1 Kings 13:2

And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, "O altar, O altar, this is what the LORD says: 'A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and upon you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense upon you, and human bones will be burned upon you.'"

Study Bible

And he cried out
The phrase "cried out" in Hebrew is "qara," which conveys a sense of urgency and proclamation. This is not a mere speaking but a powerful declaration, often used by prophets to announce God's messages. The prophet's cry is a divine interruption, emphasizing the seriousness of the message and the authority of the one who sends it—God Himself.

against the altar
The altar here is not just a physical structure but a symbol of the idolatrous practices that had taken root in Israel. Altars were central to worship, and this one, in particular, was used for offerings to false gods. The prophet's message is a direct confrontation against the corruption of true worship, highlighting the spiritual decay that had permeated the nation.

by the word of the LORD
This phrase underscores the divine origin of the message. The Hebrew term "dabar" for "word" signifies not just spoken words but the active, living communication of God. It is a reminder that the prophet is merely a vessel, and the authority of the message comes from the LORD, the covenant-keeping God of Israel.

O altar, altar
The repetition here is a Hebrew literary device used for emphasis. It draws attention to the seriousness of the pronouncement. The altar, as an inanimate object, is personified, indicating the gravity of the judgment pronounced upon it. This repetition also serves to capture the attention of the listeners, ensuring that the message is heard and remembered.

this is what the LORD says
This phrase is a prophetic formula that authenticates the message as coming directly from God. It is a reminder of the prophet's role as a mouthpiece for divine revelation. The authority of the message is not in the prophet himself but in the LORD who speaks through him.

A son named Josiah will be born
This prophecy is remarkable for its specificity. The naming of Josiah, who would not be born for another three centuries, demonstrates God's sovereignty and foreknowledge. Josiah's future actions would fulfill this prophecy, serving as a testament to God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes.

to the house of David
This phrase connects the prophecy to the Davidic covenant, reminding the audience of God's promises to David's lineage. Despite the current apostasy, God has not forgotten His covenant with David. Josiah, a descendant of David, would be an instrument of reform and restoration, aligning with God's covenantal faithfulness.

and on you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places
The high places were sites of unauthorized worship, often associated with idolatry. The mention of sacrificing the priests is a stark image of judgment. It signifies the end of false worship and the cleansing of the land from idolatrous practices. This act by Josiah would be a fulfillment of divine justice.

who burn incense on you
Burning incense was a common practice in worship, symbolizing prayers and offerings to deities. In this context, it represents the idolatrous practices that had infiltrated Israel. The judgment pronounced is against those who have led the people astray, highlighting the seriousness of leading others into false worship.

and human bones will be burned on you
This is a vivid image of defilement. In ancient Israel, contact with human bones rendered an altar unclean. The burning of bones on the altar signifies its complete desecration, rendering it unfit for any form of worship. This act would serve as a powerful symbol of the eradication of idolatry and the restoration of true worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
An unnamed prophet from Judah who delivers God's message to King Jeroboam and the altar at Bethel.

2. King Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the people into idolatry by setting up golden calves at Bethel and Dan.

3. The Altar at Bethel
A significant site of idolatrous worship established by Jeroboam, which becomes the focus of God's judgment.

4. Josiah
A future king of Judah, prophesied to bring reform and destroy the idolatrous practices initiated by Jeroboam.

5. The House of David
The royal lineage from which Josiah will come, emphasizing God's covenant faithfulness to David's line.

Teaching Points

Prophetic Fulfillment
God's Word is reliable and will come to pass, as seen in the prophecy about Josiah. Believers can trust in God's promises and His sovereign plan.

Judgment on Idolatry
The prophecy against the altar at Bethel underscores God's intolerance of idolatry. Christians are called to examine their lives for any form of idolatry and remove it.

God's Sovereignty
The specific prophecy about Josiah, given centuries before his birth, demonstrates God's control over history. Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control of their lives.

Covenant Faithfulness
The mention of the house of David highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Christians are reminded of God's faithfulness to His promises in Christ.

Call to Reform
Josiah's future actions serve as a model for spiritual reform and renewal. Believers are encouraged to pursue personal and communal holiness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy about Josiah in 1 Kings 13:2 demonstrate God's sovereignty and foreknowledge?

2. In what ways can we identify and remove "altars" of idolatry in our own lives today?

3. How does the fulfillment of this prophecy in 2 Kings 23:15-20 encourage us to trust in God's promises?

4. What lessons can we learn from Josiah's reforms about the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God?

5. How does the concept of God's covenant faithfulness to the house of David relate to His promises to believers in the New Testament?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 23:15-20
This passage describes the fulfillment of the prophecy when King Josiah destroys the altar at Bethel and defiles it by burning human bones on it.

1 Kings 12:28-30
Provides context for Jeroboam's establishment of the golden calves and the altars at Bethel and Dan, which led Israel into sin.

2 Chronicles 34:1-7
Details Josiah's reforms and his efforts to purify the land from idolatry, fulfilling the prophecy given in 1 Kings 13:2.

Deuteronomy 12:2-3
God's command to destroy places of idolatrous worship, which Josiah later fulfills.

1 Samuel 2:30
Highlights the principle that God honors those who honor Him, relevant to Josiah's faithful actions.