1 Kings 13:17

For I have been told by the word of the LORD: 'You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.'"

Study Bible

For I have been told by the word of the LORD:
This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine origin of the message received by the prophet. In the Old Testament, the "word of the LORD" often signifies a direct revelation from God, underscoring the seriousness and sacredness of the command. This reflects the prophetic tradition where God's instructions are conveyed to His chosen messengers. The phrase also highlights the importance of obedience to God's word, a recurring theme throughout Scripture, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:3 and Matthew 4:4, where reliance on God's word is paramount.

‘You must not eat bread or drink water there:
This command signifies a prohibition against partaking in the hospitality of the place, which in this context is Bethel. Bethel was a center of idolatrous worship under King Jeroboam, who set up golden calves there (1 Kings 12:28-29). The prohibition can be seen as a symbolic act of separation from the idolatry and corruption present in the land. It also serves as a test of the prophet's obedience and faithfulness to God's specific instructions, reminiscent of the Nazarite vow in Numbers 6, which included abstaining from certain foods and drinks as a sign of dedication to God.

or return by the way you came.’”
This instruction to take a different route back can be interpreted as a symbolic act of complete separation from the sinful practices of Bethel. It also serves as a practical measure to avoid any potential influence or temptation to disobey God's command. The directive to not return by the same way may also signify a new beginning or a transformation, akin to the concept of repentance, which involves turning away from sin and not returning to former ways. This idea is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to live transformed lives (Romans 12:2).

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 and later disobedience to God's command.

2. King Jeroboam
The ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel, who established idol worship in Bethel, leading the people away from the worship of Yahweh.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the northern kingdom where Jeroboam set up a golden calf, turning it into a center of idolatry.

4. The Old Prophet
An unnamed prophet living in Bethel who deceives the man of God, leading to his disobedience.

5. The Word of the LORD
The divine command given to the man of God, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's initial obedience highlights the importance of adhering strictly to God's commands, even when faced with contrary advice or pressure.

The Danger of Deception
The account warns believers about the potential for deception, even from seemingly trustworthy sources, and the need for discernment.

Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience to God's word, regardless of the reason, can lead to severe consequences.

The Importance of Discernment
Believers must seek wisdom and discernment to recognize and resist false teachings or misleading counsel.

Faithfulness in Adversity
The man of God's journey and mission remind us of the need to remain faithful to God's calling, even when it leads us into challenging or hostile environments.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the man of God's experience in 1 Kings 13:17 challenge us to evaluate the sources of advice and counsel we receive?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are discerning and obedient to God's word in our daily lives, especially when faced with conflicting messages?

3. Reflect on a time when you faced a situation similar to the man of God, where obedience to God's word was tested. How did you respond, and what did you learn?

4. How can the account of the man of God and the old prophet inform our understanding of spiritual warfare and the tactics of deception?

5. What practical steps can we take to strengthen our trust in God's word and avoid the pitfalls of disobedience and deception?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3
The deception of the man of God by the old prophet parallels the deception of Eve by the serpent, highlighting the theme of temptation and disobedience.

Matthew 4
Jesus' temptation in the wilderness contrasts with the man of God's failure, as Jesus remains obedient to God's word despite temptation.

Proverbs 3:5-6
The call to trust in the Lord and not lean on one's own understanding is relevant to the man of God's situation, where reliance on God's word was crucial.