Topical Encyclopedia The account of the Old Prophet is found in 1 Kings 13, a chapter that vividly illustrates the theme of deception within the biblical narrative. This account unfolds during the reign of King Jeroboam in the northern kingdom of Israel, a time marked by idolatry and disobedience to God.Context and Background Jeroboam, the first king of the divided northern kingdom, had established a system of idol worship to prevent his subjects from returning to Jerusalem in the southern kingdom of Judah. He set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, leading Israel into sin (1 Kings 12:28-30). In response to this apostasy, God sent a man of God from Judah to Bethel to deliver a prophetic message against the altar Jeroboam had erected. The Man of God and His Mission The man of God, whose name is not recorded, arrived in Bethel and prophesied against the altar, declaring that a future king named Josiah would desecrate it (1 Kings 13:2). As a sign of the prophecy's authenticity, the altar was split apart, and its ashes poured out (1 Kings 13:3). When King Jeroboam attempted to seize the man of God, his hand withered, only to be restored after the man of God prayed for him (1 Kings 13:4-6). The Command and the Deception God had given the man of God specific instructions: he was not to eat bread, drink water, or return by the way he came (1 Kings 13:9). After delivering his message, he began his journey home by a different route. However, an old prophet living in Bethel heard of the events and sought out the man of God. The old prophet invited him to his home to eat and drink, but the man of God initially refused, citing God's command (1 Kings 13:15-17). The old prophet then deceived the man of God by claiming that an angel had spoken to him, instructing him to bring the man of God back to his house (1 Kings 13:18). Trusting the old prophet's words, the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house. The Consequences of Deception While they were at the table, the word of the LORD came to the old prophet, declaring that the man of God would not return to the tomb of his fathers because he had disobeyed God's command (1 Kings 13:20-22). After leaving the old prophet's house, the man of God was killed by a lion on the road, a tragic consequence of his disobedience (1 Kings 13:24). The old prophet retrieved the body of the man of God and buried him in his own tomb, mourning over him and instructing his sons to bury him beside the man of God when he died (1 Kings 13:29-31). Theological Implications The account of the Old Prophet and the man of God serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of deception and the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands. It highlights the responsibility of God's messengers to remain faithful to His word, regardless of external influences or seemingly authoritative voices. The narrative also underscores the reality of divine judgment and the serious consequences of disobedience, even when it results from deception. This account challenges believers to discern truth from falsehood and to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's revealed will, recognizing that even those who appear to be spiritual authorities can lead others astray. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 13:18He said to him, I am a prophet also as you are; and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied to him. Nave's Topical Index Library Faith of Sinners in Prayer The Growth of the Old Testament Prophetic Histories Elijah, the Praying Prophet God's Curse on Sin. Naaman Instructions to Catechumens. The Sovereignty of God in Operation Contention Over the Man Born Blind. Desolation of the Earth Recognitions of Clement. Resources Who is the false prophet of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does Satan look like? What do demons look like? | GotQuestions.org Is it true that fear is a liar? | GotQuestions.org Deception: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Deception in Representing to Their Father That Joseph had been Destroyed by Wild Beasts Deception: Abraham, in Stating That Sarah Was his Sister Deception: Amnon Deceives Tamar by Feigning Sickness Deception: Ananias and Sapphira Deception: David Feigns Madness Deception: Delilah Deceives Samson Deception: Ehud Deceives Eglon, and Kills Him Deception: Hushai Deceives Absalom Deception: Isaac, in Stating That his Wife Was his Sister Deception: Jacob and Rebekah, in Imposing Jacob on his Father, and Jacob's Impersonating Esau Deception: Jacob's Sons, in Entrapping the Shechemites Deception: Joseph, in his Ruse With his Brothers Deception: Sanballat Tries to Deceive Nehemiah Deception: The Gibeonites, in Misrepresenting Their Habitat Deception: when he Avenged his Sister Deception: when he Began his Conspiracy Self-Deception: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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