1 Kings 13:4

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.

Study Bible

Now when King Jeroboam, who was at the altar in Bethel
King Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a significant religious site, but Jeroboam established it as a center for idol worship, setting up golden calves to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem. This act was a direct violation of God's commandments and a political move to consolidate his power. The altar in Bethel symbolizes the corruption and apostasy of Israel under Jeroboam's rule.

heard the word that the man of God had cried out against it
The "man of God" is a prophet sent by the Lord to deliver a message of judgment against the altar. This prophetic act demonstrates God's disapproval of Jeroboam's idolatry. Prophets often served as God's mouthpieces, calling leaders and people back to covenant faithfulness. The word cried out was a direct challenge to Jeroboam's authority and religious practices, emphasizing the seriousness of his sin.

he stretched out his hand and said, “Seize him!”
Jeroboam's reaction reveals his hostility towards God's message and messenger. Stretching out his hand is a gesture of authority and command, intending to silence the prophet and suppress the divine message. This reflects a common biblical theme where leaders resist God's word, similar to Pharaoh's hardened heart in Exodus. Jeroboam's command to "seize him" shows his intent to maintain control and eliminate opposition.

But the hand he stretched out toward him withered
The withering of Jeroboam's hand is an immediate divine judgment, demonstrating God's power and the futility of opposing His will. This miraculous sign serves as a warning to Jeroboam and the people of Israel about the consequences of disobedience. It parallels other biblical instances where God intervenes directly, such as the plagues in Egypt. The withered hand symbolizes the impotence of human authority against divine sovereignty.

so that he could not pull it back
Jeroboam's inability to retract his hand signifies his helplessness before God's power. This physical ailment underscores the spiritual paralysis that results from rebellion against God. It serves as a humbling experience for Jeroboam, illustrating that no earthly power can withstand God's judgment. This incident foreshadows the eventual downfall of Jeroboam's dynasty due to persistent idolatry and disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Jeroboam
The first king of the northern kingdom of Israel after the division of the united monarchy. He is known for leading Israel into idolatry by setting up golden calves in Bethel and Dan.

2. The Man of God
An unnamed prophet sent by God to deliver a message of judgment against the altar at Bethel, which Jeroboam had established for idol worship.

3. The Altar at Bethel
A significant site of idolatrous worship established by Jeroboam, contrary to God's command to worship only in Jerusalem.

4. The Withered Hand
A miraculous sign from God demonstrating His power and judgment, as Jeroboam's hand withers when he attempts to seize the prophet.

5. Bethel
A city in the northern kingdom of Israel, significant in biblical history but corrupted by Jeroboam's idolatrous practices.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Idolatry
Jeroboam's actions serve as a warning against idolatry and the consequences of leading others away from true worship of God.

God's Sovereignty and Power
The withering of Jeroboam's hand demonstrates God's control over all creation and His ability to intervene in human affairs.

The Role of Prophets
The man of God exemplifies the courage and obedience required to deliver God's message, regardless of personal risk.

Pride Leads to Downfall
Jeroboam's pride and attempt to seize the prophet result in immediate judgment, highlighting the biblical principle that pride precedes destruction.

Repentance and Restoration
Although not detailed in this verse, the broader account encourages seeking God's mercy and restoration after recognizing one's sin.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Jeroboam's withered hand illustrate the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God?

2. In what ways can we identify and remove "altars" in our own lives that may lead us away from true worship of God?

3. How does the response of the man of God in this passage encourage us to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of opposition?

4. What lessons can we learn from Jeroboam's pride and its consequences that apply to our personal and spiritual lives today?

5. How can we seek God's forgiveness and restoration when we recognize areas of disobedience or pride in our lives, as seen in the broader account of Scripture?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 7:11-12
The hardening of Pharaoh's heart and the subsequent signs and wonders performed by Moses and Aaron parallel Jeroboam's hardened heart and the miraculous sign of his withered hand.

2 Chronicles 26:16-21
King Uzziah's pride leads to his downfall and leprosy, similar to Jeroboam's pride and the withering of his hand, illustrating the consequences of disobedience to God.

Acts 12:21-23
Herod's pride and subsequent judgment by God echo the theme of divine retribution for arrogance and opposition to God's messengers.