, that this
people may believe that these things shall so come to pass, I foretell a
sign to them that shall also come to pass. This altar shall be broken
to pieces immediately, and all the fat of the sacrifices that is upon
it shall be poured upon the ground." When the prophet had said this,
Jeroboam fell into a passion, and stretched out his hand, and bid them
lay hold of him; but that hand which he stretched out was enfeebled, and
he was not able to pull it in again to him, for it was become withered,
and hung down, as if it were a dead hand. The altar also was broken
to pieces, and all that was upon it was poured out, as the prophet had
foretold should come to pass. So the king understood that he was a man
of veracity, and had a Divine foreknowledge; and entreated him to pray
to God that he would restore his right hand. Accordingly the prophet
did pray to God to grant him that request. So the king, having his hand
recovered to its natural state, rejoiced at it, and invited the prophet
to sup with him; but Jadon said that he could not endure to come into
his house, nor to taste of bread or water in this city, for that was a
thing God had forbidden him to do; as also to go back by the same way
which he came, but he said he was to return by another way. So the
king wondered at the abstinence of the man, but was himself in fear,
as suspecting a change of his affairs for the worse, from what had been
said to him.

CHAPTER 9. How Jadon The Prophet Was Persuaded By Another Lying Prophet
And Returned [To Bethel,] And Was Afterwards Slain By A Lion. As Also
What Words The Wicked Prophet Made Use Of To Persuade The King, And
Thereby Alienated His Mind From God.

1. Now there was a certain wicked man in that city, who was a false
prophet, whom Jeroboam had in great esteem, but was deceived by him and
his flattering words. This man was bedrid, by reason or the infirmities
of old age: however, he was informed by his sons concerning the prophet
that was come from Jerusalem, and concerning the signs done by him; and
how, when Jeroboam's right hand had been enfeebled, at the prophet's
prayer he had it revived again. Whereupon he was afraid that this
stranger and prophet should be in better esteem with the king than
himself, and obtain greater honor from him: and he gave orders to his
sons to saddle his ass presently, and make all ready that he might go
out. Accordingly they made haste to do what they were commanded, and
h