1 Kings 13:32

KJV

For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which [are] in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the saying {H1697} which he cried {H7121} by the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} against the altar {H4196} in Bethel {H1008}, and against all the houses {H1004} of the high places {H1116} which are in the cities {H5892} of Samaria {H8111}, shall surely come to pass.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the thing he cried by the word of ADONAI against the altar in Beit-El and against all the temples on the high places near the cities of Shomron will surely happen."

Berean Standard Bible

for the message that he cried out by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel and against all the shrines on the high places in the cities of Samaria will surely come to pass.”

American Standard Version

For the saying which he cried by the word of Jehovah against the altar in Beth-el, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:32 serves as a powerful theological affirmation, declaring the absolute certainty of God's prophetic word despite the tragic disobedience and subsequent death of the very messenger who delivered it. This verse, spoken by the old prophet in Bethel, underscores the divine origin and infallible nature of the judgment pronounced against the idolatrous altar in Bethel and all the "high places" in the cities of Samaria, ensuring its future and inevitable fulfillment. It highlights God's unwavering sovereignty and faithfulness to His declared purposes, demonstrating that His word stands immutable, irrespective of human frailty or the passage of time, thereby setting the stage for the eventual eradication of Jeroboam's false worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the dramatic conclusion of a pivotal narrative in the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"), immediately following the establishment of the divided kingdom. King Jeroboam, fearing that his people would return to Jerusalem for worship, instituted alternative cultic sites at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, thereby leading Israel into profound idolatry, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Sin"). In direct response to this apostasy, a man of God from Judah was divinely commissioned to confront Jeroboam at Bethel and pronounce a specific prophecy against the idolatrous altar, declaring that a future king named Josiah would desecrate it, a prophecy found in [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy Against the Altar"). Despite the immediate miraculous sign of the altar rending, the man of God tragically disobeyed a direct command from the LORD not to eat or drink in Bethel, leading to his death by a lion. Verse 32 is spoken by the old prophet who had deceived the man of God, acknowledging that even in the face of the messenger's failure, the divine word he spoke remains true and will be fulfilled. This affirmation serves to re-center the narrative's focus from the messenger's fate back to the enduring power of God's word.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") is the early period of the divided monarchy, immediately after the schism between Judah and Israel. Jeroboam's establishment of cultic centers at Bethel and Dan was a politically motivated act designed to consolidate his rule by preventing his subjects from maintaining religious ties with Jerusalem and the Davidic dynasty. This act represented a significant departure from the Mosaic covenant and the centralized worship prescribed by God in Jerusalem. The "high places" (Hebrew: _bamot_) were common Canaanite worship sites, often on elevated ground, which were unfortunately adapted by Israelites for idolatrous practices, sometimes even for the worship of Yahweh in a syncretistic manner, but always condemned as deviations from true worship. The cultural understanding of prophecy in ancient Israel held that a true prophet's words would come to pass, serving as a crucial test of their divine commission, as articulated in [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21-22 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - The Test of a Prophet"). The old prophet's affirmation in [1 Kings 13:32](/1_kings/13-32 "1 Kings 13:32 - The Certainty of God's Word"), despite his own complicity in the man of God's downfall, underscores this cultural expectation of prophetic certainty and the weight given to a divinely inspired utterance.
* **Key Themes:**
* **The Authority and Certainty of God's Word:** The central message of this narrative, powerfully culminating in [1 Kings 13:32](/1_kings/13-32 "1 Kings 13:32 - The Certainty of God's Word"), is the absolute infallibility of God's prophecies. Even when delivered through imperfect or disobedient vessels, what the LORD declares "shall surely come to pass." This highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over time, events, and human actions, demonstrating that His plans are not thwarted by human weakness or sin. The divine origin of the message guarantees its fulfillment, irrespective of the messenger's fate. This theme is foundational to understanding God's character and His relationship with humanity, as His word is always true and effective.
* **Consequences of Idolatry:** The prophecy explicitly targets the "altar in Bethel" and "the high places which are in the cities of Samaria," representing the widespread idolatry introduced by Jeroboam and perpetuated by subsequent kings of Israel. The judgment proclaimed against these sites underscores God's fierce intolerance for false worship and the inevitable consequences of turning away from Him and His covenant commands, particularly the first commandment found in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - The First Commandment"). This theme foreshadows the eventual destruction of the Northern Kingdom due to its persistent idolatry, a recurring motif throughout [the book of Kings](/1_kings/14 "1 Kings 14 - Jeroboam's Downfall").
* **Prophetic Fulfillment and Divine Faithfulness:** The emphatic declaration that the prophecy "shall surely come to pass" emphasizes the long-term perspective of God's plan and His unwavering faithfulness to His word, even across generations. This specific prophecy was indeed fulfilled centuries later by [King Josiah, as recorded in 2 Kings 23:15-18](/2_kings/23-15-18 "2 Kings 23:15-18 - Josiah Fulfills the Prophecy"). The narrative reinforces the idea that God's word is not bound by immediate circumstances but operates according to His eternal purposes, building anticipation for the eventual vindication of His truth and demonstrating His consistent character throughout history.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Saying (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term refers not merely to a spoken sound but to a "word," "matter," or "thing" that has been uttered, emphasizing the concrete reality and substance of the prophetic utterance. It conveys a decree, a command, or a prophetic declaration that carries inherent power and certainty. In this context, it highlights the specific, tangible nature of the judgment pronounced against the altar and high places, indicating a divine pronouncement that is as good as done.
