Topical Encyclopedia The account of the "Lying Prophet of Bethel" is found in 1 Kings 13, a chapter that presents a complex narrative involving prophecy, obedience, and deception. This account is set during the reign of King Jeroboam I of Israel, a time marked by idolatry and religious apostasy following the division of the united monarchy.Context and Background Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, established Bethel as one of the centers of worship, setting up golden calves and appointing non-Levitical priests (1 Kings 12:28-31). This was a direct violation of God's commandments, as it led the people into idolatry. In response, God sent a "man of God" from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message of judgment against the altar Jeroboam had erected. The Man of God from Judah The man of God, whose name is not mentioned, 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, the altar was miraculously split apart, and its ashes poured out (1 Kings 13:3: "That day the man of God gave a sign, saying, 'This is the sign that the LORD has spoken: Surely the altar will be split apart, and the ashes upon it will be poured out.'"). King Jeroboam, angered by the prophecy, stretched out his hand to seize the man of God, but his hand withered, and he could not draw it back (1 Kings 13:4). After the man of God prayed for him, Jeroboam's hand was restored, yet the king did not turn from his evil ways. The Deceptive Prophet of Bethel The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the introduction of an old prophet living in Bethel. Upon hearing of the man of God's actions, this old prophet sought him out. The man of God had been instructed by God not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel and to return to Judah by a different route (1 Kings 13:9). However, the old prophet deceived him by claiming that an angel had instructed him to bring the man of God back to his house to eat and drink (1 Kings 13:18: "But the old prophet answered, 'I too am a prophet like you. And an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.'' But he was lying to him."). Tragically, the man of God believed the lie and returned with the old prophet. As a result of his disobedience to God's direct command, the man of God was later killed by a lion on his way back to Judah (1 Kings 13:24). Theological Implications The account of the lying prophet of Bethel serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's word and the dangers of deception. It highlights the responsibility of God's messengers to adhere strictly to His instructions, regardless of external influences or seemingly authoritative claims. The narrative also underscores the reality of false prophets and the need for discernment among God's people. The account raises questions about the motives of the old prophet and the nature of prophetic authority. It illustrates that even those who hold positions of spiritual influence can fall into deception and lead others astray. This account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from God's commands and the necessity of testing all teachings against the truth of Scripture. Conclusion The account of the lying prophet of Bethel is a complex and multifaceted narrative that offers profound lessons on obedience, deception, and the nature of true prophecy. It calls believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to God's word and to exercise discernment in the face of false teachings. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Jadon the Prophet was Persuaded by Another Lying Prophet and ... The Antiquities of the Jews The Kingdom of Judah. The Call of Elisha Preparation for Advent The Prophet Amos. The Prophet Hosea. The Kingdom of Samaria. Hosea and Joel. Kings Resources What does the Bible say about a false witness? | GotQuestions.orgCan God lie? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about cheating in school? | GotQuestions.org Lying: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lying: A Characteristic of the Apostasy Lying: False Prophets Addicted To Lying: False Witnesses Addicted To Lying: Folly of Concealing Hatred By Lying: Leads to Love of Impure Conversation Lying: Often Accompanied by Gross Crimes Lying: Saints: Pray to be Preserved From Lying: Saints: Reject Those Who Practise Lying: Saints: Respect not Those Who Practise Lying: The Devil Excites Men To Lying: The Devil, the Father of Lying: The Evil of Rulers Hearkening To Lying: The Wicked: Addicted To, from Their Infancy Lying: The Wicked: Bring Forth Lying: The Wicked: Give Heed To Lying: The Wicked: Prepare Their Tongues For Lying: They Who are Guilty of, Shall be Cast Into Hell Lying: Vanity of Getting Riches By Related Terms |
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