1 Kings 13:18

Then the prophet replied, "I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.'" The old prophet was lying to him,

Study Bible

Then the prophet replied,
This phrase introduces the response of the old prophet from Bethel to the man of God from Judah. The term "prophet" in the Old Testament refers to someone who is believed to be a spokesperson for God, conveying His messages to the people. The context here is a confrontation between two prophets, which is significant in understanding the dynamics of prophetic authority and truth.

“I too am a prophet like you,
The old prophet claims equality in prophetic office with the man of God. This assertion is crucial as it sets the stage for the deception that follows. In the ancient Near Eastern context, prophets were often seen as having direct communication with the divine, and claiming to be a prophet could lend credibility to one's words. This claim of shared identity is a tactic to gain trust.

and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD,
The old prophet invokes divine authority by claiming an angelic message. In biblical narratives, angels are often messengers of God, delivering His commands or revelations. This claim is intended to override the original command given to the man of God. The mention of "the word of the LORD" is significant, as it is a phrase used throughout the Bible to denote divine communication, emphasizing the seriousness of the claim.

saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house,
The old prophet's invitation to return to his house is a direct contradiction to the command given to the man of God earlier in the chapter, where he was instructed not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel. This phrase highlights the test of obedience and discernment faced by the man of God. The house represents a place of hospitality but also a potential trap in this narrative.

so that he may eat bread and drink water.’”
This phrase reiterates the specific temptation presented to the man of God. Eating and drinking are basic human needs, and in the cultural context, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and acceptance. However, in this story, it symbolizes disobedience to God's explicit command. The repetition underscores the gravity of the decision the man of God must make.

The old prophet was lying to him,
This final phrase reveals the deceit of the old prophet. The narrative explicitly states the falsehood, highlighting the theme of deception and the importance of discerning truth from falsehood. This deception serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of false prophets and the need for vigilance in adhering to God's commands. It also reflects broader biblical themes of testing and the consequences of disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Old Prophet
An unnamed prophet from Bethel who deceives the man of God by claiming divine revelation.

2. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for its idolatrous practices.

4. The Deception
The old prophet lies about receiving a message from an angel, leading the man of God to disobey God's direct command.

Teaching Points

Discernment is Crucial
Believers must exercise discernment and test all spiritual claims against the truth of God's Word.

Obedience to God's Command
The account underscores the importance of adhering strictly to God's instructions, regardless of external influences.

Beware of False Prophets
Not everyone who claims to speak for God truly does; believers must be vigilant against deception.

Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience, even when deceived, can lead to dire consequences.

The Danger of Compromise
Compromising God's clear commands for convenience or persuasion can lead to spiritual downfall.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that we are discerning the truth of God's Word in our daily lives?

2. What steps can we take to test the spirits and verify the authenticity of spiritual messages we receive?

3. In what ways does the account of the man of God from Judah serve as a warning against compromising our obedience to God?

4. How can we guard ourselves against the influence of false prophets in today's world?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to obey God's command despite external pressures. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 1:8
This verse warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been preached, even if delivered by an angel, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's original message.

1 John 4:1
Encourages believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, emphasizing discernment in spiritual matters.

Proverbs 14:15
Discusses the prudence of the wise in contrast to the gullibility of the simple, relevant to the man of God's failure to discern the lie.