1 Kings 13:11

Now a certain old prophet was living in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told their father the words that the man had spoken to the king.

Study Bible

Now an old prophet
The phrase introduces a character who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding narrative. The Hebrew word for "prophet" is "navi," which denotes someone who is a spokesperson for God. The term "old" suggests experience and possibly wisdom, but as the account unfolds, it also hints at a potential for complacency or compromise. In the context of Israel's divided kingdom, prophets were crucial in guiding the people back to God, yet this prophet's actions reveal the complexity of human motives and the danger of straying from divine truth.

was living in Bethel
Bethel, meaning "House of God," was a significant location in Israel's history, originally a place of worship established by Jacob (Genesis 28:19). However, by the time of 1 Kings, it had become a center of idolatry under King Jeroboam, who set up golden calves there (1 Kings 12:28-29). The presence of a prophet in such a place underscores the tension between true worship and idolatry, highlighting the challenges faced by those called to speak God's truth in a compromised environment.

and his sons came and told him
The involvement of the prophet's sons suggests a family dynamic that is integral to the narrative. In ancient Israel, family was the primary unit of social and religious life. The sons' role as informants indicates their awareness of the spiritual events occurring around them, yet it also raises questions about their spiritual discernment and the influence of their father. This detail invites reflection on the importance of spiritual legacy and the responsibility of passing down faith and truth to the next generation.

all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel
The "man of God" is a term used to describe a true prophet, one who acts under divine authority. His deeds in Bethel were acts of obedience to God's command, serving as a direct challenge to the idolatrous practices established by Jeroboam. This highlights the theme of divine intervention and the power of God's word to confront and call for repentance. The phrase emphasizes the importance of faithful action in the face of widespread apostasy.

They also told their father the words that he had spoken to the king
The words spoken to the king were a prophetic message of judgment, a common role of prophets in the Old Testament. This detail underscores the authority and courage required to deliver God's message to those in power, regardless of the personal cost. It also reflects the biblical principle that God's word is not bound by human authority and will accomplish its purpose (Isaiah 55:11). The sons' report to their father sets the stage for the ensuing events, highlighting the ripple effect of prophetic ministry and the responsibility of those who hear God's word to respond appropriately.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Old Prophet
An unnamed prophet residing in Bethel, who becomes a central figure in the account by interacting with the man of God.

2. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for its religious and historical importance. It was a center of idol worship during this period.

3. Sons of the Old Prophet
They serve as messengers, relaying the actions and words of the man of God to their father.

4. Man of God
A prophet from Judah who delivers a message from God to King Jeroboam and performs miraculous signs.

5. King Jeroboam
The ruler of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, who is confronted by the man of God for his idolatry.

Teaching Points

Discernment in Spiritual Matters
The account highlights the importance of discernment, especially when receiving messages that claim to be from God. Believers must test the spirits and seek confirmation through Scripture and prayer.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The man of God's eventual disobedience to God's command serves as a cautionary tale about the serious consequences of straying from God's instructions.

The Influence of Others
The account illustrates how others can influence our spiritual journey, for better or worse. It is crucial to surround ourselves with godly counsel and remain steadfast in our convictions.

The Role of Prophets
This passage invites reflection on the role and responsibility of prophets, both in biblical times and today, emphasizing the need for integrity and truthfulness.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human failings, God's plans and purposes prevail. The fulfillment of prophecy in later chapters underscores God's sovereign control over history.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the setting of Bethel contribute to the events in 1 Kings 13, and what lessons can we learn about the dangers of idolatry?

2. In what ways does the old prophet's interaction with the man of God challenge us to be discerning about the messages we receive?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, especially when faced with conflicting advice?

4. What does this passage teach us about the influence of others on our spiritual journey, and how can we ensure that we are surrounded by godly influences?

5. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in 2 Kings 23 reinforce our understanding of God's sovereignty, and how can this assurance impact our faith today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides context for the idolatry in Bethel, as Jeroboam sets up golden calves for worship, leading to the events in 1 Kings 13.

2 Kings 23
Describes King Josiah's reforms, which include the destruction of the altar at Bethel, fulfilling the prophecy given by the man of God.

Jeremiah 23
Warns against false prophets, which can be related to the old prophet's deceptive actions later in the chapter.

Matthew 7
Jesus warns about false prophets, emphasizing the need for discernment, which is relevant to the account of 1 Kings 13.