(2) And he cried against the altar in the word of the LORD, and said, O altar, altar, thus saith the LORD; Behold, a child shall be born unto the house of David, Josiah by name; and upon thee shall he offer the priests of the high places that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be burnt upon thee. (3) And he gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which the LORD hath spoken; Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that are upon it shall be poured out.
Let us pause to admire the faithfulness of the Lord's servant in thus executing his warrant in the king's presence. Observe how he executed his commission. He cried no doubt with a loud voice. And observe to whom he spoke; not to man, but to the altar. When men refuse to hear we find the Lord calling upon the inanimate parts of creation to attend. That is a beautiful instance in point, Hear O heavens, and give ear O earth. Isaiah 1:2. The prophecy he delivered was not to take place for more than 350 years, and yet the prophet mentions the very name of the prince by whom it should be accomplished. But perhaps what galled Jeroboam most was, that the house of David was so honorably spoken of. Yes! what galls Satan and his race most, is Jesus's name and cross. Here, Reader, therefore, let you and I, like Paul, glory. Galatians 6:14.