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Once a prophet who is now anonymous in name,
conveyed the Lord’s word, but later brought himself much shame.
If not disobedient, he might have won some fame.
He fell as prey to another man’s mendacious claim.

Ten of Israel’s twelve tribes would choose Jeroboam
over the son of Solomon, King Rehoboam.
Only tribes of Judah and Benjamin stayed loyal
They did not join the others in northern Israel.
The Lord’s word was spoken by the prophet Shemaiah.
He told all the followers of the king of Judah:
“Do not fight against the tribes under Jeroboam.
Lay down your weapons and return to Rehoboam.”
Jeroboam and his subjects would go to Shechem.
This would be their capital in the hills of Ephraim.

This prophet traveled from Judah north to Israel,
towards the town in Jeroboam’s kingdom, Bethel.
It was here the king built a sacrificial altar.
Because he was afraid the new kingdom would falter,
he encouraged worship to a golden calf idol;
so they would not travel to Jerusalem’s Temple.
The fifteenth day of the eighth month was a festival.
This was when sacrifices were made by the people.
As King Jeroboam was ready to sacrifice, 
the prophet from Judah was speaking loud with his voice:
“From the House of David will be born King Josiah.
Each of the priests shall be considered a pariah.
They will all be burnt sacrifices down in Judah.
The altar splits apart and ashes a plethora;
this will be the sign the Lord’s word will be prevailing.
He is stronger than any idols, and not failing!”

“Seize him!” was Jeroboam’s immediate command.
The king noticed the gross deformity of his hand.
The altar split apart and poured ashes on the land.
 The prophet’s words were what everyone would understand.
The king urged the stranger to intercede with the Lord
Jeroboam begged to God that his hand be restored.
The prophet then had an intercession with the Lord.
When the king’s hand was back to normal, the king implored:
“Come home with me, we’ll eat, and I shall give a great gift
 I see you are with God.  You gave my spirits a lift.”
However, the prophet refused what the king would give.
This man remembered God’s words as long as he would live:
Never to eat or drink anything away from home
while in this northern place with his assignment to roam.
Therefore, he left Bethel by way of another road,
until he came to a tree where he lightened his load.

To be continued in Part II
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