1 Kings 13

Notes on the verses

Chap. XIII. Ver. 1—34. A man of God prophesies against Jeroboam’s new altar, but is slain by a lion in consequence of his being deceived by another prophet.—tn this chapter, the following things particularly claim our notice. 1. A prediction of the utter destruction of Jeroboam’s altar by a certain person hereafter to be born. ‘‘ Here, (says Bishop Watson,) is a Ver. 20. The tribe of Judah only.—This was the only rvhole tribe; for it is evident from the next verse, that part of Benjamin remained with Judah. Ver. 28. Made two calves of gold.—{He invented a political religion, and inftituted feasts in his own times, different from those appointed by Jehovah; gave the people certain objects of adoration, and pretended to think that it would be both inconvenient and oppressive to them to go up to Jerusalem to worship, These calves were doubtless of the same kind as the calf which was j or, went 1 Jeroboam’s hand, that offered violence to him that prophesied Gc his alts at Beth-el, withereth, 6 and at the prayer of the prophet is restored.

7 The prophet, reup to. fusing the king’s entertainment, departeth from Beth-el. 11 An old prophet, seducing hide lcineeiti hin back. 20 He is reproved by God, 23 slain by a lion, 26 buried by k Nu.15.39, the old prophet, 31 who confirmeth his prophecy. 33 Jeroboam’s obstinacy. 1 to burn. ND, behold, there came a man of God out m ¢.13.1. of Judah by the word of the Lord unto A. M. 3030, Beth-el: and *Jeroboam stood by the altar B. C. 974. to » burn incense. a c.12,32,33. 2 And he cried against the altar in the word b or, offer. of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith clear prophecy: the name, family, and office of a particular person are described in the year 975 (according to the Bible chrouplogy) before Christ.

Above 350 years after the deliver of the prophecy, you will find by consulting the Second Boo of Kings (Chap. xxiii. 15—20.) this prophecy fulfilled in all its 2. We havea twofold miracle wrought to confirm the truth of this prophecy: first, on Jeroboam himself, who attempts to arrest the rophet; and secondly, on the altar, which 1s rent, and the ashes poured out. This miracle too has in it mercy as well as judgment. He that smote the king of Israel also healed him. in 3. We have here a diabolical, though successful attempt, of an old prophet to seduce a young one; and when dered to predict his untimely death, he neither shows tenderness to the unhappy prophet of Judah, nor any compunction for having been himself the cause thereof.

oy cannot but think, (says Bishop Hail,) that this prophet (‘the man of God,’) died in the favour of God, though by the teeth of a lion; his life was forfeited for example, his soul was safe…… Violent events do not always argue the anger (i. e. wrath) of God. But, Oh! the unsearchable ways of the Almighty! The man of God sins and dies speedily: the lying prophet that seduced him survives: yea, wicked Jeroboam enjoys his idolatry, and treads ere is neither favour in the upon the grave of his reprover. Th delay of stripes, nor displeasure in the haste: rather, whom God loves, he chastises, sharply and speedily, while the rest prosper unto condemnation. How much happier is it for us, that we die now to live for ever, than that we live awhile to die for ever!”

‘ Of the characters here described, ¥: d ( now nothing but the f the young profacts before us, which are much in fa set up by Aaron; and it is remarkable, that in pointing them out to the people, he should use the same words that Aaron used on that occasion, whea they must have heart! what terribl4 judgments fell upon their forefathers for this idolatry. Solomon’s idolatry, however, had prepared the people for Jeroboam’s cheney ®. Ver. 29. Beth-el and Dan.—Phe southern and northern extremities of Ca-