1 Kings 13:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 13:1-10

Here is, I. A messenger sent to Jeroboam, to signify to him God's displeasure against his idolatry, 1 Kgs. 13:1. The army of Judah that aimed to ruin him was countermanded, and might not draw a sword against him (1 Kgs. 12:24); but a prophet of Judah is, instead thereof, sent to reclaim him from his evil way, and is sent in time, while he is but dedicating his altar, before his heart is hardened by the deceitfulness of his sin; for God delights not in the death of sinners, but would rather... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 13:2

And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord ,.... By his order and command: and said, O altar, altar ; addressing himself not to Jeroboam, but the altar, thereby reproving his stupidity, the altar being as ready to hear as he; and because that was what moved the indignation of the Lord; and the word is repeated, to show the vehemency of the prophet's spirit, and his zeal against it; though the Jews commonly say it respects both altars, that at Dan, as well as this at Bethel: ... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 13:2

He cried against the altar - He denounced the destruction of this idolatrous system. A child shall be born - Josiah by name - This is one of the most remarkable and most singular prophecies in the Old Testament. It here most circumstantially foretells a fact which took place three hundred and forty years after the prediction; a fact which was attested by the two nations. The Jews, in whose behalf this prophecy was delivered, would guard it most sacredly; and it was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 13:1-2

The Nameless Prophet. Jeroboam's inauguration of the high place at Bethel was an imitation of Solomon's dedication of the temple at Jerusalem. Like Solomon, he chose the feast of tabernacles as the season for this ceremony, although he daringly altered the date of the feast from the seventh month to the eighth. Describe the scene: the crowds of people, the new-made priests, the gorgeous shrine, the conflicting feelings of the worshippers. None dared to oppose the king, and at the expected... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 13:1-3

The Fire of Jehovah. Jeroboam went to inaugurate his feast of tabernacles at his principal temple in Bethel, and to give effect to the ceremonies officiated in person as high priest. Then, as he stood by the altar, censer in hand, he was confronted by the word of the Lord. A man of God from Judah denounced the altar in the words before us, which contain a very remarkable prophecy; and he authenticated his message by a miraculous sign. The subject teaches— I. THAT GOD SEES THE ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 13:1-10

I. THE PRETENSIONS OF ERROR DEEPEN ITS SHAME . The idolatrous altar was being solemnly consecrated. The people's eyes were dazzled with the splendour of the priestly and regal display. Jeroboam himself stood by the altar to offer incense. And then the cry arose which arrested every ear and thrilled through every soul. 1 . The attempt to give importance to the new idolatry only broadened the mark for God's rebuke : it simply lent emphasis to His condemnation. They had come... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 13:2

And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord [This apostrophe of the altar is very striking and significant. It is as if the prophet disdained to notice the royal but self-constituted priest; as if it were useless to appeal to him; as if his person was of little consequence compared with the religious system he was inaugurating, the system of which the altar was the centre and embodiment]; Behold a child shall be born unto the house... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 13:2-8

Protest and Excommunication. The sin of Jeroboam, the schism which he inaugurated in person at the first feast of tabernacles held in Bethel, was not consummated without protest. When the king, possibly in the "golden garments" of the priesthood, mounted the altar platform and stood before the vast multitude assembled to witness this first great function of the new regime, a messenger of God, sent from Judah, the seat of the true religion, lifted up his voice and witnessed against these... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 13:2

A child shall be born ... Josiah by name - Divine predictions so seldom descend to such particularity as this, that doubts are entertained, even by orthodox theologians, with respect to the actual mention of Josiah’s name by a prophet living in the time of Jeroboam. Only one other instance that can be considered parallel occurs in the whole of Scripture - the mention of Cyrus by Isaiah. Of course no one who believes in the divine foreknowledge can doubt that God could, if He chose, cause events... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 13:2

1 Kings 13:2. He cried against the altar And consequently against all the worship performed at it. O altar, altar He directs his speech against the altar, because the following signs were to be wrought upon it. Behold, a child shall be born, &c. This prophecy is the more wonderful, because it foretels of what family the child should spring, and what should be his name; and in the accomplishment of it we see the absolute certainty of God’s providence and foreknowledge, even in the... read more

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