1 Kings 13:15

So the prophet said to the man of God, "Come home with me and eat some bread."

Study Bible

So the prophet said to the man of God
In this passage, the "prophet" refers to an old prophet living in Bethel, while the "man of God" is a younger prophet from Judah who had been sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel. The term "man of God" is often used in the Old Testament to describe someone who is a spokesperson for God, such as Moses (Deuteronomy 33:1) or Elijah (1 Kings 17:18). This encounter highlights the tension between true and false prophecy, a recurring theme in the Bible. The old prophet's actions raise questions about his motives and the authenticity of his message.

Come home with me
The invitation to "come home" suggests hospitality, a significant cultural value in ancient Near Eastern societies. Hospitality was a way to show respect and build relationships, often involving sharing a meal. However, in this context, the invitation carries a deeper implication. The man of God had been explicitly instructed by God not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel (1 Kings 13:9). The old prophet's invitation tests the man of God's obedience to God's command, illustrating the challenges prophets faced in remaining faithful to their divine mission.

and eat some bread.
Bread, a staple food in ancient Israel, symbolizes sustenance and fellowship. Sharing a meal was a sign of peace and acceptance. However, the man of God's refusal to eat bread in Bethel was a symbolic act of rejecting the idolatry and false worship associated with Jeroboam's altar. This phrase also foreshadows the man of God's eventual downfall due to his disobedience. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of adhering to God's instructions, even when faced with seemingly benign temptations. This theme of obedience is echoed in other scriptures, such as the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11), where Jesus resists the devil's offers by adhering to God's word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Prophet from Bethel
An old prophet living in Bethel who invites the man of God to his home. His actions and motivations are central to the unfolding events.

2. The Man of God from Judah
A prophet sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel. He is instructed by God not to eat or drink in that place.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam set up one of the golden calves, leading Israel into idolatry.

4. The Altar at Bethel
The site of idolatrous worship that the man of God prophesies against, declaring God's judgment.

5. King Jeroboam
The king of Israel who established the altar at Bethel, leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's account underscores the importance of unwavering obedience to God's commands, even when faced with persuasive voices that suggest otherwise.

Discernment in Spiritual Matters
Believers must exercise discernment, testing every spirit and message against the truth of Scripture to avoid deception.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences that can follow when God's instructions are not followed precisely.

The Influence of Others
The old prophet's influence on the man of God highlights the need for caution in whom we allow to speak into our lives, especially regarding spiritual matters.

Faithfulness in Adversity
The man of God's initial resolve to follow God's command, despite the king's offer, encourages believers to remain faithful in the face of temptation and pressure.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the man of God's initial obedience to God's command, and how can we apply this to our own lives when faced with temptation?

2. How does the account of the man of God and the old prophet illustrate the importance of discernment in our spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are not swayed by persuasive voices that contradict God's Word?

4. How does the account of 1 Kings 13:15 challenge us to consider the influence of others in our spiritual walk?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to obey or disobey God's command. What were the outcomes, and how does this passage speak to that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:9
Provides context for the man of God's mission and the divine command not to eat or drink in Bethel, highlighting the test of obedience.

1 Kings 13:18
Reveals the deception of the old prophet, who claims an angelic message to persuade the man of God to disobey God's command.

Galatians 1:8
Warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been received, paralleling the man of God's need to adhere strictly to God's word.

Proverbs 14:12
Illustrates the danger of following a path that seems right but leads to destruction, akin to the man of God's decision to trust the old prophet.

Matthew 4:4
Emphasizes the importance of living by every word that comes from the mouth of God, underscoring the man of God's initial commitment to God's command.