Biblical Context:
King Jeroboam I, the first ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative. His reign is marked by idolatry and rebellion against the worship of Yahweh, as he established alternative centers of worship in Bethel and Dan to prevent his subjects from going to Jerusalem. This act of apostasy is a pivotal moment in Israel's history, leading to divine judgment.

Event Description:
The incident of Jeroboam's hand withering is recorded in 1 Kings 13. As Jeroboam stands by the altar in Bethel to burn incense, a man of God from Judah arrives with a prophetic message. The prophet declares that a future king, Josiah, will desecrate the altar by burning the bones of its priests upon it. As a sign, the altar splits apart, and its ashes are poured out.

Scriptural Account:
1 Kings 13:4-6 provides the account: "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 had stretched out toward the man shriveled up, so that he could not pull it back. Also, the altar was split apart, and its ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. 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 and became as it was before."

Theological Significance:
The withering of Jeroboam's hand serves as a divine rebuke and a powerful sign of God's displeasure with his idolatrous practices. It underscores the authority of the prophetic word and the sovereignty of God over kings and nations. Jeroboam's immediate plea for healing and the subsequent restoration of his hand highlight God's mercy, even in judgment, and the power of intercessory prayer.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:
This event illustrates the consequences of disobedience and the futility of opposing God's will. Jeroboam's initial reaction to seize the prophet reflects his hardened heart and resistance to divine correction. However, his request for prayer indicates a momentary recognition of his dependence on God's power. The narrative encourages believers to heed prophetic warnings and remain faithful to God's commandments, avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and self-reliance.

Historical and Cultural Context:
Jeroboam's actions must be understood within the broader context of the political and religious tensions following the division of Israel. His establishment of rival worship centers was a strategic move to consolidate his rule but ultimately led to spiritual decline. The incident at Bethel serves as a reminder of the centrality of Jerusalem and the temple in Israel's worship, as ordained by God.

Legacy:
Jeroboam's legacy is marred by his role in leading Israel into sin, a theme repeatedly mentioned in the biblical narrative. The withering of his hand is a symbolic moment that encapsulates his failure to honor God and the resulting divine judgment. This event is a cautionary tale for leaders and individuals alike, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will.