* **Cried (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** From H7121, this verb means "to call out to," "to proclaim," or "to cry out." It implies a public, authoritative, and often urgent declaration. The man of God did not merely whisper or suggest; he "cried" the message, indicating a forceful and divinely mandated proclamation designed to be heard and heeded by all, including King Jeroboam. The power of the message is inherent not only in its divine origin but also in its public, authoritative delivery, demanding attention and response.
* **Word of the LORD (Hebrew, _dâbâr Yᵉhôvâh'_):** Comprising H1697 (_dâbâr_) and H3068 (_Yᵉhôvâh_), this is a crucial theological phrase, denoting a divine revelation or instruction originating directly from God Himself. It signifies absolute authority, truth, and infallibility. The old prophet's use of this phrase acknowledges that the prophecy's power and certainty do not stem from the human messenger, but from the unchangeable character and sovereign will of Yahweh. It is the divine origin, not the human instrument, that guarantees its fulfillment, making it an immutable decree.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the prophecy. The "saying" (the specific judgment against the altar and high places) was not a human idea or opinion but was "cried" (proclaimed publicly and forcefully) "by the word of the LORD," meaning it was a direct, authoritative revelation from God Himself. This phrase underscores that the message's power and certainty derive solely from God, not from the character, faithfulness, or ultimate fate of the human messenger. It emphasizes that the message is God's own decree, delivered through His chosen instrument.
* **"against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which [are] in the cities of Samaria":** This clause precisely specifies the targets of the divine judgment, indicating the comprehensive nature of God's condemnation of idolatry. The "altar in Bethel" was the primary and most prominent site of Jeroboam's apostasy, a direct affront to God's command for centralized worship in Jerusalem. The inclusion of "all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria" broadens the scope of the judgment to encompass the entire idolatrous system established and perpetuated in the Northern Kingdom, which would later be known as Samaria. This demonstrates that God's judgment was not limited to a single site but extended to the widespread religious corruption that permeated the land.
* **"shall surely come to pass":** This concluding phrase is an emphatic declaration of certainty and inevitability. The Hebrew construction often uses an infinitive absolute before the verb for emphasis, conveying an undeniable, immutable fulfillment. Despite the man of God's tragic death, the passage of time, and the continued proliferation of idolatry, the old prophet affirms that the divine word is unchangeable and will be accomplished precisely as declared. This serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness to His word and His sovereign control over history, assuring that His purposes will ultimately prevail.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices to enhance its theological message. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as the prophecy against the altar in Bethel explicitly names Josiah centuries before his birth, creating a powerful anticipation for its future fulfillment. This also serves to demonstrate God's omniscience and sovereign control over the unfolding of history. There is a strong element of **Irony** woven into the narrative: the man of God, divinely empowered to deliver a powerful message of judgment and miraculous signs, tragically falls victim to disobedience, yet the very prophet who deceived him is the one who ultimately affirms the unwavering truth and certainty of the original divine prophecy. This highlights that God's word is not dependent on the perfection or even the survival of its human instruments. Furthermore, the entire narrative functions as a **Parable** or **Allegory** for the reliability of God's word versus the fallibility of human obedience; the divine message endures and will be fulfilled, even if the messenger falters. Finally, the repeated emphasis on "the word of the LORD" functions as a **Leitmotif**, consistently reinforcing the central theme of divine authority and the absolute certainty of God's pronouncements throughout the chapter, grounding the entire narrative in the unshakeable truth of God's revelation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 13:32 powerfully asserts the absolute reliability and enduring nature of God's word. It teaches that divine prophecy is not contingent upon the messenger's faithfulness, longevity, or even his physical well-being, but upon the immutable character of God Himself. The old prophet's solemn declaration, "shall surely come to pass," serves as a theological anchor, assuring readers that God's decrees, whether of blessing or judgment, will inevitably be fulfilled in His perfect timing. This unwavering certainty of _davar Yahweh_ (the word of the LORD) is a foundational truth throughout Scripture, providing both comfort and warning to humanity. It underscores God's sovereignty over history and His unwavering commitment to upholding His covenant and executing His justice against idolatry and disobedience, demonstrating that His purposes cannot be thwarted.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie")
* [Isaiah 55:10-11](/isaiah/55-10-11 "Isaiah 55:10-11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Kings 13:32 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that the truth, authority, and power of God's word are not diminished by human imperfection, disobedience, or even outright failure. The message delivered by the man of God remained true and potent, despite his tragic personal downfall and death. This narrative encourages us to trust implicitly in the promises and warnings of Scripture, knowing with certainty that God's plans will unfold precisely as He declares, irrespective of our present circumstances, the actions of others, or any apparent delays in fulfillment. It also challenges us to consider our own stewardship of God's word: while our faithfulness in proclaiming and living out His truth is crucial, the ultimate efficacy and fulfillment of the message rests with God alone. We are called to be obedient, faithful conduits of His truth, but also to find deep assurance in the fact that His sovereign purposes will ultimately prevail. This verse invites us to live with a profound sense of divine certainty, understanding that God's word is the ultimate, unchanging reality upon which we can build our lives, guiding our choices, shaping our expectations for the future, and anchoring our hope in His unfailing character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of God's word, as emphasized in [1 Kings 13:32](/1_kings/13-32 "1 Kings 13:32 - The Certainty of God's Word"), impact your trust in His promises for your life today?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to doubt God's word when circumstances or the actions of others seem to contradict or delay its fulfillment?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the relationship between a divine message and its human messenger, and how does this affect our view of ministry?**
* **How does the eventual fulfillment of this prophecy by [King Josiah](/2_kings/23-15-18 "2 Kings 23:15-18 - Josiah Fulfills the Prophecy") reinforce your understanding of God's long-term faithfulness and sovereignty over history?**

