Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 13 - Verse 32

The verse "For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass" signifies the fulfillment of the prophecy delivered by a true prophet of the Lord. In this context, the prophet is foretelling the destruction of the altar in Bethel and the high places in Samaria as a consequence of the idolatry and disobedience of the people. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from the one true God and engaging in practices that are contrary to His will. The words spoken by the prophet are not mere threats or warnings, but a declaration of what will inevitably come to fruition. It highlights the certainty of God's judgment and the importance of heeding His commands to avoid the impending consequences. By including this verse in the collection of scripture, readers are encouraged to reflect on the consequences of their actions and the importance of remaining faithful to God.

When examining the theological interpretation of this verse, it is crucial to understand the context in which it is being proclaimed. The prophet in this verse is foretelling the destruction that will come upon the altar in Bethel and the high places in Samaria. This declaration is a powerful reminder of the consequences that will befall those who engage in idolatry and build altars to false gods. The emphasis on the word of the Lord underscores the authority and reliability of the prophecy. It serves as a warning to the people of Israel to turn away from their sinful practices and return to worshipping the one true God. Through this verse, we see the theme of divine judgment and the importance of heeding the word of the Lord in order to avoid destruction. In considering word studies, the phrase "shall surely come to pass" highlights the certainty and inevitability of God's word being fulfilled. It emphasizes the trustworthiness of God's promises and the faithfulness of His declarations.