A man of God from Judah prophesies against Jeroboam's altar at Bethel, announcing a future king named Josiah will burn human bones on it; as sign, the altar will split and ashes pour out. When Jeroboam points to seize him, his hand withers; the altar splits. At the king's request, the prophet restores his hand but refuses hospitality, having been commanded not to eat or drink there or return the same way. An old prophet in Bethel deceives him, claiming an angel commanded him to bring the man of God home to eat; as they dine, the LORD's word comes that the man of God has disobeyed and will not reach his ancestral tomb. A lion kills him on the road but does not eat him or harm the donkey; the old prophet buries him and asks to be buried beside him, for his prophecy will surely come true. Yet Jeroboam does not turn from his evil way but continues making anyone he pleases a priest.
Read 1 Kings Chapter 13 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
David's son, wisest and wealthiest king, builder of the temple, but later fell into idolatry
Prophet who confronted Baal worship and demonstrated God's power on Mount Carmel
Wicked king of Israel who promoted Baal worship through his wife Jezebel
Ahab's Phoenician wife who promoted Baal worship and persecuted God's prophets
Solomon's son whose harsh policies caused the kingdom to divide
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
King of Israel
Reformer King of Judah
Places in This Chapter
Samaria was the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel and later became the name for the entire region between Judea and Galilee. After the Assyrian conquest, the population became mixed, and the Samaritans developed their own form of worship. Jews and Samaritans had deep hostility. Jesus broke social barriers by speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well and telling the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Position in Book
Rehoboam's folly, Jeroboam leads northern rebellion, the kingdom splits into Israel and Judah.