1 Kings 13:16

But the man replied, "I cannot return with you or eat bread or drink water with you in this place.

Study Bible

But he replied
This phrase introduces the response of the man of God, indicating a dialogue. The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which often implies a thoughtful or deliberate response. In the context of 1 Kings 13, this reply is significant as it reflects the man of God's commitment to God's command, despite external temptations. This highlights the importance of obedience and discernment in the life of a believer, emphasizing that our responses should be rooted in divine instruction rather than human persuasion.

I cannot return with you
The phrase underscores the man of God's firm resolve. The Hebrew word for "cannot" is לֹא (lo), a strong negation, indicating an absolute refusal. This reflects the seriousness with which the man of God regards the divine command he received. Historically, this moment is pivotal, as it demonstrates the tension between divine command and human interaction. It serves as a reminder to Christians to prioritize God's instructions over social or relational pressures.

nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place
This part of the verse highlights the specific prohibitions given to the man of God. The Hebrew words for "eat" (אָכַל, akal) and "drink" (שָׁתָה, shatah) are common verbs, but their use here signifies a deeper spiritual discipline. The prohibition against eating and drinking in this context is symbolic of maintaining spiritual purity and separation from idolatrous practices. Archaeologically, this reflects the cultural practices of the time, where sharing a meal often signified fellowship and agreement. For the man of God, abstaining was a way to remain untainted by the idolatry of the Northern Kingdom, reminding believers today of the call to be in the world but not of it.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam in Bethel. He is central to the account, demonstrating obedience to God's command.

2. The Old Prophet
An older prophet living in Bethel who deceives the man of God into disobeying God's command. His actions serve as a cautionary tale about false guidance.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam set up a golden calf, leading Israel into idolatry. It is the setting for the confrontation between the man of God and the old prophet.

4. King Jeroboam
The first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for leading Israel into idolatry. His actions prompt God's intervention through the man of God.

5. The Command of God
The divine instruction given to the man of God not to eat or drink in Bethel, symbolizing the need for complete obedience to God's word.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's initial refusal to eat or drink in Bethel exemplifies the importance of strict adherence to God's commands, even when faced with persuasive opposition.

Discernment Against Deception
The old prophet's deception serves as a warning to believers to test all teachings and guidance against the truth of Scripture, ensuring they align with God's word.

Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience, even when influenced by others, carries serious consequences, emphasizing the need for personal accountability in following God's commands.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
The account highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to convey God's truth accurately and the danger of leading others astray through false teachings.

Faithfulness in Adversity
Believers are called to remain faithful to God's instructions, even when faced with challenges or temptations that may lead them away from His path.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the man of God's initial response to the old prophet reflect his understanding of God's command, and what can we learn from his example about obedience?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of discernment from this account to our own lives, especially when faced with teachings that may contradict Scripture?

3. What are the potential consequences of disobedience to God's word, as seen in the man of God's account, and how can we guard against similar pitfalls?

4. How does the interaction between the man of God and the old prophet illustrate the importance of testing spiritual guidance against the truth of Scripture?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a challenge to your faith or obedience to God's word. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience in light of this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 15
The account of King Saul's disobedience highlights the importance of obeying God's commands fully, similar to the man of God's initial obedience and subsequent failure.

Matthew 4
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness shows the importance of adhering to God's word, even when faced with deception or temptation, paralleling the man of God's challenge.

Galatians 1
Paul's warning against false gospels underscores the need for discernment and adherence to the true message of God, akin to the man of God's need to discern the old prophet's deception.