1 Kings 13:4
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.
1 Kings 13:4 · King James Version
Meaning
When king Jeroboam heard the prophecy of the man of God against the altar in Bethel, he reacted impulsively by trying to seize the prophet. In doing so, he extended his hand towards the man of God in an attempt to restrain him. However, as a consequence of his disobedience and disregard for the word of God, his hand withered and he lost control over it. This physical manifestation of punishment served as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobeying God's commands and ignoring His prophets. King Jeroboam's actions and the subsequent outcome demonstrate the importance of heeding the warnings and messages delivered by those chosen by God to convey His will. The drying up of Jeroboam's hand serves as a vivid illustration of the divine authority and power that governs the world, emphasizing the repercussions of failing to respect and obey God's instructions.
Theological Overview
In this verse from 1 Kings 13:4, we see the consequences of disobedience and defiance against the word of God. King Jeroboam's reaction to the man of God's prophecy against the altar in Bethel demonstrates his resistance to God's message. Jeroboam's attempt to harm the man of God resulted in his own hand becoming paralyzed, symbolizing the power and authority of God over man. This story serves as a reminder that God's word is not to be taken lightly and that those who choose to go against it will face the consequences of their actions. It also reaffirms the divine judgment upon those who act in defiance of God's will. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of obedience and reverence towards God's commands and the repercussions of rebellion against His word.
1 Kings 13:4 in other translations
American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar in Beth-el, that Jeroboam 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 draw it back again to him.
World English Bible
When the king heard the saying of the man of God, which he cried against the altar in Bethel, Jeroboam put out his hand from the altar, saying, “Seize him!” His hand, which he put out against him, dried up, so that he could not draw it back again to himself.
Douay-Rheims
And when the king had heard the word of the man of God, which he had cried out against the altar in Bethel, he stretched forth his hand from the altar, saying: Lay hold on him. And his hand which he stretched forth against him, withered: and he was not able to draw it back again to him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when the King had heard the saying of the man of God, which he had cryed against the altar in Beth-el, Ieroboam stretched out his hand from the altar, saying, Lay holde on him: but his hande which he put foorth against him, dryed vp, and he could not pull it in againe to him.