracles: Catalogue of Jeroboam's Hand Withered

◄ Miracles: Catalogue of Jeroboam's Hand Withered ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Jeroboam's hand withering is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, illustrating the power of God and His authority over kings and nations. This miracle is found in 1 Kings 13:1-6, where it serves as a divine sign against idolatry and disobedience.

Context and Background

Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy, established alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem. This act of idolatry was a direct violation of God's commandments, as Jeroboam set up golden calves and appointed non-Levitical priests, leading the people into sin.

The Miracle Described

In 1 Kings 13:1-6, a man of God from Judah is sent by the LORD to Bethel to deliver a prophetic message against the altar Jeroboam had erected. As the man of God proclaims the coming judgment, Jeroboam reacts with hostility:

"And when King Jeroboam heard the word that the man of God had cried out against the altar at Bethel, he stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, 'Seize him!' But the hand he had stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back to himself." (1 Kings 13:4)

This miraculous withering of Jeroboam's hand serves as an immediate and visible sign of God's displeasure with the king's actions. The sudden paralysis of his hand underscores the seriousness of his sin and the authority of the prophetic word.

The Restoration

Following the withering of his hand, Jeroboam experiences a moment of humility and fear. He pleads with the man of God to intercede with the LORD for the restoration of his hand:

"So the king answered and said to the man of God, 'Please entreat the LORD your God and pray for me, that my hand may be restored.' So the man of God entreated the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him and became as it was before." (1 Kings 13:6)

The restoration of Jeroboam's hand is another miraculous act, demonstrating God's mercy and willingness to forgive. Despite Jeroboam's initial defiance, the LORD responds to the intercession of the man of God, highlighting the power of prayer and repentance.

Theological Significance

The miracle of Jeroboam's withered hand serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the consequences of idolatry. It illustrates the principle that God will not tolerate the worship of false gods and that His word, delivered through His prophets, carries divine authority. The event also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commandments and the potential for restoration through repentance and prayer.

This account is a testament to the reality of divine intervention in human affairs, showcasing both judgment and grace. It serves as a warning to leaders and individuals alike to remain faithful to God's covenant and to seek His guidance in all matters.

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1 Kings 13:3-6
And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the LORD has spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.
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