1 Kings 13:21

and the prophet cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, "This is what the LORD says: 'Because you have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the commandment that the LORD your God gave you,

Study Bible

and he cried out
The phrase "and he cried out" indicates a sense of urgency and authority. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "קָרָא" (qara), which means to call out, proclaim, or summon. This reflects the seriousness of the message being delivered. The act of crying out is often associated with prophetic declarations in the Old Testament, emphasizing the divine origin and importance of the message. It is a reminder of the role of prophets as God's mouthpieces, delivering His word with power and conviction.

to the man of God
The term "man of God" is a title used throughout the Old Testament to describe prophets or individuals who are in close relationship with God and serve as His representatives. In Hebrew, it is "אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים" (ish ha-Elohim). This title underscores the divine authority and responsibility bestowed upon the individual. The man of God in this context is a prophet sent from Judah, highlighting the cross-tribal communication and the unity of God's message across the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah.

who had come from Judah
This phrase situates the man of God geographically and culturally. Judah, the southern kingdom, was known for its association with the Davidic line and the temple in Jerusalem. The prophet's origin from Judah may symbolize a connection to the Davidic covenant and the centrality of Jerusalem in worship. It also sets the stage for the tension between the northern and southern kingdoms, as the prophet's message challenges the practices in the northern kingdom under King Jeroboam.

This is what the LORD says
This phrase is a common prophetic formula, "כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה" (ko amar Yahweh), used to introduce a divine message. It asserts the authority of the message as coming directly from God, not from human invention. The use of the covenant name "Yahweh" emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of God with His people. It serves as a reminder that the words spoken are not merely human opinions but carry the weight of divine command.

Because you have defied the word of the LORD
The word "defied" in Hebrew is "מָרָה" (marah), meaning to rebel or disobey. This highlights the gravity of the prophet's actions in ignoring God's explicit instructions. The "word of the LORD" refers to the divine command given to the prophet, which he was expected to follow without deviation. This phrase underscores the importance of obedience to God's word, a central theme throughout Scripture, where blessings and curses are often contingent upon adherence to God's commands.

and have not kept the command
The phrase "have not kept" uses the Hebrew verb "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to guard, observe, or give heed. It implies a failure to protect or uphold the divine instruction. The "command" refers to the specific directive given by God, which in this narrative, the prophet failed to observe. This serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting God's instructions, emphasizing the need for vigilance and faithfulness in following God's will.

that the LORD your God gave you
This phrase personalizes the relationship between God and the prophet, using "your God" to emphasize the covenant relationship. The verb "gave" in Hebrew is "צִוָּה" (tzivah), meaning to command or appoint. It indicates that the command was not arbitrary but divinely ordained for a specific purpose. This highlights the personal responsibility of the prophet to adhere to God's instructions and serves as a reminder of the intimate relationship between God and His chosen messengers. The narrative warns of the dangers of straying from God's path and the importance of obedience in maintaining a right relationship with Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God from Judah
A prophet sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam. He is central to the account as he initially obeys God's command but later disobeys.

2. The Old Prophet from Bethel
An older prophet who deceives the man of God from Judah, leading to his disobedience. His role is pivotal in the unfolding of the events.

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

4. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who communicates His will and commands through prophets.

5. King Jeroboam
The first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, known for leading Israel into idolatry.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Word
The man of God's account highlights the importance of complete obedience to God's commands. Partial obedience or deviation, even under the influence of others, can lead to dire consequences.

Discernment Against Deception
Believers must exercise discernment, especially when others claim to speak for God. The old prophet's deception serves as a warning to test all teachings against Scripture.

The Consequences of Disobedience
The account illustrates that disobedience to God, even by His chosen messengers, results in judgment. This underscores the seriousness of adhering to God's instructions.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets are God's mouthpieces, and their messages must align with God's revealed word. The account warns against false prophets who may lead others astray.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
Despite human failure, God's purposes prevail. The man of God's fate serves as a reminder of God's sovereign justice and the fulfillment of His word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the man of God from Judah challenge us to evaluate our own obedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways can we guard against deception and ensure that we are following true teachings according to Scripture?

3. What are some modern-day examples of situations where believers might be tempted to compromise their obedience to God?

4. How does the account of 1 Kings 13:21 illustrate the importance of discernment in spiritual matters?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a choice between obeying God's word and following the influence of others. What did you learn from that experience, and how can it apply to your life today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-10
Provides context for the man of God's initial obedience and the miraculous sign given to Jeroboam.

1 Kings 13:11-32
Details the deception by the old prophet and the consequences of the man of God's disobedience.

Deuteronomy 13:1-5
Discusses the importance of adhering to God's commands and the danger of false prophets.

Galatians 1:8-9
Emphasizes the importance of adhering to the true gospel and the danger of being led astray by false teachings.