The account of the burial and mourning by the old prophet is found in 1 Kings 13, a chapter that narrates the encounter between a man of God from Judah and an old prophet from Bethel. This account is set during the reign of King Jeroboam, who led Israel into idolatry by establishing golden calves at Bethel and Dan (1 Kings 12:28-30).

Context and Background

The man of God from Judah was sent by the LORD to prophesy against the altar at Bethel, declaring that a future king, Josiah, would desecrate it (1 Kings 13:1-2). This prophecy was accompanied by a sign: the altar was split apart, and its ashes poured out (1 Kings 13:3). King Jeroboam, witnessing this, attempted to seize the prophet, but his hand withered, only to be restored after the prophet's intercession (1 Kings 13:4-6).

The man of God had been instructed by the LORD not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor return by the way he came (1 Kings 13:9). However, the old prophet from Bethel deceived him, claiming an angel had instructed him to bring the man of God to his home to eat and drink (1 Kings 13:18). The man of God, swayed by the old prophet's words, disobeyed the LORD's command.

The Burial

After the man of God had eaten and drunk, the word of the LORD came to the old prophet, declaring that the man of God would not be buried in the tomb of his fathers (1 Kings 13:21-22). As the man of God departed, a lion met him on the road and killed him, leaving his body on the road with the lion and the donkey standing beside it (1 Kings 13:24).

Upon hearing of the incident, the old prophet retrieved the body of the man of God. He placed it on his donkey and brought it back to Bethel, where he mourned over him, saying, "Alas, my brother!" (1 Kings 13:29-30). The old prophet then laid the man of God's body in his own tomb, and they mourned over him, fulfilling the prophecy that he would not be buried in the tomb of his fathers.

Significance of Mourning

The mourning by the old prophet is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates a recognition of the man of God's true calling and the gravity of his message, despite the old prophet's earlier deception. The lament, "Alas, my brother!" indicates a sense of kinship and respect for the man of God, acknowledging his role as a servant of the LORD.

Secondly, the burial in the old prophet's own tomb signifies an act of honor and repentance. By providing a proper burial, the old prophet seeks to rectify, in part, the wrong he had done. This act also serves as a testament to the truth of the man of God's prophecy, as the old prophet instructs his sons to bury him beside the man of God when he dies, affirming the validity of the message delivered (1 Kings 13:31-32).

Theological Implications

The narrative underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, highlighting the consequences of deviation, even when misled by others. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of false prophecy and the need for discernment. The account also illustrates God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word, as the events unfold precisely as foretold.

In the broader context of Scripture, this account reflects the ongoing struggle between true worship and idolatry in Israel's history, emphasizing the need for faithfulness to God's covenant. The burial and mourning by the old prophet thus serve as a poignant reminder of the cost of disobedience and the enduring truth of God's word.