Sabbath, October 19 – 1 Kings 13, 14, Additional Reading: Prophets and Kings, Chapter 7, “Jeroboam”

Study Questions:

1. What was King Jeroboam’s reaction to being warned? Why are warnings necessary? 1 Kings 13:4

2. Should we pray for those who seek to harm us? 1 Kings 13:6

3. Did King Jeroboam repent from his sins after being miraculously healed and warned? 1 Kings 13:33-34

Commentary and Reflection:

In a desperate bid to secure his power on the throne, Jeroboam, the servant who became king of the northern kingdom of Israel, boldly disregarded the established rules for sacrifices. He introduced idols that desecrated the altar of God at Bethel. In an effort to halt his recklessness and bring the newly appointed king to his senses, God sent a warning through an anonymous messenger. This young prophet delivered a two-fold message to the king: a prophetic word and an accompanying sign from the Lord.

The prophetic word foretold events that would unfold over three hundred years later: “Altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you, he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who make offerings here, and human bones will be burned on you’” (1 Kings 13:2). To validate this prophecy, the Lord also provided a sign: “This is the sign the Lord has declared: The altar will be split apart, and the ashes on it will be poured out” (1 Kings 13:3).

Would the king heed the warning and repent? No; fearful of losing his throne to another king from the line of David—Jeroboam used his royal power to try to prevent the prophecy from coming to pass. In an instant, his hand withered, stopping him from seizing the Lord’s messenger and also putting an end to his disgraceful service at the altar. His withered hand symbolized the consequences of his actions, as it resulted from his evil deeds—touching, ministering sacred things and introducing golden idols on the altar crafted by human hands.

How withered are our own works? How shriveled are the idols we cling to? How diminished are the altars where we sacrifice to the false gods of our age, be it beauty, fame, money, or success? All the labors of our hands ultimately fade, as everything in this earth; “the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).

Realizing the gravity of his condition, Jeroboam understands that his title, power, possessions, servants, and idols cannot save him; they too have withered. In his desperation, he turns to the Lord, the only one who can restore him—and God responds! In gratitude for his healing, the king offers the anonymous prophet a meal and material possessions. However, both gifts could lead to the prophet’s ruin, as God had forbidden him from accepting food and drink (13:9), and such possessions had previously blinded Jeroboam to the word of the Lord. The prophet resists the king’s advances and rejects these offers.

On his home to Judah, he encounters a “certain old prophet living in Bethel.” This old prophet deceives him, claiming that God has sent him with a message, which ultimately leads to the young prophet’s demise. The downfall of the anonymous prophet stems not from the king’s titles and riches, but from the weight of authority and peer pressure from an old prophet claiming to be wise. He chose to follow the words and traditions of a man, prioritizing cultural norms over the divine command he had received. Forsaking God’s word for the traditions of man is a hazardous choice that can lead us away from truth and into danger. This story serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, at any time, for His purposes. His word will come to pass and ultimately triumphs over all. While His warnings are acts of love, disobeying them can lead to our destruction. Therefore, prioritize divine direction over human customs.

My Prayer today: Our Father, I humbly ask you to search my heart and remove any darkness within me. Guide me to remain faithful to your Word and grant me the strength to walk in your light. Today, I embrace your warnings and correction, longing to turn from my wayward paths and return to you.

Pastor Abel Morrobel Jr.