1 Kings 13:17

For it was said to mee by the word of the Lord, Thou shalt eate no bread, nor drinke water there, nor turne againe to go by the way that thou camest. 1 Kings 13:17 (KJV)

This verse is part of a larger narrative in 1 Kings 13, which tells the story of an unnamed prophet from Judah who was sent by God to deliver a message to King Jeroboam of the northern kingdom of Israel. The prophet was given specific instructions by God regarding his mission.

Context: At this point in the story, the prophet had confronted King Jeroboam and delivered God’s message of judgment against the altar of false worship that the king had set up in Bethel. The prophet’s message predicted the destruction of the altar and the deaths of the false priests who served there.

Divine Instructions: In verse 9, God commanded the prophet, saying, “For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.” The prophet was given strict instructions not to eat or drink anything in the land and not to return the same way he came.

Obedience and Deception: In verse 15 the prophet refused the king’s invitation to dine with him, fulfilling God’s command not to eat or drink in the land. However, an old prophet from Bethel lied to the man of God, claiming that an angel had instructed him to bring the prophet back to his house to eat and drink.

Disobedience and Consequences: In verse 17 the prophet shared his experience with the old prophet, telling him about the commandment he received from God. The old prophet responded by saying that an angel had spoken to him as well, instructing him to bring the prophet back to his house. Unfortunately, the prophet from Judah believed the lie and went back with the old prophet to eat and drink in his house.

God’s Judgment: As a result of his disobedience, God pronounced judgment upon the prophet from Judah through the old prophet. In verse 21 the old prophet revealed that God was angry with the prophet from Judah for disobeying His commandment. As a consequence, the prophet from Judah would die, and he was later buried in the field of the man of war because no one would carry his corpse (see verses 22‑23).

This passage serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obeying God’s instructions fully and not being deceived by false words, even from those claiming to speak on God’s behalf. It highlights the consequences that can come from compromising our obedience to God’s specific commands. It is important for believers to discern the voice of God and verify any additional messages or instructions they receive against what God has already revealed in His Word. This story reminds us of the need for discernment and unwavering obedience to God’s commands in our lives.