1 Reis 13

1 Reis 13

Meyer - 1 Kings 13:21–22 Forasmuch as thou hast been disobedient,... but camest back. (R. V.) We are inclined at first sight to pity this unknown prophet, and to justify his return; but as we look closer into the story, we not only discover the reason for the severe penalty that overtook him, but we are warned lest we make a similar mistake. When we have received a direct command fresh from the lips of Christ, we must act on it, and not be turned aside by a different suggestion, made to us through the lips of professing Christians. God does not vacillate or alter in the thing which proceeds from His mouth. When we know we are in the line of His purpose, we must not allow ourselves to be diverted by any appeal or threat, from whomsoever it may emanate. Deal with God at first-hand. The rule for determining the true worth of the advice which our friends proffer us, is to ask, first, whether it conflicts with our own deep-seated conviction of God’s will; and, secondly, whether it tends to the ease and satisfaction of the flesh, as the old prophet’s suggestion certainly did. Beware of any one who allures you with the bread and water that are to break your fast. That bait is likely enough to disturb the balance of your judgment. When a voice says spare thyself, be on the alert; it savors the things that be of man, not of those that be of God. Learn to deal with God at first-hand. Do not run hither and thither to human teachers, or to the Church. Be still before God, and what He says in the depths of thy soul, do. His Holy Spirit shall guide you into all truth; and when once His way has been revealed to thee, go straight on, listening to no other voice, however much it professes Divine inspiration. 1 Kings 13:22 but have returned and eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which He said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water”; your body shall not come to the grave of your fathers.’” eaten: 1Ki 13:19 of the: 1Ki 13:9 carcase: 1Ki 13:30 14:13 2Ch 21:19,20 Isa 14:18-20 Jer 22:18,19 PROPHECY OF A DISHONORABLE BURIAL But have returned and eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which He said to you, “Eat no bread and drink no water Even a prophet of God is not exempt from the results of disobedience. Your body shall not come to the grave of your father - This is judgment from the LORD and means that he would not receive an honorable burial in the family tomb. This was highly significant in ancient Israelite culture for being buried with one's ancestors was a mark of honor, continuity, and legacy. R. D. Patterson: Because the man of God had disobeyed the full counsel of God, he would not be buried in the tomb of his father; this meant that he would meet a violent death along the way home (vv. 21-22). (See Expositor's Bible Commentary - Abridged Edition - Page 50) 1 Kings 13:23 It came about after he had eaten bread and after he had drunk, that he saddled the donkey for him, for the prophet whom he had brought back. PREPARATION FOR LAST RIDE AFTER LAST MEAL! It came about after he had eaten bread and after he had drunk, that he (the old prophet) saddled the donkey for him, for the prophet whom he had brought back - The old prophet knew what the fate of the man of God would soon be! 1 Kings 13:24 Now when he had gone, a lion met him on the way and killed him, and his body was thrown on the road, with the donkey standing beside it; the lion also was standing beside the body. a lion: 1Ki 20:36 2Ki 2:24 Pr 22:13 26:13 Am 5:19 1Co 11:31,32 1Pe 4:17,18 A SUPERNATURAL LION ASSAULT Now when he had gone, a lion met him on the way and killed him, and his body was thrown on the road, with the donkey standing beside it; the lion also was standing beside the body. Even though the older prophet lied, God still held the younger prophet personally responsible for obeying His command. This underscores a key biblical principle: Each person is accountable for their own obedience to God, no matter who tries to lead them astray. Though the punishment seems harsh, it emphasizes how seriously God takes obedience—especially among His chosen messengers. THOUGHT - Is there a touch of irony here as Peter warns us about "Be of sober spirit (nepho in aorist imperative - speaks of urgent need = "Just Do It!" and see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey), be on the alert (gregoreuo in aorist imperative - aorist speaks of urgent need = "Just Do It!" and see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey). Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.." (1 Peter 5:8+) You may not be an OT prophet but you can be certain the devil (his minions) is prowling around seeking to deceive you today! Oh Father in Heaven, how we continually need Your Holy Spirit to enable holy alertness and vigilance that we might not be seduced by lies from the world, the flesh and the devil. In Jesus' Saving Name. Amen.