The narrative of the Old Prophet and the Man of God is found in 1 Kings 13, a chapter that presents a profound and cautionary tale 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 spiritual decline.

The Man of God

The "Man of God" is an unnamed prophet from Judah, sent by God to Bethel to deliver a message of judgment against King Jeroboam's altar. The altar was a symbol of Jeroboam's idolatrous practices, as he had established golden calves in Bethel and Dan to prevent the Israelites from worshiping in Jerusalem (1 Kings 12:28-30). The Man of God boldly proclaims, "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 would be fulfilled centuries later by King Josiah (2 Kings 23:15-20).

As a sign of the prophecy's authenticity, the altar is miraculously split apart, and its ashes are poured out (1 Kings 13:3-5). When King Jeroboam attempts to seize the Man of God, his hand withers, only to be restored after the prophet intercedes with God (1 Kings 13:4-6).

The Old Prophet

The "Old Prophet" resides in Bethel, a city now steeped in idolatry. Upon hearing of the Man of God's deeds, he seeks him out, motivated by curiosity or perhaps a desire to test the authenticity of the divine message. The Old Prophet invites the Man of God to his home, but the Man of God initially refuses, citing God's command: "You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came" (1 Kings 13:9).

However, the Old Prophet deceives the Man of God by claiming that an angel instructed him to bring the Man of God back to his house to eat and drink (1 Kings 13:18). The Man of God, swayed by the Old Prophet's lie, disobeys God's direct command and returns with him.

Divine Judgment

While they are dining, the word of the LORD comes to the Old Prophet, who then delivers a true prophecy of judgment against the Man of God: "Because you have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the command that the LORD your God gave you, but you went back and ate bread and drank water in the place where He told you not to eat or drink, your body shall not be buried in the tomb of your fathers" (1 Kings 13:21-22).

After leaving Bethel, the Man of God is killed by a lion, a divine act that underscores the seriousness of his disobedience (1 Kings 13:24). The lion and the donkey stand beside the body, a miraculous sign that confirms the judgment was from God (1 Kings 13:25-28).

Theological Implications

This narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of obedience to God's word, even in the face of conflicting messages from others, including those who claim prophetic authority. The Man of God's failure to adhere strictly to God's command, despite the Old Prophet's deception, highlights the necessity of discernment and unwavering faithfulness to divine instructions.

The account also reflects the complexity of prophetic ministry in Israel, where true and false prophecies coexisted, and the consequences of failing to discern between them were severe. The Old Prophet's role, while enigmatic, illustrates the potential for human fallibility and deception within the prophetic office.

In summary, the account of the Old Prophet and the Man of God is a powerful narrative that underscores the themes of obedience, prophecy, and divine judgment, serving as a timeless lesson for believers in their walk of faith.