1 Kings 13:5

KJV

The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

The altar {H4196} also was rent {H7167}, and the ashes {H1880} poured out {H8210} from the altar {H4196}, according to the sign {H4159} which the man {H376} of God {H430} had given {H5414} by the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also the altar was split apart, and the ashes scattered from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And the altar was split apart, and the ashes poured out, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the LORD.

American Standard Version

The altar also was rent, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 13:5 records the immediate and dramatic fulfillment of a prophetic sign given to King Jeroboam of Israel, serving as undeniable proof of God's word and His judgment against idolatry. As the unnamed man of God from Judah had prophesied, the idolatrous altar at Bethel miraculously split apart, and its contents spilled out, validating the divine origin of the prophet's message and underscoring God's absolute authority over human institutions and false worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic moment of a powerful confrontation between God's prophet and King Jeroboam. Immediately preceding it, in [1 Kings 13:1-3](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-3 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar"), an unnamed man of God from Judah appears suddenly at Bethel while Jeroboam is offering incense at his newly established altar. The prophet cries out against the altar, prophesying its future defilement by King Josiah of Judah, centuries before Josiah's birth. As an immediate sign to confirm the truth of this long-term prophecy, the prophet declares that the altar will be torn apart and its ashes poured out. Jeroboam, enraged, attempts to seize the prophet, but his hand withers instantly, and simultaneously, the sign against the altar is fulfilled. The verse that follows, [1 Kings 13:6](/1_kings/13-6 "1 Kings 13:6 - Jeroboam's Hand Restored"), describes Jeroboam's plea for the prophet to intercede for his withered hand, which is then miraculously restored, further solidifying the prophet's divine authority. The entire narrative arc in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") highlights God's direct intervention in human affairs and His unwavering opposition to Jeroboam's apostasy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") unfold in the early days of the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah, following the death of Solomon and the rebellion of the northern tribes under Jeroboam I (circa 931 BC). Fearing that his newly formed northern kingdom would return its allegiance to the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem if his people continued to worship at the Temple, Jeroboam established rival state-sponsored cultic centers at Bethel and Dan. At these sites, he set up golden calves for worship, declared new feasts, and appointed non-Levitical priests, thereby instituting a complete religious system in direct violation of the Mosaic Law (as detailed in [1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). The altar at Bethel, where this confrontation occurs, was a central pillar of Jeroboam's illegitimate worship system. The rending of this altar was not merely a physical destruction but a profound symbolic dismantling of Jeroboam's entire idolatrous enterprise, demonstrating God's immediate and public rejection of the king's apostasy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings "The Book of 1 Kings - History of the Kings of Israel and Judah"). Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority and Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating His absolute power over human institutions and His ability to intervene directly in history to fulfill His word. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Prophetic Fulfillment and the Reliability of God's Word**, as the immediate physical sign serves as undeniable proof that the prophet's message originated from the LORD, not from human conjecture. This principle is foundational to understanding prophetic ministry (cf. [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - Testing a Prophet")). Thirdly, the event is a vivid manifestation of **God's Judgment on Idolatry and Apostasy**. The destruction of the altar at Bethel symbolizes God's utter displeasure with Jeroboam's false worship and his leading of Israel astray. It serves as a stark warning about the consequences of deviating from true worship of Yahweh. Lastly, it reinforces the theme of the **Validation of God's Messenger**, as the miraculous sign authenticates the "man of God" as a true spokesperson for the LORD, leaving no doubt about his divine commission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rent (Hebrew, _qara'_):** The Hebrew verb קָרַע (_qara'_) means "to tear, rend, split, rip apart." In this context, it emphasizes a violent, sudden, and complete separation or breaking. It is not a gentle crack or a gradual decay, but a forceful, decisive tearing apart of the altar. This action signifies an irreparable damage and a divine act of destruction, symbolizing the breaking down of Jeroboam's illegitimate religious system by God's power.
* **Ashes (Hebrew, _deshen'_):** The Hebrew word דֶּשֶׁן (_deshen_) refers to the fat ashes or fatty refuse from sacrifices, often mixed with the blood and remnants of the offerings. The pouring out of these ashes from the altar signifies its defilement and desecration. In Israelite worship, ashes were carefully handled and removed to a clean place outside the camp (cf. [Leviticus 4:12](/leviticus/4-12 "Leviticus 4:12 - Disposal of Sin Offering Ashes")); their uncontrolled spilling indicates a disruption of sacred order and a public display of the altar's unholiness and the rejection of the sacrifices offered upon it.
