1 Kings 13:5

And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.

Study Bible

And the altar was split apart
This event occurs during the reign of King Jeroboam in the northern kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam had established alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem, which was in the southern kingdom of Judah. The altar splitting apart is a miraculous sign demonstrating God's disapproval of Jeroboam's idolatrous practices. The altar's destruction symbolizes the futility and impermanence of false worship. This act of divine intervention serves as a warning against idolatry, echoing the fate of other altars dedicated to false gods throughout the Old Testament.

and the ashes poured out
The pouring out of ashes signifies the desecration and nullification of the sacrifices offered on the altar. In ancient Israelite culture, ashes were often associated with mourning and repentance, but here they represent the rejection of illegitimate worship. This imagery is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God rejects offerings that are not made in accordance with His commandments, such as in Isaiah 1:13-15, where God expresses disdain for insincere sacrifices. The pouring out of ashes underscores the theme of divine judgment against idolatry.

according to the sign that the man of God had given
The man of God, whose name is not mentioned, acts as a prophet delivering God's message. This phrase highlights the role of prophets as God's messengers, often performing signs to authenticate their divine commission. The fulfillment of the sign given by the man of God serves to validate his message and authority. This is consistent with the biblical pattern where God confirms His word through signs and wonders, as seen in the ministries of Moses (Exodus 4:1-9) and Elijah (1 Kings 18:36-39).

by the word of the LORD
The phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the prophecy and the authority behind the actions taken. The word of the LORD is a central theme throughout the Bible, representing God's will and purpose. It is through His word that creation came into being (Genesis 1), and it is by His word that prophets speak. This underscores the reliability and power of God's word, as seen in Isaiah 55:11, where it is stated that God's word will not return void but will accomplish what He desires. The fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the altar serves as a testament to the certainty and authority of God's word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet sent by God from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar that King Jeroboam had erected for idol worship.

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. The Altar
Constructed by Jeroboam in Bethel as part of his idolatrous worship practices, which was the focus of God's judgment through the prophet.

4. Bethel
A significant location in the northern kingdom where Jeroboam set up one of the golden calves, turning it into a center of false worship.

5. The Sign
A miraculous event where the altar was split and the ashes poured out, confirming the authenticity of the prophet's message from God.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Idolatry
Idolatry leads to God's judgment. Jeroboam's actions brought about divine intervention and a clear sign of disapproval.

The Power of God's Word
The fulfillment of the prophet's words demonstrates the authority and reliability of God's message. Believers can trust in the truth of Scripture.

The Role of Signs and Wonders
Miraculous signs serve to confirm God's message and should lead to repentance and obedience, not just amazement.

Obedience to God's Commands
The man of God obeyed God's directive despite potential danger, illustrating the importance of faithfulness to God's instructions.

The Danger of False Worship
Establishing worship practices contrary to God's commands leads to spiritual decay and separation from God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the event of the altar splitting in 1 Kings 13:5 demonstrate the seriousness of idolatry in God's eyes?

2. In what ways can we discern true messages from God today, similar to the role of the man of God in this passage?

3. How does the fulfillment of the prophecy in 1 Kings 13:5 encourage us to trust in the promises and warnings found in Scripture?

4. What are some modern-day "altars" or idols that might distract us from true worship, and how can we guard against them?

5. How can the account of the man of God in 1 Kings 13 inspire us to remain obedient to God's commands, even when faced with opposition or danger?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides context for Jeroboam's establishment of idol worship in Bethel, setting the stage for the events of 1 Kings 13.

2 Kings 23
Describes King Josiah's later reforms, where he destroys the altar at Bethel, fulfilling the prophecy given by the man of God.

Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments, which include the prohibition against idolatry, highlighting the sinfulness of Jeroboam's actions.

Deuteronomy 13
Discusses the role of prophets and the importance of discerning true messages from God, relevant to the man of God's mission.