Chapter 13: The prophecy of Ido to Yeravam, and his death
1. The prophecy of Ido of the downfall of Yeravam:
- Ido prophesies to Yeravam of his downfall: A prophet of G-d [named Ido[1]] arrived from Yehuda to Beis El, per the instructions of Hashem. In Beis El he met Yeravam who was standing on the altar offering sacrifices. He then said the following prophecy to Yeravam, as commanded by G-d, regarding the altar: “Altar, altar [of both Beis El and Dan[2]], so said Hashem, “Behold a son will be born to the house of David, Yoshiyahu will be his name, and upon you [i.e. the altar] he will slaughter all the priests of the Bamos who offer sacrifices on you, and he will burn upon you the human bones [of Yeravam[3]].”
- A heavenly sign is given and Yeravam’s hand becomes paralyzed: [Ido] gave the following sign to show that his words are true and from G-d: “This is the sign that Hashem has spoken [with me and told me to inform you of all the above]. Behold, the altar will split open and the ashes that are upon it will spill below.” As soon as king Yeravam heard the prophecy that was said over the altar in Beth El, he stretched out his hand from over the altar, commanding that the prophet be seized. The moment he did so, his outstretched hand became paralyzed, and he could not draw his hand back to him. After this, the altar split, and the ashes fell from the altar just as the prophet had said.
- Yeravam gets his arm back after the prophet prays for him: The King then turned to Ido and asked him to pray on his behalf to G-d so that he may once again be able to move his arm. So it was, that he prayed to G-d for him, and the king was once again able to move his arm and bring it back to himself. [Nonetheless, he did not change his ways and immediately continued with his offerings to idolatry on the altar.[4]]
- The prophet is invited to eat by the home of the king, but refuses: The king then invited the prophet [Ido] to come to his house and dine with him, and receive presents from him. However, the prophet refused to come telling the king that even if he offers him half of his kingdom he will not come to his home to eat bread or drink water, as G-d has explicitly instructed him not to eat bread or drink water and not to return the same road that he came.
[1] Rashi 13:1
[2] Rashi 13:2
[3] Rashi 13:2
[4] See Rashi 13:6
Related Articles
Daily Tanach – Yechezkal Chapter 19: Lamentation for the Princes of Israel (Thursday, 4th Shevat)
Post Views: 18 Join Our Virtual Torah Study Community & Receive Daily Learning Content Chapter 19: Lamentation for the Princes of Israel A Lament for Israel’s Princes G‑d commands Yechezkel to take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel. The chapter begins with a poetic description of Israel as
Daily Tanach – Yechezkal Chapter 18: Individual Responsibility and the Call to Repentance (Wednesday, 3rd Shevat)
Post Views: 23 Chapter 18: Individual Responsibility and the Call to Repentance Ending the False Proverb (Verses 1–4) G‑d rebukes the saying: “The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.” This proverb will no longer be used in Israel. Principle: “All souls are Mine—the
Daily Tanach – Yechezkal Chapter 17: The Parable of the Two Eagles and G‑d’s Promise (Tuesday, 2nd Shevat)
Post Views: 27 Chapter 17 – The Parable of the Two Eagles and G‑d’s Promise 1. The Parable of the Two Eagles (Verses 1–10) G‑d commands Yechezkel: “Propound a riddle and speak a parable to the House of Israel.” First Eagle: A great eagle with long wings and many feathers
Daily Tanach – Yechezkal Chapter 16: Jerusalem’s Abominations and G‑d’s Everlasting Covenant (Monday, 1st Shevat)
Post Views: 31 Chapter 16 – Jerusalem’s Abominations and G‑d’s Everlasting Covenant 1. Jerusalem’s Origins and Early State (Verses 1–7) G‑d commands Yechezkel: “Let Jerusalem know its abominations.” Jerusalem’s beginnings are described as lowly: Born of Canaanite lineage—father an Amorite, mother a Hittite. At birth, abandoned and uncared for—navel not
Daily Tanach – Yechezkal Chapter 15: The Parable of the Vine (Sunday, 29th Teves)
Post Views: 27 Chapter 15 – The Parable of the Vine The Question About the Vine (Verses 1–5) G‑d asks: What is the vine-tree compared to other trees in the forest? Can its wood be used for work or even as a peg to hang utensils? Answer: When whole, it
Daily Tanach – Yechezkal Chapter 14: Idolatry, Judgment, and Righteousness (Thursday, 26th Teves)
Post Views: 39 Summary of Chapter Chapter 14: Idolatry, Judgment, and Righteousness 1. Rebuke of Idolatrous Elders (Verses 1–11) Elders of Israel come to Yechezkel, but G‑d reveals their hypocrisy: They have set idols upon their hearts and placed the stumbling block of sin before their faces. G‑d declares: Anyone

Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.