1 Kings 13
BSB1 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. 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.’" 3 That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, “The LORD has spoken this sign: ‘Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’" 4 Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel, heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it, he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!” But the hand he stretched out toward him withered, so that he could not pull it back. 5 And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD. 6 Then the king responded to the man of God, “Intercede with the LORD your God and pray that my hand may be restored.” So the man of God interceded with the LORD, and the king’s hand was restored to him as it was before. 7 Then the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward." 8 But the man of God replied, “If you were to give me half your possessions, I still would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. 9 For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’" 10 So the man of God went another way and did not return by the way he had come to Bethel. 11 Now a certain old prophet was living in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told their father the words that the man had spoken to the king. 12 “Which way did he go?” their father asked. And his sons showed him the way taken by the man of God, who had come from Judah. 13 So the prophet said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” Then they saddled the donkey for him, and he mounted it 14 and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied. 15 So the prophet said to the man of God, “Come home with me and eat some bread." 16 But the man replied, “I cannot return with you or eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 For I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’" 18 Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, 19 but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water. 20 While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back, 21 and the prophet cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the commandment that the LORD your God gave you, 22 but you went back and ate bread and drank water in the place where He told you not to do so, your body shall never reach the tomb of your fathers.’" 23 And after the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the old prophet who had brought him back saddled the donkey for him. 24 As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. 25 And there were men passing by who saw the body lying in the road with the lion standing beside it, and they went and reported this in the city where the old prophet lived. 26 When the prophet who had brought him back from his journey heard this, he said, “It is the man of God who disobeyed the command of the LORD. Therefore the LORD has delivered him to the lion, and it has mauled him and killed him, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to him." 27 Then the old prophet instructed his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled it, 28 and he went and found the body lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. The lion had not eaten the body or mauled the donkey. 29 So the old prophet lifted up the body of the man of God, laid it on the donkey, and brought it back to his own city to mourn for him and bury him. 30 Then he laid the body in his own tomb, and they lamented over him, “Oh, my brother!" 31 After he had buried him, the prophet said to his sons, “When I die, you must bury me in the tomb where the man of God is buried. Lay my bones beside his bones, 32 for the message that he cried out by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel and against all the shrines on the high places in the cities of Samaria will surely come to pass." 33 Even after these events, Jeroboam did not repent of his evil ways, but again he appointed priests for the high places from every class of people. He ordained anyone who desired to be a priest of the high places. 34 And this was the sin of the house of Jeroboam that led to its extermination and destruction from the face of the earth.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 13
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Kings 13
- Themes from 1 Kings 13
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Kings 13
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Kings 13, a prophet from Judah is sent to Bethel to condemn the altar and idolatry of King Jeroboam. The prophet obeys God's command, despite the king's attempt to stop him, and delivers a message of judgment. However, the prophet later disobeys God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel, and as a result, he is killed by a lion. The chapter also tells the story of an old prophet from Bethel who tries to convince the prophet from Judah to come back and eat with him, but ultimately buries the prophet after his death. The old prophet then delivers a message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Kings, which tells the story of the divided kingdom of Israel. The chapter is set in the context of the reign of King Jeroboam, who has established idolatrous practices in Israel. The chapter also foreshadows the coming judgment on Israel for their idolatry and disobedience, which is a central theme in the book of 1 Kings. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it points to the coming of Christ, who would bring true reform and restoration to God's people.
Heart Application
This chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's Word, even in the face of adversity or temptation. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to examine our own hearts and lives, and to seek to obey God's commands in all things. We are also reminded of the serious consequences of disobeying God's commands, and the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of a prophet who is sent to condemn the idolatrous practices of the Israelites. The prophet obeys God's command, despite the king's attempt to stop him, but later disobeys God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel. The chapter highlights the importance of obedience to God's Word and the consequences of disobedience. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to seek to obey God's commands in all things and to repent and seek forgiveness when we fail.
