1 Kings 13:19

but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water.

Study Bible

but the man of God went back with him
The "man of God" refers to a prophet sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam. This phrase highlights the prophet's decision to return with the old prophet, despite having received a direct command from God not to eat or drink in that place. This act of disobedience is significant, as it demonstrates the human tendency to be swayed by persuasive words, even when they contradict divine instructions. The old prophet's deception serves as a reminder of the importance of discernment and obedience to God's word. This incident can be compared to the temptation of Eve in Genesis 3, where deception leads to disobedience.

ate bread in his house
Eating bread in the old prophet's house symbolizes fellowship and acceptance, which the man of God was explicitly instructed to avoid. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a sign of covenant and agreement. By eating bread, the man of God inadvertently aligns himself with the old prophet's actions, which were contrary to God's command. This act of eating can be seen as a breach of the divine command, similar to how the Israelites were warned against making covenants with the inhabitants of the Promised Land (Exodus 23:32).

and drank water
Drinking water, like eating bread, signifies sustenance and hospitality. The man of God's decision to drink water in the old prophet's house further emphasizes his disobedience to God's specific instructions. Water, often a symbol of life and purity in the Bible, here becomes a symbol of compromise and disobedience. This act can be contrasted with Jesus' refusal to turn stones into bread during His temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:3-4), where He remained obedient to God's word despite physical need.

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, representing 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 direct command by inviting him to eat and drink at his house.

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

4. The Command of God
The directive given to the man of God not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor return by the way he came.

5. The Deception
The old prophet lies to the man of God, claiming an angel instructed him to bring the man of God back to his house, leading to the man of God's disobedience.

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 opposition.

Discernment and Testing Spirits
Believers must exercise discernment and test the spirits, as instructed in 1 John 4:1, to avoid being led astray by false teachings or deceptive influences.

Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience to God, even when influenced by others, carries serious consequences, reminding us of the need for vigilance in our spiritual walk.

The Danger of Compromise
Compromising God's instructions for the sake of convenience or persuasion can lead to spiritual downfall, as seen in the man of God's fate.

The Role of Accountability
This passage encourages believers to seek accountability and counsel from trusted, godly sources to remain steadfast in their faith journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the man of God's initial obedience to God's command, and how does it apply to our own lives?

2. How does the interaction between the man of God and the old prophet illustrate the need for discernment in our spiritual lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are not swayed by false teachings or deceptive influences in today's world?

4. How do the consequences faced by the man of God serve as a warning for us regarding the seriousness of obedience to God's word?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to compromise your beliefs. How can this passage guide you in future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-10
Provides context for the man of God's mission and the specific instructions he received from God.

1 Kings 13:20-24
Details the consequences of the man of God's disobedience, emphasizing the seriousness of adhering to God's commands.

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
Highlights 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's lie.