### FAQ

**Why did the old prophet, who deceived the man of God, affirm the prophecy's certainty?**

Answer: The old prophet's affirmation in [1 Kings 13:32](/1_kings/13-32 "1 Kings 13:32 - The Certainty of God's Word"), despite his own role in the man of God's demise, highlights a crucial theological point: the truth and power of God's word are independent of the messenger's character or actions. The old prophet, though flawed and disobedient himself, still recognized and respected the divine origin of the message. His statement serves to underscore the absolute certainty of "the word of the LORD" itself, demonstrating that God's purposes will be accomplished regardless of human frailty or even sin. It's a testament to the inherent authority of God's revelation, which stands firm even when its human instruments stumble. This also serves a literary purpose, reinforcing the prophecy's validity to the reader, setting the stage for its eventual fulfillment centuries later by [King Josiah](/2_kings/23 "2 Kings 23 - Josiah's Reforms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Kings 13:32, with its emphatic declaration of the certainty of God's prophetic word, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the word against the altar in Bethel "shall surely come to pass," so too all of God's prophetic word, from the Old Testament to the New, culminates and is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very embodiment of God's eternal truth, promises, and redemptive plan. Every prophecy concerning the Messiah, from His miraculous birth in Bethlehem [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Bethlehem") to His suffering and atoning death [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions") and His glorious resurrection [Psalm 16:10](/psalms/16-10 "Psalm 16:10 - You Will Not Abandon My Soul to Sheol"), has "surely come to pass" in Him. Unlike the man of God from Judah, who tragically faltered in obedience, Jesus perfectly obeyed the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death"), thereby becoming the faithful and true messenger. He is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King whose words are eternal and whose mission perfectly accomplishes God's redemptive plan for humanity. In Christ, the certainty of God's word is not merely a historical fact but a living reality, offering assurance of salvation, the triumph of God's kingdom, and the promise of His return [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus' Promise to Return").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 16:24

And he bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, Samaria.

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.

Leviticus 26:30

And I will destroy your high places, and cut down your images, and cast your carcases upon the carcases of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you.

1 Kings 12:31

And he made an house of high places, and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi.

2 Kings 23:16

And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the sepulchres that [were] there in the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned [them] upon the altar, and polluted it, according to the word of the LORD which the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words.

2 Kings 23:19

And all the houses also of the high places that [were] in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke [the LORD] to anger, Josiah took away, and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel.

John 4:4

¶ And he must needs go through Samaria.