The Old Prophet from Bethel is a figure mentioned in the First Book of Kings, specifically in 1 Kings 13. His account is intertwined with that of a "man of God" from Judah, who is sent by the LORD to prophesy against the altar at Bethel, which King Jeroboam had erected for idolatrous worship.

Biblical Account:

The narrative begins with the man of God arriving at Bethel as Jeroboam stands by the altar to burn incense. The man of God cries out against the altar, prophesying that a future king, Josiah, will desecrate it by burning the bones of its priests upon it (1 Kings 13:2). As a sign, the altar is split apart, and its ashes are poured out (1 Kings 13:3).

King Jeroboam, angered by the prophecy, stretches out his hand to seize the man of God, but his hand withers, and he is unable to draw it back. The king pleads for the man of God to intercede with the LORD, and his hand is restored (1 Kings 13:4-6). Despite the king's offer of hospitality and reward, the man of God refuses, citing the LORD's command not to eat bread or drink water in that place, nor return by the way he came (1 Kings 13:8-9).

The Old Prophet from Bethel enters the account after his sons recount the events to him. He seeks out the man of God and invites him to his home. Initially, the man of God declines, reiterating the LORD's command. However, the Old Prophet deceives him 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 false prophecy, returns with the Old Prophet and eats in his house.

While they are eating, the word of the LORD comes to the Old Prophet, declaring that the man of God will not be buried in the tomb of his fathers because he disobeyed the LORD's command (1 Kings 13:20-22). After leaving Bethel, the man of God is killed by a lion, and his body is left on the road, with the lion and his donkey standing beside it (1 Kings 13:24).

The Old Prophet retrieves the body, mourns for the man of God, and buries him in his own tomb, instructing his sons to bury him beside the man of God when he dies (1 Kings 13:29-31). The Old Prophet acknowledges the truth of the man of God's prophecy concerning the altar at Bethel (1 Kings 13:32).

Theological and Moral Implications:

The account of the Old Prophet from Bethel raises significant theological and moral questions. It highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the dangers of deception, even from those who claim to speak for God. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from divine instructions and the complexities of prophetic ministry.

The Old Prophet's actions, whether motivated by jealousy, curiosity, or a desire to test the man of God, result in tragic consequences. His deception leads to the death of the man of God, yet he also shows a measure of respect and remorse by ensuring the man of God receives a proper burial.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The account takes place during the divided monarchy, a period marked by religious and political turmoil. Jeroboam's establishment of alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan was a direct challenge to the centralization of worship in Jerusalem, leading to widespread idolatry and apostasy in the northern kingdom of Israel.

The Old Prophet's presence in Bethel, a center of idolatrous worship, underscores the spiritual decline of the time. Despite his status as a prophet, his actions reveal the complexities and challenges faced by those called to speak for God in a context of widespread unfaithfulness.

Legacy:

The account of the Old Prophet from Bethel and the man of God from Judah continues to be a subject of reflection and discussion among theologians and biblical scholars. It serves as a reminder of the need for discernment, the perils of false prophecy, and the enduring call to faithfulness in the face of temptation and deceit.