Voices from the Church
“The prophet's obedience to God's command is a powerful example of the importance of following God's Word, even in the face of adversity or temptation.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The consequences of the prophet's disobedience serve as a warning to us all of the dangers of disobeying God's commands, and the importance of seeking forgiveness and repentance.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Prophet's Message (1 Kings 13:1-10) — The prophet from Judah is sent to condemn the idolatrous practices of the Israelites and to deliver a message of judgment.
- The King's Attempt to Stop the Prophet (1 Kings 13:4) — The king attempts to stop the prophet, but the prophet is obedient to God's command and delivers the message of judgment.
- The Prophet's Disobedience (1 Kings 13:11-32) — The prophet later disobeys God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel, and as a result, he is killed by a lion.
- The Old Prophet's Message (1 Kings 13:30-32) — The old prophet from Bethel delivers a message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house.
- The Fulfillment of the Prophecy (1 Kings 13:33-34) — The chapter concludes with the fulfillment of the prophecy, as the king's sons are killed and his house is destroyed.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Obedience
- This chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's Word, even in the face of adversity or temptation. The prophet's obedience to God's command is a powerful example of this doctrine.
- The Consequences of Disobedience
- The chapter highlights the serious consequences of disobeying God's commands, as seen in the prophet's death and the coming judgment on the house of Jeroboam.
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, as He brings judgment on the idolatrous practices of the Israelites and fulfills His prophecies.
- The Coming Judgment
- The chapter foreshadows the coming judgment on Israel for their idolatry and disobedience, which is a central theme in the book of 1 Kings.
Lessons from 1 Kings 13
- The Importance of Obedience — This chapter teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word, even in the face of adversity or temptation.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter highlights the serious consequences of disobeying God's commands, and the importance of seeking forgiveness and repentance.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, as He brings judgment on the idolatrous practices of the Israelites and fulfills His prophecies.
- The Coming Judgment — The chapter foreshadows the coming judgment on Israel for their idolatry and disobedience, which is a central theme in the book of 1 Kings.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Themes from 1 Kings 13
- Obedience to God's Word — The importance of obedience to God's Word is a central theme in this chapter, as seen in the prophet's obedience to God's command and the consequences of disobedience.
- The Consequences of Disobedience — The chapter highlights the serious consequences of disobeying God's commands, and the importance of seeking forgiveness and repentance.
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty of God, as He brings judgment on the idolatrous practices of the Israelites and fulfills His prophecies.
- The Coming Judgment — The chapter foreshadows the coming judgment on Israel for their idolatry and disobedience, which is a central theme in the book of 1 Kings.
- The Importance of Repentance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the prophet's obedience to God's command, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- What are the consequences of disobeying God's commands, and how can we avoid these consequences in our own lives?
- How does this chapter foreshadow the coming of Christ, and what does this mean for us today?
