1 Kings 13:20

While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back,

Study Bible

While they were sitting at the table
This phrase sets the scene in a domestic setting, indicating a moment of rest and fellowship. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a sign of hospitality and peace. The prophet from Bethel and the man of God from Judah are in a moment of apparent reconciliation and trust, despite the earlier deception. This setting contrasts with the impending divine message, highlighting the unexpected nature of God's interventions. Meals in biblical narratives often serve as pivotal moments, such as the Last Supper in the New Testament, where significant spiritual truths are revealed.

the word of the LORD came
This phrase signifies a divine revelation or message, a common occurrence in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The "word of the LORD" is a powerful and authoritative communication from God, often delivered through prophets. It underscores the belief in God's active involvement in human affairs and His ability to communicate His will directly. This divine word often brings guidance, correction, or judgment, as seen in the messages delivered by prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The phrase also emphasizes the sovereignty of God, who can choose any moment or setting to convey His message.

to the prophet who had brought him back
This refers to the older prophet from Bethel who had deceived the man of God from Judah. Despite his earlier actions, God chooses to use him as a vessel for His message. This highlights the complexity of God's dealings with humanity, where even flawed individuals can be instruments of His will. It also serves as a reminder of the seriousness of the prophetic office and the weight of delivering God's message accurately. The older prophet's role in this narrative can be seen as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of adhering to God's commands, as seen in other biblical accounts like that of Jonah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God from Judah
A prophet sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam in Bethel. He is instructed not to eat or drink in the land and to return by a different route.

2. The Old Prophet from Bethel
An older prophet who deceives the man of God into returning to his house to eat and drink, claiming an angel spoke to him.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam set up a golden calf for worship, leading Israel into idolatry.

4. The Word of the LORD
The divine message that comes to the old prophet, revealing the consequences of the man of God's disobedience.

5. The Table
The setting where the old prophet and the man of God are dining when the word of the LORD comes to the old prophet.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The man of God's account underscores the necessity of strict adherence to God's commands, even when faced with seemingly credible opposition.

Discernment in Spiritual Matters
Believers must exercise discernment, testing all spiritual messages against the truth of Scripture to avoid deception.

Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience to God's word, even when influenced by others, carries serious consequences.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are to be vessels of God's truth, and their messages must align with God's established word.

The Danger of Complacency
The man of God's decision to rest and dine shows how complacency can lead to vulnerability to deception.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the man of God's initial obedience and subsequent disobedience in 1 Kings 13?

2. How can we apply the principle of testing spiritual messages against Scripture in our daily lives?

3. In what ways does the account of the man of God and the old prophet challenge us to be vigilant in our spiritual walk?

4. How does the account of 1 Kings 13:20 relate to the warnings against false prophets found in Deuteronomy 13?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure we remain obedient to God's word, even when faced with conflicting messages?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-19
Provides the context of the man of God's mission and his initial obedience to God's command.

1 Kings 13:21-22
Details the consequences of the man of God's disobedience, emphasizing the seriousness of adhering to God's word.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Warns against false prophets and the importance of testing messages against God's established word.

Galatians 1:8-9
Paul warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been preached, highlighting the importance of discernment.