1 Kings 13: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Kings 13 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

A man of God came from Judah to Bethel, delivering Yahweh’s message against Jeroboam’s altar, prophesying the birth of Josiah (vv. 1-2). As a sign, the altar split apart and its ashes spilled (vv.

Key verse

“He cried against the altar by Yahweh’s word, and said, “Altar! Altar! Yahweh says: ‘Behold, a son will be born to David’s house, Josiah by name. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and they will burn men’s bones on you.’”
1 Kings 13:2 (WEB)

Outline

1 Kings 13:1–4 The Prophet's Message to Jeroboam
1 Kings 13:5–10 Sign of the Altar's Judgment
1 Kings 13:11–19 The Deception of the Old Prophet
1 Kings 13:20–24 Judgment for Disobedience
1 Kings 13:25–34 The Aftermath and Warning

Discussion questions

In v2, what specific future event does the man of God prophesy about Josiah?
In v4, why does Jeroboam extend his hand toward the man of God?
The old prophet's claim in v18 that 'an angel spoke to me' raises what concerns about his truthfulness?
In v21, why does the man of God receive a prophetic rebuke after eating bread?
When has a time of disobedience, like the man of God’s in v19, led to unexpected consequences in your life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Kings 13: 2 Kings 23, 1 Kings 12, 1 Kings 14.

Before next time: read 1 Kings 14.