Topical Encyclopedia The term "offense" in the biblical context often refers to a stumbling block or cause of sin, leading individuals away from righteousness. In the narrative of the Old Prophet found in 1 Kings 13, we encounter a complex situation where offense plays a significant role.Context and Narrative The account of the Old Prophet is set during the reign of King Jeroboam in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam, having established a new religious system to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem, erected altars and golden calves at Bethel and Dan. In response, God sent a man of God from Judah to Bethel to prophesy against the altar (1 Kings 13:1-2). The man of God delivered his message, and as a sign, the altar was split apart. King Jeroboam attempted to seize him, but his hand withered, only to be restored after the man of God prayed for him (1 Kings 13:3-6). The king invited the man of God to his home, but he refused, citing God's command not to eat or drink in that place and to return by a different route (1 Kings 13:7-10). The Old Prophet's Deception An old prophet living in Bethel heard of these events and sought out the man of God. He invited him to his home, claiming that an angel had instructed him to bring the man of God back to eat and drink. The old prophet lied, and the man of God, swayed by this deception, returned with him (1 Kings 13:11-19). During the meal, the word of the Lord came to the old prophet, declaring that the man of God would not return to his ancestors' tomb because he had disobeyed God's command. After leaving, the man of God was killed by a lion, fulfilling the prophecy (1 Kings 13:20-24). Analysis of Offense The old prophet's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the nature of offense and deception. His lie led the man of God to disobey a direct command from the Lord, resulting in severe consequences. This narrative highlights several key themes: 1. Deception as an Offense: The old prophet's false claim of divine revelation was a significant offense, misleading the man of God and causing him to sin. This underscores the importance of discernment and adherence to God's word, even when faced with seemingly authoritative figures. 2. Consequences of Disobedience: The man of God's fate illustrates the seriousness of disobedience to God's commands. Despite his initial faithfulness, his failure to adhere to God's instructions due to the old prophet's deception led to his untimely death. 3. Responsibility and Accountability: Both the old prophet and the man of God bear responsibility in this narrative. The old prophet's offense in lying and the man of God's failure to remain steadfast in God's command demonstrate the dual nature of accountability in spiritual matters. 4. The Role of Prophets: This account also reflects on the role and integrity of prophets. The old prophet, despite his past, became a stumbling block, contrasting with the true prophetic mission of guiding others toward God. Conclusion The account of the Old Prophet in 1 Kings 13 serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for offense within the community of faith. It calls believers to vigilance, discernment, and unwavering commitment to God's word, recognizing the profound impact of deception and disobedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 13:18-26He said to him, I am a prophet also as you are; and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied to him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Faustus Abhors Moses for the Awful Curse He Has Pronounced Upon ... The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ... John vi. 41, 42 Instructions to Catechumens. The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... Law and Grace. How Amaziah Made an Expedition against the Edomites and Amalekites ... The Ugly Thread in the Weaving. That David Made Great Preparations for the House of God; and That ... The Greatest Trial on Record Resources How can I learn to not take offense at little things? | GotQuestions.orgHow and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about political correctness? Should a Christian be politically correct? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
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