Then the old prophet instructed his sons, "Saddle the donkey for me." So they saddled it, Then the old prophet instructed his sons,The "old prophet" refers to a prophet residing in Bethel, distinct from the man of God from Judah. This prophet's actions and motivations are complex, as he previously deceived the man of God, leading to the latter's disobedience and subsequent death. The presence of his sons indicates a family involved in prophetic activities, which was not uncommon in ancient Israel. Prophets often had disciples or family members who assisted them, as seen with Elisha and the sons of the prophets (2 Kings 2:3-5). “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled it, Persons / Places / Events 1. The Old ProphetAn older prophet living in Bethel who deceives the man of God from Judah. He plays a crucial role in the account by misleading the man of God, which leads to the latter's disobedience and subsequent death. 2. The Man of God from Judah A prophet sent by God to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar King Jeroboam had set up. His journey and actions are central to the events of 1 Kings 13. 3. Bethel A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam established a center of idol worship, contrary to God's commandments. 4. The Sons of the Old Prophet They serve as messengers and assistants to their father, the old prophet, and are involved in saddling the donkey. 5. The Donkey An animal used for transportation, symbolizing the readiness and willingness to act upon the old prophet's instructions. Teaching Points Discernment in Spiritual MattersThe man of God's failure to discern the truth from the old prophet's lie serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking God's guidance and testing the spirits. Consequences of Disobedience The account illustrates that disobedience to God's direct commands, even when influenced by others, leads to severe consequences. The Role of Accountability The old prophet's actions remind us of the responsibility we have in guiding others truthfully and the impact of our words and actions on their spiritual journey. God's Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy Despite human failure, God's plans and prophecies are ultimately fulfilled, as seen in the later fulfillment of the man of God's prophecy by King Josiah. The Importance of Repentance and Correction The account encourages believers to repent and seek correction when they have strayed from God's path, emphasizing God's mercy and willingness to restore. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the interaction between the old prophet and the man of God from Judah illustrate the need for spiritual discernment in our lives today?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are following God's commands rather than being misled by others, even those who appear to be spiritual authorities? 3. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's expectations? 4. How can we hold ourselves and others accountable to the truth of God's Word in our communities? 5. What steps can we take to align our actions with God's will, especially when faced with conflicting messages or teachings? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 13:1-32The broader account of the man of God from Judah, his prophecy, and his disobedience, which provides context for verse 27. 2 Kings 23:15-18 Josiah's reforms, which fulfill the prophecy given by the man of God from Judah, demonstrating the long-term impact of his message. Proverbs 14:12 Highlights the danger of following one's own understanding, as seen in the man of God's decision to heed the old prophet's false words. Galatians 1:8-9 Warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been received, paralleling the man of God's error in accepting the old prophet's lie.
People David, Jeroboam, JosiahPlaces Bethel, SamariaTopics Ass, Donkey, Ready, Saddle, Saddled, Saying, Sons, Spake, Speaketh, SpokeDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 13:23-29Library Whether Christ Took Flesh of the Seed of David?Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not take flesh of the seed of David. For Matthew, in tracing the genealogy of Christ, brings it down to Joseph. But Joseph was not Christ's father, as shown above ([4138]Q[28], A[1], ad 1,2). Therefore it seems that Christ was not descended from David. Objection 2: Further, Aaron was of the tribe of Levi, as related Ex. 6. Now Mary the Mother of Christ is called the cousin of Elizabeth, who was a daughter of Aaron, as is clear from Lk. 1:5,36. Therefore, … Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Interpretation of Prophecy. And Yet, by Reason of that Affection of the Human Heart... The Prophet Hosea. Paul's Departure and Crown; Kings Links 1 Kings 13:27 NIV1 Kings 13:27 NLT 1 Kings 13:27 ESV 1 Kings 13:27 NASB 1 Kings 13:27 KJV 1 Kings 13:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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