1 Kings 13:14

and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, "Are you the man of God who came from Judah?" "I am," he replied.

Study Bible

and went after the man of God
The phrase "went after" indicates a deliberate pursuit, suggesting urgency and intent. The "man of God" is a title often used in the Old Testament to denote a prophet or someone who speaks on behalf of God. In Hebrew, "man of God" is "ish ha-Elohim," emphasizing the divine authority and mission bestowed upon the individual. This pursuit reflects the seriousness with which the old prophet from Bethel regarded the message and actions of the man of God, highlighting the weight of divine communication in Israel's history.

He found him sitting under an oak tree
The oak tree, or "elah" in Hebrew, is significant in biblical narratives as a place of rest, reflection, or divine encounter. Oaks were often landmarks and places of shade in the ancient Near East, symbolizing strength and endurance. The man of God sitting under the oak may imply a moment of contemplation or vulnerability after his prophetic mission. This setting underlines the humanity of the prophet, who, despite his divine mission, requires rest and reflection.

and asked, 'Are you the man of God who came from Judah?'
The question posed by the old prophet is direct and seeks confirmation of identity and origin. Judah, the southern kingdom, was distinct from the northern kingdom of Israel, where Bethel was located. This geographical distinction is crucial, as it underscores the division within the Israelite nation and the significance of a prophet crossing these boundaries to deliver God's message. The inquiry reflects a recognition of the authority and authenticity associated with the man of God's mission.

'I am,' he replied
The response "I am" is a simple yet profound affirmation of identity. In Hebrew, "ani" is used, which is a straightforward declaration of self. This acknowledgment by the man of God confirms his role and the divine commission he carries. It echoes the biblical theme of identity and mission, reminiscent of God's self-identification to Moses as "I AM" (Exodus 3:14), though on a human level. This response sets the stage for the unfolding events, emphasizing the prophet's acceptance of his divine role and the responsibilities it entails.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel. His identity is not given, emphasizing his role as a messenger of God rather than his personal attributes.

2. The Old Prophet
An older prophet living in Bethel who seeks out the man of God. His actions later in the chapter reveal a complex character who tests the man of God's obedience to God's command.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam set up a golden calf as an object of worship, leading Israel into idolatry.

4. The Oak Tree
The place where the man of God rests, symbolizing a moment of vulnerability and transition in the account.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom from which the man of God originates, representing the remnant of true worship in contrast to the idolatry in Israel.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's mission underscores the importance of adhering strictly to God's instructions, even when faced with opposition or deception.

Discernment in Spiritual Matters
The encounter with the old prophet illustrates the necessity of discerning truth from falsehood, especially when others claim to speak for God.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The account warns of the dangers and consequences of deviating from God's commands, as seen in the man of God's eventual fate.

Rest and Vulnerability
The man of God resting under the oak tree serves as a reminder of our human vulnerabilities and the need for spiritual vigilance.

God's Sovereignty and Fulfillment of Prophecy
Despite human failures, God's purposes and prophecies are ultimately fulfilled, as seen in the later reforms of King Josiah.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the man of God's initial obedience, and how can we apply this to our own lives when God calls us to deliver a difficult message?

2. How does the interaction between the man of God and the old prophet challenge us to be discerning about the voices we listen to in our spiritual journey?

3. In what ways does the setting of Bethel, as a place of idolatry, reflect the spiritual challenges we face today, and how can we remain faithful in such environments?

4. How does the man of God's rest under the oak tree symbolize moments of vulnerability in our lives, and what steps can we take to remain spiritually vigilant?

5. Considering the eventual fulfillment of the man of God's prophecy in 2 Kings 23, how does this encourage us to trust in God's timing and sovereignty, even when we do not see immediate results?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides context for the idolatry in Bethel, where Jeroboam established false worship practices, setting the stage for the man of God's mission.

2 Kings 23
Describes King Josiah's reforms, which fulfill the prophecy given by the man of God, demonstrating the long-term impact of his obedience and message.

Matthew 7:15-20
Warns about false prophets, paralleling the old prophet's deceptive actions and highlighting the need for discernment.