Wesley Corpus

Chapter XIII A prophet threatens Jeroboam's altar, and gives a sign, which immediately comes to pass, ver, 1 - 5. He restores Jeroboam's withered hand, and leaves Bethel, ver. 6 - 10. The old prophet deceives and entertains him, ver. 11 - 19. He is threatened with death, ver. 20 - 23. Slain by a lion and buried, ver. 24 - 32. Jeroboam is hardened in his idolatry, ver. 33, 34. Man of God - An holy prophet. By the word, &c. - By Divine inspiration and command. The altar - And consequently, against all that worship. O altar - He directs his speech to the altar, because the following signs were wrought upon it. Josiah - Which being done above three hundred years after this prophecy, plainly shews the absolute certainty of God's providence; and fore - knowledge even in the most contingent things. For this was in itself uncertain, and wholly depended upon man's will, both as to the having of a child, and as to the giving it this name. Therefore God can certainly and effectually over - rule man's will which way he pleaseth; or else it was possible, that this prediction should have been false; which is blasphemous to imagine. The priests - The bones of the priests, 2Kings 23:15,16, whereby the altar should be defiled. How bold was the man, that durst attack the king in his pride, and interrupt the solemnity he was proud of Whoever is sent on God's errand, must not fear the faces of men. It was above three hundred and fifty years ere this prophecy was fulfilled. Yet it is spoken of as sure and nigh at hand. For a thousand years are with God as one day. Gave a sign - That is, he then wrought a miracle, to assure them of the truth of his prophecy. Put forth, &c. - To point out the man whom he would have the people lay hands on. The altar - Where it was employed in offering something upon it. Dried up - Or, withered, the muscles and sinews, the instruments of motion, shrunk up. This God did, to chastise Jeroboam for offering violence to the Lord's prophet: to secure the prophet against farther violence: and, that in this example God might shew, how highly he resents the injuries done to his ministers, for the faithful discharge of their office.