* **Word of the LORD (Hebrew, _devar Yahweh'_):** This phrase, דְּבַר יְהוָה (_devar Yahweh_), is a recurring and highly significant theological term in the Old Testament, emphasizing the divine origin, authority, and infallibility of the message. It signifies that the prophecy and the accompanying sign were not the product of human wisdom or power, but were directly spoken and enacted by God Himself. This phrase underscores that God's word is living and active, possessing the power to bring about what it declares.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The altar also was rent":** This clause describes the immediate and miraculous physical destruction of the altar at Bethel. The tearing apart of the altar, a man-made structure intended for worship, demonstrates God's absolute power to dismantle human institutions, especially those built in defiance of His commands. It's a direct, undeniable act of divine judgment.
* **"and the ashes poured out from the altar":** This detail specifies the nature of the altar's rending. The spilling of the ashes, the remnants of the false sacrifices offered to the golden calf, signifies the desecration and rejection of Jeroboam's idolatrous worship. It's a public display of the altar's defilement and God's contempt for the illegitimate offerings made upon it, reinforcing the futility and offense of worship outside of God's prescribed ways.
* **"according to the sign which the man of God had given by the word of the LORD":** This concluding phrase explicitly connects the miraculous event to the prior prophecy (cf. [1 Kings 13:3](/1_kings/13-3 "1 Kings 13:3 - The Sign of the Altar's Rend")). It highlights the precise fulfillment of the prophet's declaration, thereby validating his authenticity as a true messenger from God. The emphasis on "by the word of the LORD" is crucial, asserting that the power and authority behind both the prophecy and its fulfillment resided solely with God, not with the prophet himself. This underscores the reliability and active power of God's spoken word.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Kings 13:5](/1_kings/13-5 "1 Kings 13:5 - The Altar is Rent") employs several potent literary devices to convey its theological message. Firstly, **Miracle** is central, as the instantaneous rending of the altar and the pouring out of its ashes are supernatural acts, direct interventions by God that defy natural explanation. This serves to authenticate the prophet's message and demonstrate God's active involvement in human history. Secondly, **Symbolism** is profoundly used: the physical destruction of the altar symbolizes God's breaking down of Jeroboam's entire system of false worship and the futility of his idolatrous practices. The spilling of the ashes represents the defilement and rejection of the illegitimate sacrifices. Thirdly, the event functions as a **Prophetic Sign**, an immediate, tangible confirmation that the long-term prophecy about Josiah (cf. [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy of Josiah")) is equally certain to be fulfilled. This immediate sign validates the messenger and the message, leaving no room for doubt regarding the divine origin of the prophecy. Finally, there's an element of **Divine Irony** in Jeroboam's attempt to seize the prophet, which results in his own hand withering, while simultaneously the altar he sought to protect is destroyed—his act of defiance immediately met with personal and institutional judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The rending of the altar at Bethel in 1 Kings 13:5 stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His absolute intolerance for idolatry. It demonstrates that God's word is not merely a declaration but a potent force that brings about what it proclaims, validating His messengers and exposing the futility of human rebellion. This event serves as a foundational reminder that true worship must align with God's revealed will, and any deviation, especially into idolatry, will inevitably incur divine judgment. It underscores God's active sovereignty over human kingdoms and His meticulous oversight of history, even centuries in advance, as seen in the prophecy concerning Josiah.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - The Power of God's Word"): "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."
* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - How to Discern a True Prophet"): "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him."
* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God Reveals His Secrets to His Servants"): "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The dramatic scene in 1 Kings 13:5 calls us to a profound reflection on the nature of divine authority and the integrity of our own worship. Just as the altar was torn apart by God's word, so too are all human constructs and false systems vulnerable to His judgment. This should stir within us a deep reverence for the reliability of God's promises and warnings, reminding us that His word is active and powerful, always accomplishing its intended purpose. In a world filled with competing voices and alternative spiritualities, this passage challenges us to discern carefully who truly speaks for God, looking for the fruit of divine authentication in their message and life. Furthermore, it compels us to examine our own hearts and practices: are we offering worship that is truly centered on the living God, or have we, like Jeroboam, established "altars" of our own making, whether they be idols of comfort, success, or self-reliance? The consequences of such spiritual rebellion are severe, but the pathway to true life lies in humble obedience and genuine devotion to the LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to create "altars" of my own making, rather than worshipping God according to His revealed will?**
* **How does the immediate fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen my trust in the reliability and power of God's word in my own life?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of discerning true spiritual authority and guarding against false teaching?**
* **How can I ensure that my worship, both personal and corporate, is truly God-centered and not merely a reflection of human preferences or traditions?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "man of God" mentioned in this passage?**

