Unknown Prophet Curses Jeroboam's Altar

Jeroboam was officiating as priest at the dedication of the new altar at Bethel, endeavoring to invest it with a sanctity that would win for it the homage and respect of the people, God could not allow the king's bold defiance to go unrebuked. An unknown prophet from Judah steps on the scene.

So that Jeroboam and the people might be impressed that the man of God was a true phophet and that his message of warning carried weight, he gave a striking prophecy, which would be immediately fulfilled. It is dangerous for anyone, whoever he be, to lift up his hand against a man sent with a solemn message from God. The stretched—forth arm was immediately smitten, to strike terror into the hearts of both king and people, and to impress them anew that they had before them a true prophet of God.

The altar also split in two. This manifestation of the Lord's presence and power was something that could not be successfully gainsaid. Instead of being persuaded of the solemnity of the altar and the sanctity of their priestly king, the people now realized that Jeroboam was acting in direct defiance of Heaven and bringing upon himself the divine rebuke.

The king had been humbled. He had also been brought to a realization that he was dealing with a man of God, who, under the circumstances, alone could release him from his present plight. The restoration of the arm on the submission of the king and the prayer of the prophet was designed to give Jeroboam another opportunity for repentance. He had not yet gone too far for the Lord to forgive. If the king had been willing to go all the way, and had asked for a restoration of heart as well as of hand, the way would have been opened for a return of the nation of God and a mighty reform throughout the land of Israel.

The offer of the king was prompted not by gratitude but by policy. An acceptance of hospitality and reward would in the eyes of the people imply that the prophet condoned the king's course and would serve to destroy the solemn impression that he had made. He would also have created an unfavorable impression regarding his character and mission. The resolute refusal to receive the king's proffered reward placed the prohet on vantage ground and made a deep impression upon both king and people.