1 Kings 13:32

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."

Study Bible

for the message that he cried out
This phrase refers to the prophecy delivered by the man of God from Judah. Prophets in the Old Testament often delivered messages from God, serving as His mouthpiece. The act of crying out indicates urgency and the importance of the message. Prophets were often called to speak against idolatry and disobedience to God's commands.

by the word of the LORD
This emphasizes the divine origin of the prophecy. The phrase "word of the LORD" is a common biblical expression indicating that the message is not of human origin but is a direct revelation from God. This underscores the authority and reliability of the prophecy.

against the altar in Bethel
Bethel was a significant religious site in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. King Jeroboam had set up a golden calf there, leading the people into idolatry (1 Kings 12:28-29). The altar in Bethel became a symbol of Israel's apostasy. The prophecy against it highlights God's judgment on false worship and idolatry.

and against all the shrines on the high places
High places were locations often used for idol worship and unauthorized sacrifices, contrary to God's command to worship only at the temple in Jerusalem. These shrines represented the widespread nature of idolatry in Israel. The prophecy condemns these practices and foretells their destruction.

in the cities of Samaria
Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The mention of Samaria indicates that the idolatry and false worship were pervasive throughout the kingdom, not just localized to Bethel. This highlights the extent of Israel's departure from true worship.

will surely come to pass.”
This phrase assures the certainty of the prophecy's fulfillment. Biblical prophecies often include a guarantee of their realization, reflecting God's sovereignty and faithfulness. The fulfillment of this prophecy is seen later in 2 Kings 23:15-20, when King Josiah destroys the altar at Bethel, demonstrating God's judgment and the reliability of His word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah who was sent by God to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar that King Jeroboam had set up.

2. Bethel
A city in the northern kingdom of Israel where King Jeroboam established a center of idol worship, contrary to God's commandments.

3. 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.

4. The Altar in Bethel
An unauthorized altar built by Jeroboam for idol worship, which the man of God prophesied against.

5. The High Places in the Cities of Samaria
Locations throughout the northern kingdom where unauthorized worship practices were conducted, which were condemned by the prophet.

Teaching Points

The Certainty of God's Word
God's pronouncements through His prophets are sure and will come to pass, as seen in the eventual destruction of the altar at Bethel.

The Danger of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to spiritual decay and judgment. Believers must guard against modern forms of idolatry that can distract from true worship.

Obedience to God's Commands
The account underscores the importance of adhering to God's instructions, as deviation leads to consequences.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets serve as God's messengers, often delivering difficult truths. We should be open to receiving and heeding God's word, even when it challenges us.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
God's plans and purposes prevail over the actions of kings and nations, reminding us of His ultimate authority.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the prophecy against the altar in Bethel demonstrate the reliability of God's word?

2. In what ways can modern believers fall into the trap of idolatry, and how can we guard against it?

3. What lessons can we learn from the man of God's obedience and the consequences of Jeroboam's disobedience?

4. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in 2 Kings 23:15-20 reinforce the message of 1 Kings 13:32?

5. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty in our personal lives and in understanding world events today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12:28-30
Provides context for Jeroboam's establishment of idol worship in Bethel and Dan, which the man of God was sent to condemn.

2 Kings 23:15-20
Describes the fulfillment of the prophecy when King Josiah destroys the altar at Bethel, demonstrating the certainty of God's word.

Deuteronomy 12:5-14
Outlines God's command for worship to be centralized in the place He chooses, highlighting the sin of Jeroboam's actions.