1 Kings 13:19

but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water.

Study Bible

So the man of God
The phrase "man of God" is a title often used in the Old Testament to denote a prophet or someone who is divinely inspired and commissioned by God. In Hebrew, this is "ish ha-Elohim," which underscores the divine authority and mission of the individual. This title is significant as it highlights the man's role as a messenger of God, entrusted with delivering God's word and executing His will. The use of this title here emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the expectation of obedience to God's commands.

went back with him
The act of going back signifies a turning point in the narrative. The Hebrew root for "went back" is "shuv," which can mean to return or to turn back. This word often carries connotations of repentance or a change in direction, both physically and spiritually. In this context, it indicates a deviation from the original command given by God to the man of God, which was to not return by the same way or eat or drink in that place. This decision to go back with the old prophet marks a critical moment of disobedience and foreshadows the consequences that will follow.

ate bread in his house
Eating bread in the ancient Near Eastern culture was more than just a physical act; it was a sign of fellowship and covenant. Bread, or "lechem" in Hebrew, is a staple of life and often symbolizes sustenance and provision. By eating bread in the old prophet's house, the man of God is entering into a form of fellowship and agreement, which directly contradicts the divine command he received. This act of eating signifies a breach of the divine instruction and highlights the theme of obedience versus disobedience to God's word.

and drank water
Water, or "mayim" in Hebrew, is essential for life and often symbolizes purification and life itself. In the context of this verse, drinking water represents the completion of the act of disobedience. The man of God not only eats but also drinks, fully partaking in the hospitality offered by the old prophet. This action completes his disregard for the specific instructions given by God, emphasizing the seriousness of his disobedience. The simplicity of the act contrasts with the profound implications of ignoring God's command, serving as a reminder of the importance of adhering to divine instructions.

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, representing 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 direct command by inviting him to eat and drink at his house.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam set up a golden calf, leading Israel into idolatry.

4. The Command of God
The directive given to the man of God not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor return by the way he came.

5. The Deception
The old prophet lies to the man of God, claiming an angel instructed him to bring the man of God back to his house, leading to the man of God's disobedience.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's account underscores the importance of unwavering obedience to God's commands, even when faced with persuasive opposition.

Discernment and Testing Spirits
Believers must exercise discernment and test the spirits, as instructed in 1 John 4:1, to avoid being led astray by false teachings or deceptive influences.

Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience to God, even when influenced by others, carries serious consequences, reminding us of the need for vigilance in our spiritual walk.

The Danger of Compromise
Compromising God's instructions for the sake of convenience or persuasion can lead to spiritual downfall, as seen in the man of God's fate.

The Role of Accountability
This passage encourages believers to seek accountability and counsel from trusted, godly sources to remain steadfast in their faith journey.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the man of God's initial obedience to God's command, and how does it apply to our own lives?

2. How does the interaction between the man of God and the old prophet illustrate the need for discernment in our spiritual lives?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are not swayed by false teachings or deceptive influences in today's world?

4. How do the consequences faced by the man of God serve as a warning for us regarding the seriousness of obedience to God's word?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision to compromise your beliefs. How can this passage guide you in future situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-10
Provides context for the man of God's mission and the specific instructions he received from God.

1 Kings 13:20-24
Details the consequences of the man of God's disobedience, emphasizing the seriousness of adhering to God's commands.

Galatians 1:8
Warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what has been received, paralleling the man of God's need to adhere strictly to God's word.

Proverbs 14:12
Highlights the danger of following a path that seems right but leads to destruction, akin to the man of God's decision to trust the old prophet's lie.