The account of the Man of God's refusal of the king's offer is found in 1 Kings 13. This narrative highlights the themes of obedience to God's command, the dangers of deception, and the consequences of disobedience. The account unfolds during the reign of King Jeroboam in the northern kingdom of Israel, a time marked by idolatry and apostasy.

Context and Background

King Jeroboam, the first ruler of the northern kingdom after the division of Israel, established a system of idol worship to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem for worship. He set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading the people into sin (1 Kings 12:28-30). In this context, God sends a prophet, referred to as the "man of God," from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message of judgment against the altar Jeroboam had erected.

The Prophetic Message

The man of God arrives in Bethel as Jeroboam is standing by the altar to make an offering. He cries out against the altar, prophesying the birth of a future king, Josiah, who would desecrate the altar by burning the bones of its priests upon it (1 Kings 13:2). As a sign of the prophecy's authenticity, the altar is miraculously split apart, and its ashes are poured out (1 Kings 13:3: "That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, 'This is the sign that the LORD has spoken: Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.'").

The King's Offer and the Man of God's Refusal

Astonished and angered by the prophecy, King Jeroboam stretches out his hand to seize the man of God, but his hand withers, rendering him unable to draw it back (1 Kings 13:4). The king pleads for the man of God to intercede with the LORD to restore his hand, which the prophet does, and the king's hand is healed (1 Kings 13:6).

In gratitude, Jeroboam invites the man of God to his home for a meal and offers him a reward. However, the man of God refuses, citing a direct command from the LORD: "Even if you were to give me half your house, I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: 'You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.'" (1 Kings 13:8-9).

The Deception and Disobedience

Despite his initial obedience, the man of God is later deceived by an old prophet from Bethel. The old prophet lies, claiming an angel instructed him to bring the man of God back to his house to eat and drink. Trusting the old prophet's word over God's command, the man of God returns with him and partakes of a meal (1 Kings 13:18-19).

As a result of his disobedience, the man of God receives a dire prophecy from the LORD through the old prophet, foretelling his death. On his journey home, he is killed by a lion, a fulfillment of the word of the LORD (1 Kings 13:20-24).

Theological Implications

This narrative underscores the importance of unwavering obedience to God's commands, even in the face of persuasive deception. The man of God's initial refusal of the king's offer exemplifies steadfast faithfulness, yet his subsequent failure serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deviating from divine instructions. The account also highlights the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His word, regardless of human actions or intentions.