1 Kings 13:4 Meaning and Explanation
“And it came to pass, when king Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, which had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put forth his hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on him. And his hand, which he put forth against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to him.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →When Jeroboam stretches out his hand to arrest the prophet, the hand withers and freezes, unable to be drawn back.
What Does 1 Kings 13:4 Mean?
The king's response to the word of the LORD is not repentance but force: 'Lay hold on him.' In the very act of reaching out to seize God's messenger, his hand dries up and stiffens, leaving him pointing helplessly.
The arm of the state proves weaker than the word it tried to silence. A king who can command armies cannot command his own hand. God does not need many defenders; one withered limb makes plain who truly holds power, and how vain it is to lift a hand against heaven's word.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Kings 13:4
What does 1 Kings 13:4 mean?
When Jeroboam stretches out his hand to arrest the prophet, the hand withers and freezes, unable to be drawn back.