1 Kings 13:3

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.'"

Study Bible

That day the man of God gave a sign, saying,
The "man of God" refers to a prophet sent by God, often unnamed, to deliver a divine message. In the context of 1 Kings 13, this prophet comes from Judah to Bethel to confront King Jeroboam. The giving of a sign is a common biblical method to authenticate a prophet's message (e.g., Exodus 4:1-9). Signs serve as divine confirmation, often accompanying a prophetic word to demonstrate God's power and authority.

“The LORD has spoken this sign:
The phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the message. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) indicates the covenant name of God, underscoring His authority and the seriousness of the message. This declaration asserts that the sign is not of human origin but a direct communication from God, reinforcing the prophet's role as a mouthpiece for divine will.

‘Surely the altar will be split apart,
The altar in question is the one Jeroboam erected at Bethel, part of his attempt to establish a rival worship center to Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:28-33). The splitting of the altar symbolizes God's judgment against idolatry and false worship. This act serves as a physical manifestation of divine disapproval, reminiscent of other biblical instances where God demonstrates His power over false religious practices (e.g., Exodus 32:19-20).

and the ashes upon it will be poured out.’”
Ashes on the altar represent the remnants of sacrifices, and their pouring out signifies the rejection of those offerings. This act symbolizes the nullification of Jeroboam's religious practices and the futility of worship that deviates from God's commandments. The imagery of ashes being poured out can also be seen as a sign of mourning and repentance, as in other biblical contexts (e.g., Job 42:6). This prophetic sign foreshadows the eventual downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty due to his idolatry and disobedience to God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
An unnamed prophet sent by God from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message of judgment against King Jeroboam's altar.

2. King Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who led the people into idolatry by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan.

3. Bethel
A significant religious site in the northern kingdom where Jeroboam established one of his golden calves, leading Israel into sin.

4. The Altar
The altar at Bethel, which Jeroboam used for idolatrous worship, was the focus of God's judgment and the sign given by the man of God.

5. The Sign
A miraculous event where the altar would be split apart and the ashes poured out, serving as confirmation of the prophet's message from God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience to God's Word
The man of God delivered a message of judgment because of disobedience to God's commandments. We must prioritize obedience to God's Word in our lives.

The Role of Signs in Confirming God's Message
Signs, like the splitting of the altar, serve to confirm the truth of God's message. We should seek God's confirmation in our lives through His Word and the Holy Spirit.

The Consequences of Idolatry
Jeroboam's idolatry led to judgment. We must guard against modern forms of idolatry, ensuring that nothing takes precedence over our relationship with God.

The Sovereignty of God in Judgment
God's judgment on the altar demonstrates His sovereignty and control over all things. We can trust in His righteous judgment and timing.

The Courage to Speak God's Truth
The man of God boldly proclaimed God's message despite potential danger. We are called to speak truth with courage and conviction, relying on God's strength.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the splitting of the altar signify about God's view of idolatry, and how can we apply this understanding to avoid idolatry in our own lives?

2. How does the man of God's obedience to deliver a difficult message challenge us in our own willingness to obey God's calling, even when it is uncomfortable?

3. In what ways can we discern true signs from God today, and how can we ensure that we are not misled by false teachings or prophets?

4. How does the account of the man of God and the altar at Bethel connect with the broader biblical account of God's judgment and redemption?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to speak a difficult truth. How can the example of the man of God encourage you to rely on God's strength in similar situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12:28-30
Provides context for Jeroboam's establishment of the golden calves and the altars at Bethel and Dan, which led Israel into sin.

2 Kings 23:15-16
Describes the fulfillment of the prophecy when King Josiah later destroys the altar at Bethel, confirming the word of the man of God.

Exodus 20:3-4
Relates to the commandment against idolatry, which Jeroboam violated by setting up the golden calves.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Discusses the role of prophets and the importance of discerning true prophecy, relevant to the man of God's message.

Matthew 12:39-40
Jesus speaks of the sign of Jonah, drawing a parallel to the importance of signs in confirming God's messages.