1 Kings 13:1

Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar to burn incense, there came a man of God from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD.

Study Bible

Suddenly
The use of "suddenly" indicates an unexpected divine intervention. In the Hebrew text, the word often conveys immediacy and surprise, suggesting that God's actions can occur without warning, emphasizing His sovereignty and the element of divine surprise in human affairs.

as Jeroboam was standing by the altar
Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, is depicted here in an act of religious significance. The altar, a central place of worship, is where Jeroboam is performing a ritual. Historically, Jeroboam established alternative worship centers to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem, which was politically motivated but spiritually rebellious.

to burn incense
Burning incense was a priestly duty, symbolizing prayers ascending to God. Jeroboam's act here is significant because it represents his attempt to legitimize his religious reforms. However, it also highlights his disobedience, as he was not a priest and was usurping a role that was not his by divine law.

a man of God
This phrase identifies the prophet as a true messenger of Yahweh. In Hebrew, "man of God" (ish ha-Elohim) is a title used for prophets who are divinely appointed to deliver God's messages. This underscores the authority and authenticity of the prophet's mission.

from Judah
The man of God's origin from Judah is significant, as it contrasts with the northern kingdom of Israel where Bethel is located. Judah, the southern kingdom, remained more faithful to the Davidic line and the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem, highlighting the division and tension between the two kingdoms.

came to Bethel
Bethel, meaning "house of God," was a significant religious site. However, under Jeroboam, it became a center of idolatrous worship. The man of God's journey to Bethel symbolizes a confrontation between true worship and apostasy.

by the word of the LORD
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the prophet's mission. In Hebrew, "word of the LORD" (dabar Yahweh) signifies a direct revelation from God, underscoring the seriousness and divine origin of the message being delivered. It assures the reader that the actions and words of the man of God are not of his own initiative but are commanded by God Himself.

Persons / Places / Events

1. 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 by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan.

2. Man of God
An unnamed prophet sent by God from Judah to deliver a message of judgment against Jeroboam's idolatrous practices.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, from where the man of God was sent. It remained under the rule of the house of David.

4. Altar
The place where Jeroboam was burning incense, symbolizing his unauthorized religious practices.

5. Word of the LORD
The divine message or command that the man of God was delivering, emphasizing the authority and power of God's word.

Teaching Points

The Authority of God's Word
The man of God acts solely on the command of the LORD, demonstrating the authority and power of God's word over human authority and idolatrous practices.

The Danger of Idolatry
Jeroboam's actions serve as a warning against the dangers of idolatry and the consequences of leading others away from true worship.

Obedience to God's Command
The man of God's journey from Judah to Bethel illustrates the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it involves personal risk or challenge.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The event underscores God's sovereignty in executing judgment against sin and idolatry, reminding believers of the seriousness of disobedience.

The Role of Prophets
The man of God represents the role of prophets as messengers of God's truth, often standing against prevailing cultural and religious norms.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the man of God's obedience to God's command, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. How does Jeroboam's idolatry reflect the temptations we face today to compromise our faith, and what steps can we take to remain faithful?

3. In what ways does the authority of God's word challenge the cultural norms and practices we encounter?

4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in 2 Kings 23 reinforce our trust in God's promises and timing?

5. What role do modern-day "prophets" or truth-tellers play in the church, and how can we discern their messages in light of Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides context for Jeroboam's actions, detailing his establishment of alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan to prevent the people from going to Jerusalem.

2 Kings 23
Describes the fulfillment of the prophecy given by the man of God, when King Josiah of Judah destroys the altar at Bethel.

Deuteronomy 13
Warns against false prophets and idolatry, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's commands, which is relevant to Jeroboam's actions.