1 Kings 13:29

So the old prophet lifted up the body of the man of God, laid it on the donkey, and brought it back to his own city to mourn for him and bury him.

Study Bible

So the prophet
The term "prophet" here refers to the old prophet from Bethel, who plays a significant role in this narrative. In Hebrew, the word for prophet is "navi," which denotes someone who is a spokesperson for God. This old prophet, despite his earlier deception, is now acting with a sense of responsibility and respect towards the man of God. This highlights the complex nature of human character and the possibility of redemption and honor even after failure.

lifted up the body
The act of lifting up the body signifies a gesture of respect and care. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, proper burial rites were of utmost importance, reflecting one's honor and dignity. The Hebrew word for "lifted" is "nasa," which can also mean to carry or bear. This action by the prophet indicates a burden he bears, perhaps symbolically representing the weight of his earlier deceit and the consequences that followed.

of the man of God
The phrase "man of God" is a title used throughout the Old Testament to denote someone who is a servant and messenger of the Lord. In Hebrew, it is "ish ha-Elohim," emphasizing the divine calling and mission of the individual. Despite the tragic end of this man of God, his title remains a testament to his dedication and service to the Lord, reminding us of the sacredness of our calling.

laid it on the donkey
The donkey, a common beast of burden in biblical times, symbolizes humility and service. By laying the body on the donkey, the prophet is ensuring that the man of God is transported with care. This act can be seen as a metaphor for how God often uses humble means to accomplish His purposes, and it reflects the humility required in serving God's mission.

and brought it back
The act of bringing the body back signifies a return to a place of origin or significance. In this context, it suggests a return to Bethel, a city with deep spiritual and historical roots in Israel's history. This return can symbolize a restoration of honor and a final act of respect for the man of God, ensuring he is remembered in the place where he delivered God's message.

And the old prophet came to the city
The old prophet's return to the city with the body marks a moment of reflection and accountability. The city, likely Bethel, is a place of significant religious activity and history. This journey back can be seen as a pilgrimage of sorts, where the old prophet confronts the consequences of his actions and seeks to make amends.

to mourn and to bury him
Mourning and burial are profound acts of respect and closure. In Hebrew culture, mourning involves expressions of grief and lamentation, acknowledging the loss and honoring the deceased. The burial is a final act of dignity, ensuring the man of God is laid to rest with honor. This reflects the biblical principle of honoring those who have served God, even in their death, and serves as a reminder of the hope of resurrection and eternal life for those who are faithful.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah who was sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel. He disobeyed God's command not to eat or drink in the land, leading to his death by a lion.

2. The Old Prophet
An older prophet living in Bethel who deceived the man of God into disobeying God's command. Despite his deception, he later mourns and buries the man of God.

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

4. The Donkey
Used by the old prophet to transport the body of the man of God back to the city for burial.

5. The Lion
Sent by God as an instrument of judgment against the man of God for his disobedience. Remarkably, the lion did not eat the body or harm the donkey, signifying divine intervention.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's commands is paramount, even when faced with seemingly credible opposition or deception.

Discernment in Spiritual Matters
Believers must exercise discernment and seek confirmation from God, especially when receiving conflicting messages from others.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the life of the man of God.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The incident with the lion demonstrates God's control over creation and His ability to execute judgment in a way that underscores His sovereignty.

Repentance and Mourning
The old prophet's mourning for the man of God shows a recognition of wrongdoing and the need for repentance, even after the fact.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the man of God in 1 Kings 13 illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands? Reflect on a time when you faced a similar test of obedience.

2. In what ways can we develop discernment to recognize false teachings or deceptive influences in our spiritual journey?

3. How does the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, apply to the man of God's experience in 1 Kings 13?

4. What lessons can we learn from the old prophet's actions and subsequent mourning for the man of God? How can this inform our understanding of repentance?

5. How can we apply the teachings of Proverbs 3:5-6 in our daily decision-making, especially when faced with conflicting advice or guidance?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-32
Provides the full context of the man of God's mission, his disobedience, and the consequences he faced.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights the importance of obedience to God over sacrifice, paralleling the man of God's failure to obey God's direct command.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, which the man of God failed to do when he listened to the old prophet.

Matthew 7:15
Warns against false prophets, which is relevant to the old prophet's deception.

Galatians 6:7-8
Speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in the man of God's disobedience and its consequences.