1 Kings 13:7

Then the king said to the man of God, "Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward."

Study Bible

Then the king said
This phrase introduces the response of King Jeroboam, who had just witnessed a miraculous sign from God through the man of God. The Hebrew word for "king" is "melek," which signifies a ruler or one with authority. In the context of Israel's history, Jeroboam was the first king of the northern kingdom after the division of Israel. His invitation reflects a moment of vulnerability and perhaps an attempt to align himself with the divine power he had just witnessed.

to the man of God
The "man of God" is a term used throughout the Old Testament to describe a prophet or someone who speaks on behalf of God. In Hebrew, "ish ha-Elohim" emphasizes the divine calling and authority bestowed upon this individual. This title underscores the man's role as a messenger of God's will, highlighting the sacred duty and the divine message he carries.

Come home with me
This invitation from the king can be seen as an attempt to extend hospitality, a valued cultural practice in ancient Near Eastern societies. However, it also suggests a deeper motive, possibly to curry favor or to neutralize the prophetic message by associating the man of God with the king's own household. The Hebrew culture placed great importance on hospitality, but this invitation carries the weight of potential compromise.

and refresh yourself
The phrase "refresh yourself" implies offering rest and sustenance. In Hebrew, the concept of refreshment often involves physical nourishment and rest, which are essential for the well-being of travelers and those engaged in strenuous activities. Spiritually, this can symbolize the need for renewal and strength in one's journey of faith, yet it also presents a test of the prophet's obedience to God's command.

and I will give you a reward
The offer of a "reward" suggests a transactional relationship, which contrasts with the selfless nature of true prophetic ministry. In Hebrew, the word for reward, "matanah," can mean a gift or present, often implying a form of compensation. This offer challenges the integrity of the man of God, as accepting it could imply that his prophetic actions were motivated by personal gain rather than divine obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King
This refers to King Jeroboam of Israel, who had established idol worship in Bethel and Dan to prevent his people from going to Jerusalem.

2. The Man of God
An unnamed prophet sent by God from Judah to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar Jeroboam had set up.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel where Jeroboam set up one of the golden calves for worship, contrary to God's commandments.

4. The Altar
The altar at Bethel, which was the focal point of Jeroboam's idolatrous practices and the subject of the man of God's prophecy.

5. The Event
The man of God prophesied against the altar, and as a sign, the altar was split apart. King Jeroboam's hand, which he stretched out against the prophet, was miraculously restored after he pleaded with the man of God.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Command
The man of God initially obeyed God's command to prophesy against the altar, demonstrating the importance of obedience to God's word.

Discernment and Integrity
The king's offer of hospitality and reward tests the prophet's integrity. Believers must discern and remain steadfast in their commitment to God's instructions, even when faced with enticing offers.

The Danger of Compromise
The man of God's later decision to disobey God's explicit command (not to eat or drink in Bethel) serves as a warning against compromising one's convictions.

God's Sovereignty and Judgment
The miraculous events surrounding the altar and the king's hand underscore God's power and authority over human affairs.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The man of God's eventual fate (not detailed in this verse but later in the chapter) highlights the serious consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

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?

2. How does the king's offer to the man of God reflect the temptations we face today, and what strategies can we use to resist them?

3. In what ways does the account of the man of God illustrate the importance of discernment in our spiritual journey?

4. How does the account of the man of God and King Jeroboam demonstrate God's sovereignty and the certainty of His judgment?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between obedience to God and a tempting offer. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it inform your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 12
Provides context for Jeroboam's establishment of idol worship in Bethel and Dan, setting the stage for the events of 1 Kings 13.

2 Kings 23
Describes King Josiah's reforms, which included the fulfillment of the prophecy given by the man of God against the altar at Bethel.

Deuteronomy 13
Warns against false prophets and emphasizes the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands, relevant to the man of God's later disobedience.

Matthew 4
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, where He resists the devil's offers, contrasts with the man of God's later failure to adhere to God's command.