1 Kings 13:9

For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: 'You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.'"

Study Bible

For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD:
This phrase emphasizes the divine authority behind the command. The "word of the LORD" signifies a direct revelation from God, a common theme in the Old Testament where prophets receive specific instructions. This underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. The phrase also highlights the role of prophets as messengers who convey God's will, similar to Moses and Elijah, who also received direct commands from God.

You must not eat bread or drink water:
This command signifies a test of obedience and separation. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and agreement. By forbidding the man of God to eat or drink, God was instructing him to remain separate from the idolatrous practices of the Northern Kingdom under Jeroboam. This command can be seen as a type of fasting, a practice often associated with seeking God's favor or demonstrating repentance, as seen in the lives of Daniel and Jesus.

or return by the way you came.’”
The instruction not to return by the same route symbolizes a complete break from the past and a new direction in obedience to God. This can be seen as a metaphor for repentance, which involves turning away from sin and moving towards God. Theologically, it reflects the idea of transformation and renewal, themes that are echoed in the New Testament, such as in Romans 12:2, which speaks of being transformed by the renewing of the mind. The command also serves as a practical measure to avoid retracing steps that might lead to temptation or danger.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam in Bethel.

2. King Jeroboam
The ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel who led the people into idolatry.

3. Bethel
A significant religious site in Israel where Jeroboam set up a golden calf for worship.

4. The Word of the LORD
The divine command given to the man of God, emphasizing obedience to God's instructions.

5. The Return Journey
The specific instruction not to return by the same route, symbolizing a complete break from the idolatrous practices encountered.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The man of God's mission underscores the importance of strict adherence to God's instructions, even when they seem inconvenient or difficult.

The Danger of Compromise
The command not to eat or drink in Bethel serves as a warning against compromising with idolatrous practices or environments.

The Significance of the Journey
The instruction not to return by the same way symbolizes a call to transformation and a new path in obedience to God.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are called to deliver God's message faithfully, regardless of personal cost or the response of their audience.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The broader account of 1 Kings 13 illustrates the severe consequences that can follow when God's commands are not followed.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the command given to the man of God reveal about God's expectations for obedience?

2. How can we apply the principle of not returning "by the way you came" in our spiritual lives today?

3. In what ways does the account of the man of God challenge us to evaluate our own compromises with the world?

4. How does the man of God's mission in Bethel relate to the broader theme of idolatry in the Bible?

5. What lessons can we learn from the man of God's experience about the importance of discerning and following God's voice amidst conflicting messages?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Lot's wife, who was instructed not to look back at Sodom, parallels the command to the man of God not to return by the same way, emphasizing obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

Matthew 4
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness highlights the importance of adhering to God's word, as Jesus responds to each temptation with Scripture.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding aligns with the man of God's need to follow God's specific instructions without deviation.