1 kings 13:6 - The king answered the man of God, “Now intercede for the favor of Yahweh your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again.” The man of God interceded with Yahweh, and the king’s hand was restored to him again, and became as it was before.

Generated Verse: 1 kings 13:6

What does "1 kings 13:6" mean?


This verse from 1 Kings 13:6 describes a moment of repentance and miraculous healing. Let's break down the meaning:

"The king answered the man of God..." This refers to King Jeroboam I of Israel. He's speaking to a prophet (the "man of God") who had just prophesied against the altar he was using for idol worship.

"...“Now intercede for the favor of Yahweh your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again.”" Jeroboam, who had been attempting to seize the prophet, found his hand suddenly withered (verse 4). Faced with this physical affliction (presumably a paralysis), Jeroboam realizes the power of the prophet's God (Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God). He asks the prophet to pray for him, essentially acknowledging his own powerlessness and the prophet's connection to a higher power. He is asking for God's mercy (favor) and healing. The fact he specifies "your God" implies he doesn't yet fully embrace Yahweh himself.

"The man of God interceded with Yahweh..." The prophet, despite the king's earlier hostility, is compassionate. He agrees to pray (intercede) to God on the king's behalf. This highlights the prophet's faithfulness to God's command to deliver the message, regardless of the king's reaction.

"...and the king’s hand was restored to him again, and became as it was before." God answers the prophet's prayer, and Jeroboam's hand is miraculously healed. The restoration is complete, as if nothing had happened.

In summary, the verse illustrates the following:

God's Power and Judgment: God has the power to afflict and heal, demonstrating His sovereignty. Jeroboam's withered hand is a sign of divine displeasure.
The Power of Prayer: The prophet's prayer is effective, showing the importance of intercession and faith.
God's Mercy: Even towards a sinful king, God demonstrates mercy by healing him.
Jeroboam's Limited Repentance: While he requests healing and acknowledges Yahweh, his repentance is likely superficial. He doesn't abandon his idolatrous practices, as the rest of the chapter and Jeroboam's reign show. This emphasizes that seeking God's help during a crisis does not necessarily equal true conversion.

The verse serves as a brief moment of divine intervention and a potential turning point for Jeroboam. However, it ultimately underscores the importance of genuine repentance and obedience to God, not just seeking help in times of trouble.

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