The account of Jeroboam's hand withering is a significant event that underscores the power of God working through His prophets. This miracle is recorded in 1 Kings 13, where a man of God from Judah is sent to Bethel to deliver a message of judgment against King Jeroboam and his idolatrous practices.

Context and Background

Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, had established a system of idol worship to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem in Judah for worship. He set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading the people into sin (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act of apostasy provoked the Lord, who sent a prophet from Judah to confront Jeroboam.

The Miracle

As the prophet arrived in Bethel, he found Jeroboam standing by the altar to burn incense. The man of God cried out against the altar, prophesying that a future king named Josiah would desecrate it by burning the bones of its priests upon it (1 Kings 13:2). This prophecy was accompanied by a sign: the altar would be split apart, and its ashes poured out.

In response to the prophet's message, Jeroboam stretched out his hand from the altar, commanding his men to seize the prophet. At that moment, Jeroboam's hand withered, becoming paralyzed and unusable (1 Kings 13:4: "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 and said, 'Seize him!' But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back.").

Significance

This miracle served multiple purposes. Firstly, it was a direct demonstration of God's power and authority over the king and his false religious system. The withering of Jeroboam's hand was an immediate and personal judgment, highlighting the seriousness of his sin. Secondly, it validated the prophet's message, confirming that he was indeed sent by God. The miraculous sign of the altar splitting apart, as prophesied, further reinforced the authenticity of the prophet's words (1 Kings 13:5).

Jeroboam's Plea and Restoration

Stricken with fear and desperation, Jeroboam pleaded with the man of God to intercede with the Lord for the restoration of his hand. The prophet prayed, and God graciously restored the king's hand to its former state (1 Kings 13:6: "Then the king 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 as it was before.").

Theological Implications

This event illustrates the mercy and justice of God. While Jeroboam's hand was withered as a consequence of his rebellion, God's willingness to restore it upon the prophet's intercession demonstrates His readiness to forgive and heal. It also serves as a warning against idolatry and disobedience, emphasizing the importance of adhering to God's commandments.

The miracle of Jeroboam's withered hand is a testament to the power of God working through His chosen servants. It reminds believers of the authority of God's word and the necessity of faithful obedience to His will.1 Kings 13:4
And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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