1 Kings 13:21

and the prophet cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, "This is what the LORD says: 'Because you have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the commandment that the LORD your God gave you,

Study Bible

and the prophet cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah
The prophet here is an old prophet residing in Bethel, a city in the northern kingdom of Israel. The man of God is a prophet from Judah, the southern kingdom. This encounter highlights the division between the northern and southern kingdoms after the reign of Solomon. The old prophet's cry signifies a divine message, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. Prophets often served as God's mouthpieces, delivering messages of warning or judgment. The geographical context of Judah and Bethel underscores the political and spiritual tensions of the time, as Jeroboam, king of Israel, had established Bethel as a center of idolatrous worship.

“This is what the LORD says:
This phrase introduces a direct message from God, a common prophetic formula indicating divine authority. It underscores the role of prophets as intermediaries between God and His people. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, reminding the audience of God's sovereignty and the importance of obedience to His commands.

‘Because you have defied the word of the LORD
Defying the word of the LORD implies a serious breach of divine command. In the biblical context, obedience to God's word was paramount, and defiance often led to severe consequences. This phrase highlights the gravity of the man of God's actions, as he had been explicitly instructed by God not to eat or drink in Bethel. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience and the importance of adhering to God's instructions.

and have not kept the commandment that the LORD your God gave you,
The commandment refers to specific instructions given to the man of God, emphasizing personal responsibility in following God's directives. The phrase "the LORD your God" personalizes the relationship, reminding the man of God of his duty to remain faithful. This reflects the broader biblical theme of covenant faithfulness, where blessings and curses are contingent upon obedience to God's laws. The failure to keep the commandment serves as a warning to all believers about the consequences of straying from God's path.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God from Judah
A prophet sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam. He is central to the account as he initially obeys God's command but later disobeys.

2. The Old Prophet from Bethel
An older prophet who deceives the man of God from Judah, leading to his disobedience. His role is pivotal in the unfolding of the events.

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 LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and commands through prophets.

5. King Jeroboam
The first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for leading Israel into idolatry.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's account highlights the importance of complete obedience to God's commands. Partial obedience or deviation, even under the influence of others, can lead to dire consequences.

Discernment Against Deception
Believers must exercise discernment, especially when others claim to speak for God. The old prophet's deception serves as a warning to test all teachings against Scripture.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience to God, even by His chosen messengers, results in judgment. This underscores the seriousness of adhering to God's instructions.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are God's mouthpieces, and their messages must align with God's revealed word. The account warns against false prophets who may lead others astray.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human failure, God's purposes prevail. The man of God's fate serves as a reminder of God's sovereign justice and the fulfillment of His word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the man of God from Judah challenge us to evaluate our own obedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways can we guard against deception and ensure that we are following true teachings according to Scripture?

3. What are some modern-day examples of situations where believers might be tempted to compromise their obedience to God?

4. How does the account of 1 Kings 13:21 illustrate the importance of discernment in spiritual matters?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between obeying God's word and following the influence of others. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it apply to your life today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-10
Provides context for the man of God's initial obedience and the miraculous sign given to Jeroboam.

1 Kings 13:11-32
Details the deception by the old prophet and the consequences of the man of God's disobedience.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Discusses the importance of adhering to God's commands and the danger of false prophets.

Galatians 1:8-9
Emphasizes the importance of adhering to the true gospel and the danger of being led astray by false teachings.