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Prophecy

Josiah named against the altar of Bethel (1 Kings 13:2)

Jeroboam sacrificing at the altar of Bethel, interrupted by the man of God from Judah (1 Kgs 13), artist’s impression by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1752).
Artist’s impression Jeroboam sacrificing at the altar of Bethel, interrupted by the man of God from Judah (1 Kgs 13), artist’s impression by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (1752). — Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Wikimedia Commons · Domaine public

○ Written after the events, according to historians; tradition dates it before

Written c. 931–910 BC according to tradition; 622–560 BC according to historians. Event: c. 622–609 BC.

See the full entry: sources, objections, answers

In short

The announcement. In the first book of Kings, a “man of God” who came from Judah in the time of King Jeroboam, around 931–910 BC according to tradition, announces that a descendant of David named Josiah will burn human bones on the altar of Bethel.

What happened. According to the second book of Kings, King Josiah, from about 622 BC, tears down the altar of Bethel and burns bones on it “according to the word” that had been announced. Only the Bible tells this sequel, although the seal of an official of that time, named in the account, may have been found.

What is still debated. for many historians, the book of Kings was written under Josiah or after him, by an author who already knew of his reform.

What would be striking if the text came first

Naming a king three centuries in advance has no equivalent in the Old Testament. That is precisely why historians think the text was written after Josiah’s reform; only tradition places it before, and nothing outside the Bible confirms the episode.

Main objection (in French for now)

Selon l’hypothèse de l’histoire deutéronomiste (M. Noth, 1943), le livre des Rois est composé au plus tôt sous Josias, puis complété pendant l’exil : l’auteur qui nomme Josias en 1 R 13:2 connaissait déjà sa réforme, que 2 R 23 raconte en citant l’oracle.

The text (World English Bible)

Behold, a man of God came out of Judah by the LORD’s word to Bethel; and Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense. He cried against the altar by the LORD’s word, and said, “Altar! Altar! The LORD 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.’” He gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign which the LORD has spoken: Behold, the altar will be split apart, and the ashes that are on it will be poured out.”

1 Kgs 13:1-3

Sources