Answer: The "man of God" is an unnamed prophet from Judah. While his name is not given in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"), his anonymity emphasizes that his authority came solely from the LORD, not from his personal renown. He is a direct messenger of God's word, chosen for a specific task to confront King Jeroboam's apostasy at Bethel. His identity remains a mystery, but his mission and the divine power accompanying it are undeniable.

**Why was the altar rent and its ashes poured out?**

Answer: The altar was rent and its ashes poured out as an immediate, physical sign to authenticate the prophecy given by the man of God (as stated in [1 Kings 13:3](/1_kings/13-3 "1 Kings 13:3 - The Sign of the Altar's Rend")). This miraculous event served multiple purposes: it validated the prophet as a true messenger of the LORD, demonstrated God's absolute power over human institutions, and symbolized God's profound judgment and rejection of Jeroboam's idolatrous worship at Bethel. The rending signified the breaking down of the false religious system, and the spilling of the ashes represented the defilement and unacceptability of the sacrifices offered there.

**What was King Jeroboam's primary sin that led to this divine judgment?**

Answer: King Jeroboam's primary sin was leading the northern kingdom of Israel into idolatry and establishing a rival religious system in direct opposition to God's commands. Fearing that his people would return their allegiance to the Davidic dynasty in Jerusalem if they continued to worship at the Temple, Jeroboam set up golden calves for worship at Bethel and Dan, appointed non-Levitical priests, and instituted new feasts (detailed in [1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This was a grave act of apostasy, violating the first two commandments and leading an entire nation away from the true worship of Yahweh. The rending of the altar was a direct divine response to this egregious sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic fulfillment of the prophecy in [1 Kings 13:5](/1_kings/13-5 "1 Kings 13:5 - The Altar is Rent") powerfully foreshadows the ultimate authority and prophetic fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Just as the word of the LORD, spoken through an unnamed prophet, brought about immediate judgment on a false altar, so too does Christ embody the very "Word of God" (cf. [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate prophet, priest, and king, whose words carry divine authority and whose actions bring about God's perfect will. The rending of the altar, a symbol of illegitimate worship, finds its ultimate counterpart in Christ's cleansing of the temple (cf. [John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")), where He demonstrated His authority over corrupt religious systems. Furthermore, the prophecy against the altar at Bethel, fulfilled centuries later by Josiah, points to Christ as the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (cf. [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). He is the true and perfect sacrifice, rendering all other altars and offerings obsolete (cf. [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), and His ultimate judgment will dismantle all false systems and bring about God's righteous kingdom. The reliability of God's word, so vividly displayed in this Old Testament narrative, culminates in the person and work of Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Mark 16:20

And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

1 Kings 22:35

And the battle increased that day: and the king was stayed up in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even: and the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot.

1 Kings 13:3

And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This [is] the sign which the LORD hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that [are] upon it shall be poured out.

1 Kings 22:28

And Micaiah said, If thou return at all in peace, the LORD hath not spoken by me. And he said, Hearken, O people, every one of you.

Deuteronomy 18:22

When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that [is] the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, [but] the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.

Jeremiah 28:16

Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will cast thee from off the face of the earth: this year thou shalt die, because thou hast taught rebellion against the LORD.

Jeremiah 28:17

So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.