- What can we learn from the old prophet's message to the king, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- How does this chapter emphasize the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness, and what does this mean for us today?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Prophet's Message (1 Kings 13:1-10)
| 13:1 | The prophet from Judah is sent to condemn the idolatrous practices of the Israelites and to deliver a message of judgment. |
| 13:2 | The prophet delivers the message of judgment, highlighting God's sovereignty and the coming judgment on the house of Jeroboam. |
| 13:3 | The prophet provides a sign to confirm the message of judgment, which will be fulfilled in the future. |
| 13:4 | The king attempts to stop the prophet, but the prophet is obedient to God's command and delivers the message of judgment. |
| 13:5 | The prophet's hand withers as a result of the king's attempt to stop him, but it is restored when the king asks for forgiveness. |
| 13:6 | The king asks the prophet to come back and eat with him, but the prophet refuses, citing God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel. |
| 13:7 | The prophet begins his journey back to Judah, but is met by an old prophet from Bethel who tries to convince him to come back and eat with him. |
| 13:8 | The prophet refuses to come back and eat with the old prophet, citing God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel. |
| 13:9 | The old prophet tries to deceive the prophet from Judah, telling him that an angel has spoken to him and given him a message from God. |
| 13:10 | The prophet from Judah believes the old prophet and goes back to eat with him, despite God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel. |
2. The Prophet's Disobedience (1 Kings 13:11-32)
| 13:11 | The old prophet finds the prophet from Judah and tries to convince him to come back and eat with him. |
| 13:12 | The prophet from Judah is deceived by the old prophet and goes back to eat with him, despite God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel. |
| 13:13 | The prophet from Judah eats with the old prophet, and as a result, he is killed by a lion. |
| 13:14 | The old prophet finds the prophet from Judah dead and buries him, and then delivers a message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house. |
| 13:15 | The old prophet tells the king that the prophet from Judah was a man of God, and that his message of judgment will be fulfilled. |
| 13:16 | The king is told that he will not be able to change his ways, and that the judgment on his house will be fulfilled. |
| 13:17 | The king's sons are killed, and his house is destroyed, just as the prophet from Judah had predicted. |
| 13:18 | The old prophet delivers a final message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house. |
| 13:19 | The king is told that he will not be able to escape the judgment, and that it will be fulfilled just as the prophet from Judah had predicted. |
| 13:20 | The king's house is destroyed, and the prophecy of the prophet from Judah is fulfilled. |
| 13:21 | The king's sons are killed, and the judgment on his house is complete. |
| 13:22 | The old prophet delivers a final message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house. |
| 13:23 | The king is told that he will not be able to change his ways, and that the judgment on his house will be fulfilled. |
| 13:24 | The king's house is destroyed, and the prophecy of the prophet from Judah is fulfilled. |
| 13:25 | The old prophet delivers a final message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house. |
| 13:26 | The king is told that he will not be able to escape the judgment, and that it will be fulfilled just as the prophet from Judah had predicted. |
| 13:27 | The king's house is destroyed, and the judgment on his house is complete. |
| 13:28 | The old prophet delivers a final message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house. |
| 13:29 | The king is told that he will not be able to change his ways, and that the judgment on his house will be fulfilled. |
| 13:30 | The king's sons are killed, and his house is destroyed, just as the prophet from Judah had predicted. |
| 13:31 | The old prophet delivers a final message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house. |
| 13:32 | The king's house is destroyed, and the prophecy of the prophet from Judah is fulfilled. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 1 Kings 13?
The main theme of 1 Kings 13 is the importance of obedience to God's Word, even in the face of adversity or temptation. The chapter highlights the consequences of disobedience and the sovereignty of God.
Who is the prophet from Judah in 1 Kings 13?
The prophet from Judah is not named in the chapter, but he is sent by God to condemn the idolatrous practices of the Israelites and to deliver a message of judgment.
What is the significance of the old prophet from Bethel in 1 Kings 13?
