Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of the Old Prophet of Bethel is found in 1 Kings 13, a chapter that presents a complex interplay of obedience, deception, and divine judgment. The account unfolds during the reign of King Jeroboam of Israel, a time marked by idolatry and spiritual decline. The Old Prophet of Bethel, an enigmatic figure, plays a pivotal role in this account, and his actions raise significant questions about conscience, truth, and responsibility.Context and Background The account begins with a "man of God" from Judah who is sent by the LORD to Bethel to prophesy against the altar that King Jeroboam had erected for idol worship. The man of God delivers a message of judgment, predicting the birth of King Josiah, who would desecrate the altar (1 Kings 13:2). As a sign, the altar is split apart, and its ashes are poured out (1 Kings 13:3). King Jeroboam, witnessing the sign, attempts to seize the man of God, but his hand withers, only to be restored after the man of God intercedes with the LORD (1 Kings 13:4-6). The man of God refuses the king's invitation to dine and receive a reward, citing the LORD's command not to eat or drink in Bethel and to return by a different route (1 Kings 13:8-10). The Old Prophet's Deception The Old Prophet of Bethel, upon hearing of these events, seeks out the man of God. He invites him to his home, but the man of God initially declines, reiterating the divine command. The Old Prophet, however, deceives him by claiming that an angel instructed him to bring the man of God back to his house to eat and drink (1 Kings 13:18). The man of God, swayed by this false message, returns with the Old Prophet and partakes in a meal. Conscience and Responsibility The conscience of the Old Prophet is a focal point of this narrative. Despite his status as a prophet, he knowingly deceives the man of God, leading to tragic consequences. During the meal, the word of the LORD comes to the Old Prophet, declaring that the man of God will not be buried in his ancestral tomb because he disobeyed the LORD's command (1 Kings 13:20-22). The man of God departs, and a lion kills him on the road, confirming the prophecy (1 Kings 13:24). The Old Prophet's actions reveal a conflicted conscience. On one hand, he acknowledges the authority of the divine message, as evidenced by his own prophecy of judgment upon the man of God. On the other hand, his initial deception suggests a willingness to manipulate divine instructions for personal or undisclosed reasons. This duality raises questions about the integrity and accountability of those who bear the prophetic mantle. Aftermath and Reflection After the man of God's death, the Old Prophet retrieves the body and mourns for him, referring to him as "my brother" (1 Kings 13:30). He buries the man of God in his own tomb and instructs his sons to lay his bones beside those of the man of God upon his own death (1 Kings 13:31). This act of respect and kinship may indicate a sense of remorse or recognition of the man of God's faithfulness, despite the tragic outcome. The account of the Old Prophet of Bethel serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of human conscience and the grave responsibility that accompanies the prophetic office. It underscores the necessity of discernment and fidelity to God's word, even amidst conflicting messages and deceptive influences. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 13:29-32And the prophet took up the carcass of the man of God, and laid it on the ass, and brought it back: and the old prophet came to the city, to mourn and to bury him. Nave's Topical Index Library Book 8 Footnotes The Prophet Hosea. Ripe for Gathering Smitten in Vain Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times. The Encamping Angel Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727. Ahab and Naboth "The Time of Trouble. " Resources Why should the Bible be our source for morality? | GotQuestions.orgDoes 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation? | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.org Conscience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conscience for Having Cut off Saul's Skirt Conscience for Having Numbered the People of Israel Conscience for his Adultery and the Murder of Uriah Conscience Money: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience of Adam and Eve, After They Sinned Conscience of Herod for Beheading John the Baptist Conscience of Jacob, After he Defrauded Esau Conscience of Joab, for Numbering Israel Conscience of Joseph's Brethren Conscience of Judas, After Betraying the Lord Jesus Conscience of Micah, After Stealing Conscience of Others, not to be offended Conscience of Peter, After Denying the Lord Conscience of Pharaoh, After the Plagues Conscience of Saints, Pure and Good Conscience of the Lepers of Samaria Conscience of the Old Prophet of Beth-El Conscience of the Wicked, Defiled Conscience of the Wicked, Seared Conscience without Spiritual Illumination, a False Guide Conscience: Faithful of Abimelech, when he Took Isaac's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: Faithful of Daniel, in Refusing to Eat of the King's Meat and Wine Conscience: Faithful of Jacob, in his Care of Laban's Property Conscience: Faithful of Joseph, when Potiphar's Wife Tried to Seduce Him Conscience: Faithful of Nehemiah, in the Matter of Taxes Conscience: Faithful of Peter, in Declaring the Whole Counsel of God Conscience: Faithful of Pharaoh, when he Took Abraham's Wife for a Concubine Conscience: General Scriptures Concerning Conscience: Keep the Faith in Purity of Conscience: Ministers should Commend Themselves to That of Their People Conscience: Submit to Authority For Conscience: Suffer Patiently For Conscience: Testimony of, a Source of Joy Conscience: The Accusers of the Woman Taken in Adultery Conscience: The Blood of Christ Alone Can Purify Conscience: we should Have the Approval of Related Terms Conscience-stricken (2 Occurrences) Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |
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