Old Testament
1 Kings 13:2
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The man of God cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD: "Altar! Altar! This is what the LORD says: 'A son named Josiah will be born into the house of David. On this altar he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense here, and human bones will be burned on you.'"
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And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be burnt upon thee.
What 1 Kings 13:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, a man of God delivers a powerful message from the LORD, addressing an altar that symbolizes false worship. He proclaims that a future king named Josiah will rise from the line of David. This king will bring significant change by eliminating the corrupt practices of the priests who offer sacrifices on this altar. The prophecy foretells that these priests will face dire consequences, as their bones will be burned on the very altar they used for their wrongdoings. This message serves as a warning against idolatry and highlights the importance of true worship. It emphasizes that God has a plan for justice and restoration, even when things seem bleak. The mention of Josiah points to hope and renewal, showing that God can raise leaders who will guide people back to Him. This moment is a reminder that God sees the injustices in our lives and will act to correct them in His timing and way, encouraging us to remain faithful and vigilant in our worship and actions.
How to apply 1 Kings 13:2 to your life
This passage encourages us to examine our own lives for any altars of idolatry. Are there things we prioritize over our relationship with God? Just as Josiah was raised to bring change, we too can be agents of transformation in our communities by standing for truth and righteousness. Let's commit to worshiping God authentically and rejecting anything that distracts us from Him. We can make a difference by living out our faith.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of 1 Kings
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 13:2 mean?
1 Kings 13:2 describes a prophecy delivered by a man of God against an altar associated with false worship. The verse foretells the birth of King Josiah, who will end the corrupt practices of the priests and bring justice by burning their bones on the altar.
What is the significance of Josiah in 1 Kings 13:2?
Josiah is significant in 1 Kings 13:2 as he represents hope and restoration. He is prophesied to be a king from the house of David who will reform worship practices and eliminate idolatry, highlighting God's plan for justice.
What does the altar symbolize in 1 Kings 13:2?
In 1 Kings 13:2, the altar symbolizes false worship and idolatry. The prophecy against it serves as a warning about the consequences of turning away from true worship of God.
What is the warning in 1 Kings 13:2?
The warning in 1 Kings 13:2 is against the dangers of idolatry and corrupt worship practices. It emphasizes that God will hold accountable those who lead others astray and that justice will come.
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