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
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