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; 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.
1 Kings 13:2 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of 1 Kings in the Old Testament tells the story of a prophet who prophesies against an altar that King Jeroboam has built for false worship. The prophet declares that a child named Josiah, of the house of David, will be born and will eventually destroy the altar and offer the priests of the high places on it. This prophecy was fulfilled several centuries later when King Josiah of Judah carried out religious reforms and destroyed altars and high places used for idolatrous worship. The mentioning of men's bones being burned on the altar signifies a form of desecration and destruction, highlighting the severity of the consequences for those who engage in false worship. This prophetic message serves as a warning against turning away from the true worship of the Lord and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's commands.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the prophet is pronouncing a curse upon the altar at Bethel. The theological interpretation of this verse reveals God's judgment against the idolatrous practices of the people. By calling out the altar and prophesying that Josiah, a future king, will desecrate it, the prophet is showing that God will not tolerate the worship of false gods and the defilement of sacred spaces. This word study also highlights the significance of names in the Bible. The name Josiah means "the Lord supports" or "whom the Lord heals," indicating that he will be chosen by God to carry out His will. The mention of burning incense and sacrificing priests on the altar symbolizes the destruction of false worship and the purification of the land. Ultimately, this verse serves as a warning against turning away from God and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience.
1 Kings 13:2 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he cried against the altar by the word of Jehovah, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith Jehovah: Behold, a son shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he sacrifice the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall they burn upon thee.
World English Bible
He cried against the altar by Yahweh’s word, and said, “Altar, altar, thus says Yahweh: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name. On you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and they will burn men’s bones on you.’”
Douay-Rheims
And he cried out against the altar in the word of the Lord, and said: O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord: Behold a child shall be born to the house of David, Josias by name, and he shall immolate upon thee the priests of the high places, who now burn incense upon thee, and he shall burn men's bones upon thee.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he cryed against the altar by the comandement of the Lord, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the Lord, Beholde, a child shalbe borne vnto the house of Dauid, Iosiah by name, and vpon thee shall he sacrifice the Priestes of the hie places that burne incense vpon thee, and they shall burne mens bones vpon thee.