The old prophet from Bethel is significant because he tries to deceive the prophet from Judah and convince him to disobey God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel. He also delivers a message to the king, warning him of the coming judgment on his house.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 13:2 → 2 Kings 23:15-20 | The prophecy of Josiah in 1 Kings 13:2 is fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:15-20, where Josiah destroys the altar at Bethel and kills the priests of the high places. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 13:3 → Deuteronomy 13:1-5 | The sign provided by the prophet in 1 Kings 13:3 is similar to the signs provided by the prophets in Deuteronomy 13:1-5, which are used to confirm the message of God. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 13:4 → Numbers 22:22-35 | The king's attempt to stop the prophet in 1 Kings 13:4 is similar to the attempt of Balak to stop Balaam in Numbers 22:22-35. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 13:5 → 1 Kings 13:4 | The withering of the prophet's hand in 1 Kings 13:5 is similar to the withering of the hand of Jeroboam in 1 Kings 13:4. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 13:6 → 2 Kings 1:1-18 | The king's request for the prophet to come back and eat with him in 1 Kings 13:6 is similar to the request of Ahaziah for Elijah to come back and eat with him in 2 Kings 1:1-18. |
| 6 | 1 Kings 13:7 → Genesis 3:1-7 | The deception of the prophet by the old prophet in 1 Kings 13:7 is similar to the deception of Adam and Eve by the serpent in Genesis 3:1-7. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 13:8 → Matthew 4:1-11 | The prophet's refusal to come back and eat with the old prophet in 1 Kings 13:8 is similar to Jesus' refusal to give in to the temptation of Satan in Matthew 4:1-11. |
| 8 | 1 Kings 13:9 → John 1:1-14 | The old prophet's attempt to deceive the prophet in 1 Kings 13:9 is similar to the attempt of Satan to deceive Jesus in John 1:1-14. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 13:10 → Hebrews 11:32-40 | The prophet's obedience to God's command in 1 Kings 13:10 is similar to the obedience of the prophets and heroes of faith in Hebrews 11:32-40. |
| 10 | 1 Kings 13:11 → 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 | The old prophet's deception of the prophet in 1 Kings 13:11 is similar to the deception of the Israelites in the wilderness in 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. |
Sermons on 1 Kings 13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Don't Miss Your Miracle by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God and being open to His calling. He shares personal anecdotes of individuals who were impacte |
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Essence of Christianity by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is not concerned with a person's education, wealth, or natural abilities. God is simply looking for someone who is willing to be us |
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Tragedy of Deflected Aims by William Fitch | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the tragedy of deflected aims and the importance of staying focused on the will of God. He emphasizes that the Bible is full of human stories |
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(1 Kings) Wasted Potential by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of judgment and how it begins with the house of God. He emphasizes that God judges us based on the light we have received and |
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Gifts of the Spirit - Part 1 (Rora 2003) by Les Wheeldon | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man named Colin who attends a meeting but feels unhappy and goes to a bar instead. Despite not drinking alcohol, Colin stays at th |
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The Man of God - 1 Kings 13 by John Hunter | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of men of God who can effectively deliver the word of God to the audience. He compares the young man who appeared before Jero |
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Church in Need of Repentance by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man of God who was approached by a king and offered rewards and refreshment. However, the man of God refused, as he had received a |
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Church at Ephesus by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man of God who was approached by a king and offered rewards and refreshment. However, the man of God refused, as he had received a |
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Progress of Redemption #03 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Solomon in the book of 1 Kings. He highlights how Solomon's disobedience to God's commands led to the decline and division of t |
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The Dynamics and the Downfall of the Man of God by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a fearless and dynamic preacher of the word of God. He criticizes preachers who have lost their fearlessness and foc |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Kings 13
In this chapter, we see the importance of obedience to God's Word, even in the face of adversity or temptation. The prophet from Judah is sent to condemn the idolatrous practices of the Israelites and to deliver a message of judgment. Despite the king's attempt to stop him, the prophet is obedient to God's command and delivers the message of judgment. However, the prophet later disobeys God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel, and as a result, he is killed by a lion. This chapter highlights the serious consequences of disobeying God's commands, and the importance of seeking forgiveness and repentance. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the prophet's disobedience was a great sin, and it was punished accordingly.' The chapter also emphasizes the sovereignty of God, as He brings judgment on the idolatrous practices of the Israelites and fulfills His prophecies. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to examine our own hearts and lives, and to seek to obey God's commands in all things. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Prophet's Obedience
The prophet from Judah is obedient to God's command, despite the king's attempt to stop him. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's Word, even in the face of adversity or temptation.
The Consequences of Disobedience
The prophet's later disobedience to God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel results in his death, highlighting the serious consequences of disobeying God's commands.
The Coming Judgment
The chapter highlights God's judgment on the idolatrous practices of the Israelites, as well as the coming judgment on the house of Jeroboam. This emphasizes the importance of repentance and obedience to God's Word.