The account of the death of the man of God is found in 1 Kings 13, a chapter that presents a profound narrative about obedience, prophecy, and divine judgment. This account unfolds during the reign of King Jeroboam in the northern kingdom of Israel, a time marked by idolatry and apostasy.

Context and Background

The man of God, whose name is not mentioned, is sent from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD to deliver a prophetic message against the altar that King Jeroboam had erected for idol worship. This altar was part of Jeroboam's broader effort to establish a separate religious identity for the northern kingdom, distinct from the worship centered in Jerusalem.

The Prophetic Message

Upon arriving at Bethel, the man of God proclaims a prophecy against the altar, declaring, "O altar, altar, thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, a son shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and upon you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and human bones shall be burned on you’” (1 Kings 13:2). This prophecy foretells the future actions of King Josiah, who would indeed fulfill these words as recorded in 2 Kings 23:15-20.

Signs and Wonders

To authenticate his message, the man of God provides a sign: the altar is split apart, and its ashes are poured out. When King Jeroboam attempts to seize the man of God, his hand withers, but it is later restored at the man of God's intercession. Despite witnessing these miraculous signs, Jeroboam does not turn from his idolatrous ways.

The Deceptive Prophet

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when an old prophet from Bethel deceives the man of God. Despite being instructed by God not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, the man of God is persuaded by the old prophet to return to his house and eat. The old prophet falsely claims that an angel instructed him to bring the man of God back, leading to the man of God's disobedience.

Divine Judgment

As a consequence of his disobedience, the man of God receives a message from the LORD through the old prophet, declaring that he will not be buried in the tomb of his fathers. On his journey back, a lion meets and kills him, yet the lion does not devour the body nor harm the donkey, serving as a sign of divine judgment. The old prophet retrieves the body and mourns for the man of God, burying him in his own tomb.

Theological Implications

The death of the man of God serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands. It underscores the seriousness with which God views His instructions and the consequences of deviating from them, even for a prophet. The narrative also highlights the dangers of deception and the need for discernment, as the man of God was led astray by the false words of another prophet.

Legacy and Fulfillment

The prophecy concerning Josiah is fulfilled approximately three centuries later, demonstrating the enduring truth of God's word. The account of the man of God thus serves as both a warning and a testament to the faithfulness of God's promises, even amidst human failure and disobedience.