FocusUnfaithfulness and rival kingdoms
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
interpretation 1 Kings 13:3
KJVAnd he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the LORD hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out.
Read it in context
Jeroboam’s Hand Withers
Start reading at 1 Kings 13:1 (1 Kings 13:1 to 1 Kings 13:10).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
- 13:1 And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.
- 13:2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee.
- 13:3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the LORD hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out.
- 13:4 And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.
- 13:5 The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.
- 13:6 And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the LORD, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.
- 13:7 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.
- 13:8 And the man of God said unto the king, If thou wilt give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place:
- 13:9 For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.
- 13:10 So he went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to Bethel.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 13:1–13:34): The man of God confronts Jeroboam at Bethel, then encounters the older prophet and his household. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Jeroboam’s Hand Withers. Read 1 Kings 13:1 through 1 Kings 13:10 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. Solomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins in David's last days, follows Solomon's reign, and continues into the divided kingdoms and the ministries associated with Elijah. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and the temple are central early; later events move through Judah, the northern kingdom, and neighboring regions. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Jeroboam’s Hand Withers (1 Kings 13:1 to 1 Kings 13:10). Start reading at 1 Kings 13:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus refers to Solomon's wisdom while declaring that a greater than Solomon is present. The comparison directs attention to Jesus without endorsing Solomon's later unfaithfulness. See 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Distinguish outward prosperity and impressive religious buildings from covenant faithfulness. Attend to the reasons the narrative gives for its evaluations of kings and prophets. interpretation
Cited: 1 Kings 13:1, 1 Kings 13:10, 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42
Who wrote it, and how we know
Jeremiah (traditional)
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author. It cites older court records as sources.
1 Kings 11:411 Kings 14:19
Early traditionJewish tradition (Baba Bathra 14b) names Jeremiah.
What is debatedAuthorship is not stated. The account ends during the exile, which sets the earliest possible date.
Related passages
- And he gave a sign the same day, saying, … Exod 4:3-5,8-9 Exod 7:10 Deut 13:1-3 1 Sam 2:34 2 Kgs 20:8 Isa 7:11-14 Isa 38:6-8,22 Jer 44:29
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 13
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
The Old Prophet and the Man of God
1 Kings 13:11–34FocusUnfaithfulness and rival kingdoms
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. Solomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author.
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
Succession to David
1 Kings 1:1–2:46FocusSolomon's throne secured
Connection to the wholeThe struggle over the succession leads to Solomon's established rule.
interpretation Solomon's kingdom and temple
1 Kings 3:1–10:29FocusWisdom, worship, and wealth
Connection to the wholeSolomon's wisdom, building projects, prayer, and wealth develop the kingdom's strength and the temple's place in Israel's life.
interpretation FocusUnfaithfulness and rival kingdoms
Connection to the wholeSolomon's turning away and the division of the kingdom lead into successive reigns in Israel and Judah.
interpretation Prophetic confrontation and royal choices
1 Kings 17:1–22:53FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.