Biblical Reference: 1 Kings 13:1-10

Context and Background:
The narrative of a man of God prophesying against the altar is set during the reign of King Jeroboam I of Israel, following the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Jeroboam, in an effort to consolidate his rule and prevent his subjects from traveling to Jerusalem in Judah for worship, established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves (1 Kings 12:28-30). This act was a direct violation of the covenantal worship prescribed by Yahweh, leading to divine disapproval.

The Prophecy:
In 1 Kings 13:1-10, a man of God from Judah is sent by the LORD to Bethel to deliver a prophetic message against the altar that Jeroboam had erected. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the event as follows:

"By the word of the LORD, a man of God came from Judah to Bethel, while Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense. And he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD: 'O altar, altar, this is what the LORD says: "A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David, and on you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and human bones will be burned on you."' That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, 'This is the sign that the LORD has spoken: Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.'" (1 Kings 13:1-3)

Significance of the Prophecy:
The prophecy delivered by the man of God is significant for several reasons:

1. Condemnation of Idolatry: The prophecy directly condemns the idolatrous practices instituted by Jeroboam, highlighting the LORD's rejection of unauthorized worship and the establishment of rival religious centers.

2. Prediction of Josiah: The prophecy remarkably predicts the birth of King Josiah, a descendant of David, who would later fulfill this prophecy by reforming the religious practices in Judah and desecrating the altar at Bethel (2 Kings 23:15-20).

3. Immediate Sign: The immediate sign given by the man of God—the splitting of the altar and the spilling of its ashes—serves as a divine confirmation of the prophecy's authenticity and the LORD's power over the false religious practices.

Jeroboam's Reaction:
Upon hearing the prophecy, King Jeroboam stretches out his hand from the altar, commanding the arrest of the man of God. However, his hand withers, rendering him unable to draw it back. The altar is indeed split apart, fulfilling the sign given by the man of God. Jeroboam then pleads with the man of God to intercede with the LORD to restore his hand, which the man of God does, and Jeroboam's hand is healed (1 Kings 13:4-6).

The Man of God's Obedience:
Despite Jeroboam's offer of hospitality and a reward, the man of God refuses, adhering strictly to the LORD's command not to eat bread or drink water in that place, nor to return by the way he came. This obedience underscores the seriousness of his mission and the importance of adhering to divine instructions (1 Kings 13:7-10).

Theological Themes:
The account of the man of God prophesying against the altar underscores themes of divine sovereignty, the consequences of idolatry, and the fulfillment of prophetic words. It serves as a reminder of the LORD's authority over kings and nations and the certainty of His word coming to pass, regardless of human opposition.