1 Kings 13:3

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 13:3

And he gave a sign the same day, saying, this is the sign which the Lord hath spoken ,.... As a confirmation of the truth of what the prophet had said, and for the proof of his being a true prophet of the Lord: behold, the altar shall be rent ; of itself, by an invisible hand, by the power of God: and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out ; signifying it should be entirely demolished, not only shaken but destroyed, so as not to be capable of retaining the ashes on it; this... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 13:3

And he gave a sign - A miracle to prove that the prophecy should be fulfilled in its season. 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 13:2-8

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 13:3

And he gave a sign [The Heb. מוֹפֵת rather signifies a portent ( τέρας , miraculum, prodigium ) than a sign, the proper word for which is אוֹת . The word occurs repeatedly in the Pentateuch, where it is rendered wonder, or miracle, by our translators (Wordsworth). Signs had, of course, been given before ( Exodus 4:30 ; Exodus 7:9 ; 1 Samuel 12:17 ; etc.) but hardly in such immediate attestation of a special message. From this time forward such signs are not... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 13:3

He gave a sign - A sign of this kind - an immediate prophecy to prove the divine character of a remote prophecy - had scarcely been given before this. In the later history, however, such signs are not unfrequent (compare 2 Kings 19:29; Isaiah 7:14-16).The ashes ... shall be poured out - i. e., “The half-burnt remains of the offerings shall be ignominiously spilled upon the ground.” read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 13:3

1 Kings 13:3. He gave a sign the same day That is, he then wrought a miracle to assure them of the truth of his prophecy. Saying, this is the sign, &c. A proof that I speak from God, and not from myself. The altar shall be rent, &c. This could not be effected but by the power of God, who hereby demonstrated that he had sent this prophet to speak these words which were presently fulfilled. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 13:1-34

Jeroboam’s punishment (13:1-14:20)God soon showed that this new form of religion was totally unacceptable to him. A prophet from Judah came to Bethel and, by bold words and dramatic actions, condemned both the people and the king (13:1-10).However, there was another prophet, a much older man, who lived in Bethel and had apparently not spoken out against Jeroboam’s wrongdoing. The old prophet seems to have been jealous of the prophet from Judah, and decided to tempt him to disobey God’s command.... read more

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