Topical Bible: Christian Minister: The Old Prophet of Beth-El

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Old Prophet of Bethel is a figure mentioned in the First Book of Kings, specifically in 1 Kings 13. This narrative provides a complex and cautionary tale about prophecy, obedience, and deception within the context of the divided kingdom of Israel.

Biblical Account

The account unfolds during the reign of King Jeroboam of Israel, who established Bethel as a center of idolatrous worship, setting up golden calves and appointing non-Levitical priests (1 Kings 12:28-31). In this context, a "man of God" from Judah is sent by the LORD to prophesy against the altar at Bethel. The man of God delivers a message of judgment, predicting the birth of King Josiah, who would desecrate the altar (1 Kings 13:1-2).

The Old Prophet of Bethel, whose name is not given, enters the narrative after the man of God has successfully delivered his prophecy and resisted King Jeroboam's attempts to reward him. The man of God had been instructed by the LORD not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel and to return by a different route (1 Kings 13:9).

Deception and Disobedience

The Old Prophet, upon hearing of the man of God's actions, seeks him out. He invites the man of God to his home, claiming that an angel instructed him to bring the man of God back to eat and drink. The scripture explicitly states, "But he was lying to him" (1 Kings 13:18). The man of God, swayed by the old prophet's words, disobeys the divine command and returns with him.

During the meal, the word of the LORD comes to the Old Prophet, declaring that the man of God would not return to his ancestors' tomb because of his disobedience (1 Kings 13:21-22). As foretold, the man of God is killed by a lion on his way back, and his body is left on the road, a testament to the fulfillment of the prophetic word (1 Kings 13:24).

Character and Significance

The Old Prophet of Bethel is a perplexing character. His motivations are not explicitly detailed in the text, leading to various interpretations. Some suggest he was driven by jealousy or a desire to test the authenticity of the man of God's prophecy. Others propose that he was a genuine prophet who had fallen into complacency or compromise due to the idolatrous environment of Bethel.

Theologically, the account underscores the importance of unwavering obedience to God's commands and the dangers of deception, even from those who claim spiritual authority. The Old Prophet's role as both deceiver and mouthpiece of divine judgment highlights the complexity of prophetic ministry in a time of national apostasy.

Legacy and Lessons

The narrative of the Old Prophet of Bethel serves as a sobering reminder of the need for discernment and fidelity to God's word. It illustrates the potential for spiritual leaders to err and the severe consequences of disobedience to divine instructions. The account also foreshadows the eventual reforms under King Josiah, as prophesied by the man of God, emphasizing God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word despite human failings.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 13:11-32
Now there dwelled an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken to the king, them they told also to their father.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Power "In" and "Upon. "
... I remember particularly a Christian minister there who had his head ... He was an old
minister, and he couldn't do ... family, just as much as the minister needs it in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm

Christian Behavior
... who have been astonished that a faithful minister has not ... search, as he did, this
storehouse of things new and old. ... to wit, That the heart of a Christian is a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... He had quarrelled with a Lutheran minister at Ebersdorf, had been ... As Jew and Samaritan
in days of old, so now were ... "Although our dear Christian David," he said ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... it seems by Paul, the death of a Christian for Jesus ... Christ's church, as a saint,
as a minister, and one ... to his church, as the sacrifices of old were confirming ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ...
... of this society, in the old Methodist meeting ... the seamen who attend the Bethel meeting,
convinces ... deportment highly becoming the Christian minister, and which ...
/.../chapter 10 from the close.htm

Preparing to Depart
... lady, staying in their parish of that devoted minister, Mr. Cecil ... Yes, to die is
triumph to the Christian. ... fixed on it; he finds that it is the old mantle that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 54 1908/preparing to depart.htm

Things Unknown
... than ever this last year." Then the old man said ... and there is a possibility of a
Christian becoming as ... like Robert Hall, who, when a certain minister came to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/things unknown.htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... Where the minister's sermon fails, the child's prayer may ... were no places of worship,
no Christian associations, no ... You know the old proverb, "He that would ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance.
... to Him a son, and a servant, and a minister of His ... Eight years old was I when I went
into the land ... as referring to the three orders of the Christian priesthood ...
/.../iii the testament of levi concerning.htm

Ahab and Naboth
... of England, the best days of every Christian country of ... the laws of England on those
old Ten Commandments ... judge the world in justice, and minister true judgment ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xi ahab and naboth.htm