1 Kings 13:15

So the prophet said to the man of God, "Come home with me and eat some bread."

Study Bible

Then the prophet
This phrase refers to an old prophet living in Bethel. The Hebrew word for prophet, "navi," indicates someone who is a spokesperson for God. However, in this context, the old prophet's actions are questionable, as he later deceives the man of God. This highlights the complexity of human nature and the need for discernment, even among those who claim to speak for God.

said to the man of God
The "man of God" is a title used for a prophet or someone who is divinely inspired. In this narrative, the man of God had been sent from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar King Jeroboam had erected. This title emphasizes his divine mission and the authority of his message, reminding us of the importance of obedience to God's commands.

Come home with me
This invitation seems hospitable and kind, yet it is laden with ulterior motives. The Hebrew culture highly valued hospitality, but this invitation serves as a test of the man of God's obedience to God's specific instructions. It underscores the theme of temptation and the need to remain steadfast in following God's directives.

and eat some bread
Bread, in biblical times, was a staple of life and often symbolized fellowship and covenant. The offer to eat bread together suggests a desire for communion and relationship. However, the man of God had been instructed by God not to eat or drink in that place, making this offer a direct challenge to his obedience. This phrase serves as a reminder of the subtle ways in which we can be led astray from God's path, even through seemingly innocent gestures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Prophet from Bethel
An old prophet living in Bethel who invites the man of God to his home. His actions and motivations are central to the unfolding events.

2. The Man of God from Judah
A prophet sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel. He is instructed by God not to eat or drink in that place.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam set up one of the golden calves, leading Israel into idolatry.

4. The Altar at Bethel
The site of idolatrous worship that the man of God prophesies against, declaring God's judgment.

5. King Jeroboam
The king of Israel who established the altar at Bethel, leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's account underscores the importance of unwavering obedience to God's commands, even when faced with persuasive voices that suggest otherwise.

Discernment in Spiritual Matters
Believers must exercise discernment, testing every spirit and message against the truth of Scripture to avoid deception.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The account serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences that can follow when God's instructions are not followed precisely.

The Influence of Others
The old prophet's influence on the man of God highlights the need for caution in whom we allow to speak into our lives, especially regarding spiritual matters.

Faithfulness in Adversity
The man of God's initial resolve to follow God's command, despite the king's offer, encourages believers to remain faithful in the face of temptation and pressure.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the man of God's initial obedience to God's command, and how can we apply this to our own lives when faced with temptation?

2. How does the account of the man of God and the old prophet illustrate the importance of discernment in our spiritual journey?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are not swayed by persuasive voices that contradict God's Word?

4. How does the account of 1 Kings 13:15 challenge us to consider the influence of others in our spiritual walk?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to obey or disobey God's command. What were the outcomes, and how does this passage speak to that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:9
Provides context for the man of God's mission and the divine command not to eat or drink in Bethel, highlighting the test of obedience.

1 Kings 13:18
Reveals the deception of the old prophet, who claims an angelic message to persuade the man of God to disobey God's command.

Galatians 1:8
Warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been received, paralleling the man of God's need to adhere strictly to God's word.

Proverbs 14:12
Illustrates the danger of following a path that seems right but leads to destruction, akin to the man of God's decision to trust the old prophet.

Matthew 4:4
Emphasizes the importance of living by every word that comes from the mouth of God, underscoring the man of God's initial commitment to God's command.