Grasp the Gospel — Bible Comprehension Quizzes

1 Kings 13 Devotional

A Word Not to Be Revised

A man of God from Judah cries out against Jeroboam's new altar at Bethel. He foretells that Josiah, a king from David's line, will one day burn human bones on it (13:2). The altar splits on the spot, and Jeroboam's hand, stretched out to seize the prophet, withers until the prophet prays for him (13:4-6). Josiah later does exactly what was foretold (2 Kings 23:15-16). Even so, Jeroboam does not turn from his ways (13:33).

The man of God had clear orders not to eat or drink there (13:9). An old prophet lies to him, claiming an angel told him otherwise, and the man goes back with him (13:18-19). On the road home a lion kills him, then stands beside the body without eating it or harming the donkey (13:24, 13:28). It is a sobering picture of how seriously God takes his word. Paul says that a messenger who preaches a different gospel stands condemned, even an angel (Galatians 1:8). There is mercy in this. Among many confident voices, God's word is steady ground.

To think about: What voice, even a well-meaning one, has been pulling you away from something God has plainly said?

About 1 Kings 13: The Prophet from Judah at Bethel

A prophet from Judah denounces Jeroboam’s altar at Bethel, foretelling a future king named Josiah; the altar splits, and Jeroboam’s hand withers and is healed. Deceived by an old prophet, the man of God disobeys God’s command and is killed by a lion, and Jeroboam still refuses to turn from his sin.

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