1 Kings 13:16

But the man replied, "I cannot return with you or eat bread or drink water with you in this place.

Study Bible

But the man replied
This phrase introduces the response of the man of God, a prophet sent from Judah to Bethel. His reply is significant as it reflects his obedience to God's command. The man of God is unnamed, emphasizing his role as a messenger rather than his personal identity. This anonymity can be seen as a reminder that the message is more important than the messenger, a theme consistent throughout Scripture.

I cannot go home with you
The refusal to return with the old prophet highlights the man of God's commitment to the divine instructions he received. This reflects the biblical principle of obedience to God's word over human persuasion. The context here is crucial: the man of God had been explicitly commanded by God not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor return by the way he came (1 Kings 13:9). This command underscores the seriousness of his mission and the need for separation from the idolatrous practices in Bethel.

and I will not eat bread or drink water with you
Eating and drinking in the ancient Near East were acts of fellowship and covenant-making. By refusing to eat or drink, the man of God maintains his separation from the idolatrous practices of the northern kingdom under King Jeroboam. This act of refusal can be seen as a prophetic symbol of judgment against the false worship established in Bethel. It also echoes the Nazarite vow of abstaining from certain foods and drinks as a sign of dedication to God (Numbers 6:1-21).

in this place
The phrase "in this place" refers to Bethel, a significant location in Israel's history. Bethel, meaning "house of God," was originally a place of worship established by Jacob (Genesis 28:19). However, under Jeroboam, it became a center of idolatry with the establishment of a golden calf (1 Kings 12:28-29). The man of God's refusal to eat or drink there signifies a rejection of the corrupted worship practices and serves as a prophetic act against the apostasy of the northern kingdom. This highlights the theme of faithfulness to God's covenant despite cultural and religious pressures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam in Bethel. He is central to the account, demonstrating obedience to God's command.

2. The Old Prophet
An older prophet living in Bethel who deceives the man of God into disobeying God's command. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about false guidance.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam set up a golden calf, leading Israel into idolatry. It is the setting for the confrontation between the man of God and the old prophet.

4. King Jeroboam
The first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for leading Israel into idolatry. His actions prompt God's intervention through the man of God.

5. The Command of God
The divine instruction given to the man of God not to eat or drink in Bethel, symbolizing the need for complete obedience to God's word.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's initial refusal to eat or drink in Bethel exemplifies the importance of strict adherence to God's commands, even when faced with persuasive opposition.

Discernment Against Deception
The old prophet's deception serves as a warning to believers to test all teachings and guidance against the truth of Scripture, ensuring they align with God's word.

Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience, even when influenced by others, carries serious consequences, emphasizing the need for personal accountability in following God's commands.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
The account highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to convey God's truth accurately and the danger of leading others astray through false teachings.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Believers are called to remain faithful to God's instructions, even when faced with challenges or temptations that may lead them away from His path.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the man of God's initial response to the old prophet reflect his understanding of God's command, and what can we learn from his example about obedience?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of discernment from this account to our own lives, especially when faced with teachings that may contradict Scripture?

3. What are the potential consequences of disobedience to God's word, as seen in the man of God's account, and how can we guard against similar pitfalls?

4. How does the interaction between the man of God and the old prophet illustrate the importance of testing spiritual guidance against the truth of Scripture?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge to your faith or obedience to God's word. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience in light of this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 15
The account of King Saul's disobedience highlights the importance of obeying God's commands fully, similar to the man of God's initial obedience and subsequent failure.

Matthew 4
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness shows the importance of adhering to God's word, even when faced with deception or temptation, paralleling the man of God's challenge.

Galatians 1
Paul's warning against false gospels underscores the need for discernment and adherence to the true message of God, akin to the man of God's need to discern the old prophet's deception.