1 Kings 13:1-3
A man of God traveled from Judah to Bethel at the direction fo the God. He had a message to deliver. While at the celebration that Jeroboam devised in his own heart, he was burning incense on the altar. The man of God begins to offer a prophesy of one who would come named Josiah; he'd be born of the house of David. This man would come and sacrificing the priests, burn incense and burn men's bones on the altar. Then he spoke of the sign that would be offered; the altar would split in half.
This man of God prophesied Josiah 325 years prior to his reign as king (see 2 Kings 23:16 for the fulfillment).
1 Kings 13:4-7
Jereboam was not happy with the prophecy. It's fascinating that the king thought he could change the will and truth of God by killing the prophet. And yet we see the same thing today as people attempt to silence the word of God and the people of God to eliminate the conviction they feel.
Jereboam got another sign he wasn't expecting. The accusing hand that was raised against the man of God was judged; becoming withered. Then the prophecy came to pass; the altar splitting and the ashes spilling out to the ground.
Jereboam quickly changed his tune and asked this man of God to entreat the favor of the 'Lord your God'; seeking restoration of his hand. The word 'entreat' is to ask earnestly. Why didn't Jereboam say 'the Lord our God'? Why didn't he pray for him self; after all he was offering incense like a priests?
1 Kings 13:8-10
The man of God prayed and the Lord restored his hand. Jereboam now saw three great signs of God, the altar split, his hand withered and his hand restored. Jereboam offered hospitality to the man trying to quickly make a friend. But God had directed the man to decline any offer so as not to have fellowship or compromise with Jereboam's idolatry. The offer was rejected out of obedience to what the Lord directed him.
1 Kings 13:11-17
An old prophet living in Bethel heard about the young prophet. Why did he care of pursuing this young man? Why was it important to him? He went out of his way and sought out the man of God. He offered hospitality and the man told him of God's direction and declined.
1 Kings 13:18-22
Then the man said he was also a prophet of God. This made it seem okay; after all God didn't wanting him fellowshiping with idolaters; this man was a prophet. So the man of God reasoned it must be okay and he went to the old prophet's house and ate and drank with him. The man of God knew what God had said to him but the prophet said God told him different.
Imediately, while they were still at the table, the older prophet gave a prophecy to the man of God. Because of his disobedience he would received a judgment from God; his body would not be honored by being buried with his fathers. This was a disgrace and a curse.
This judgment seemed to be worse than that of Jereboam. And maybe we see a higher level of accountability on this man of God because he was known as a man of God. But also, he was sent by God, directed by God and the fell under the deceit of men.
1 Kings 13:23-34
The judgment of God came to pass right away. He was attacked and eaten by a lion along the road because he didn't obey the word of God. The old prophet recognized this as God's judgment and went to get the man's body to bury it in his own tomb. At least some of the disgrace was removed.
The man of God should have known and understood what the Lord said and held fast to it. There are so many conflicting opinion and views on God's will. It is our job to know God, know His heart and to do these things. It's somewhat amazing how quickly we can doubt what God has made clear to us. This is why it important for us to go directly to God for understanding of who He is and what's He would say to us.
Note that these prophets have no name. They are the "man of God" and the "old prophet".
©2016 Doug Ford
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