1 Kings 13:18

Then the prophet replied, "I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, 'Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.'" The old prophet was lying to him,

Study Bible

Then the prophet replied
This phrase introduces a significant moment in the narrative, where a prophet, who is later revealed to be deceitful, speaks to the man of God. The Hebrew word for "prophet" here is "נָבִיא" (navi), which traditionally denotes someone who is a spokesperson for God. This sets up an expectation of truth and divine communication, which is subverted in this context. Historically, prophets held a revered position in Israelite society, often serving as intermediaries between God and the people. This highlights the gravity of the deception that follows.

I too am a prophet like you
The phrase "I too am a prophet" is a claim of shared identity and authority. The deceitful prophet uses this assertion to establish credibility and trust. The Hebrew word "כָּמוֹךָ" (kamokha) means "like you," suggesting equality or similarity. This is a strategic move to lower the defenses of the man of God. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the danger of false prophets, a recurring theme in the Bible, where discernment is necessary to distinguish true messengers of God from impostors.

and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD
Here, the deceitful prophet claims divine revelation, invoking an "angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh) as the source of his message. In biblical terms, angels are messengers of God, and their involvement typically signifies a message of great importance. The phrase "by the word of the LORD" (בִּדְבַר יְהוָה, bidvar Yahweh) is a powerful assertion, as it implies that the message is directly from God. This claim is designed to add weight and authority to the deceitful prophet's words, making the lie more convincing.

saying, 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.'
The instruction to "bring him back" is a direct contradiction to the command given to the man of God earlier in the chapter. The Hebrew words for "eat bread and drink water" (לֶחֶם וָמַיִם, lechem v'mayim) are simple yet significant, as they represent sustenance and hospitality, common cultural practices in ancient Israel. However, in this context, they symbolize disobedience to God's explicit command. This highlights the subtlety of the deception, as it cloaks disobedience in the guise of normal, even virtuous, behavior.

But he was lying to him
This phrase reveals the true nature of the deceitful prophet's message. The Hebrew word for "lying" (כִּזֵּב, kizev) indicates falsehood and deception. This stark revelation serves as a cautionary note about the presence of falsehood even among those who claim to speak for God. In the broader biblical narrative, this underscores the importance of discernment and obedience to God's word above all else. The man of God's failure to adhere strictly to God's command results in dire consequences, serving as a sobering reminder of the cost of disobedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Old Prophet
An unnamed prophet from Bethel who deceives the man of God by claiming divine revelation.

2. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for its idolatrous practices.

4. The Deception
The old prophet lies about receiving a message from an angel, leading the man of God to disobey God's direct command.

Teaching Points

Discernment is Crucial
Believers must exercise discernment and test all spiritual claims against the truth of God's Word.

Obedience to God's Command
The account underscores the importance of adhering strictly to God's instructions, regardless of external influences.

Beware of False Prophets
Not everyone who claims to speak for God truly does; believers must be vigilant against deception.

Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience, even when deceived, can lead to dire consequences.

The Danger of Compromise
Compromising God's clear commands for convenience or persuasion can lead to spiritual downfall.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we ensure that we are discerning the truth of God's Word in our daily lives?

2. What steps can we take to test the spirits and verify the authenticity of spiritual messages we receive?

3. In what ways does the account of the man of God from Judah serve as a warning against compromising our obedience to God?

4. How can we guard ourselves against the influence of false prophets in today's world?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to obey God's command despite external pressures. What did you learn from that experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Galatians 1:8
This verse warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been preached, even if delivered by an angel, highlighting the importance of adhering to God's original message.

1 John 4:1
Encourages believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God, emphasizing discernment in spiritual matters.

Proverbs 14:15
Discusses the prudence of the wise in contrast to the gullibility of the simple, relevant to the man of God's failure to discern the lie.