1 Kings 13:11-19 – Wise up, don’t be gullible!

The nameless prophet from Judah did the right thing by not accepting the invitation of Jeroboam to a meal and to receive his reward. He showed himself to be a man of character by not yielding to the subtle bribe of the king. Being obedient to God who had forewarned him of this, he left  Bethel via a different route from the one that he used to come to Bethel. First Kings 13:1-19 introduce another character, referred to as “an old prophet.”  These verses discuss his questionable deed and the response of the nameless prophet.

The old prophet heard of the nameless prophet’s exploit at the altar of Bethel from his sons. They told him everything that had happened in detail. Verse 11 said that the old prophet’s sons even related to their father the exact words the nameless prophet had said to the king concerning the Lord’s instructions to him. Immediately the old prophet inquired about the direction that the nameless prophet went. When told of the way he left, the old prophet went in search of him.

The old prophet caught up with the younger prophet resting under an oak tree. Having ascertained that he was the man his sons had told him about, he invited him to a meal. Again the prophet refused to eat with him citing what the Lord had told him. The old prophet then chose to concoct a tale to get the nameless prophet to return with him. He lied that he was directed by the Lord to bring him back for a meal. Accepting the old prophet’s words, the nameless prophet disobeyed the Lord and gullibly took the bait and went back with him for a meal.  

We are mystified by the actions of the old prophet. How could a prophet lie to get another to disobey the Lord? What could be his benefit? What was his motive? How could the nameless prophet fall for the ruse? These and many other questions raged in our minds. The text is silent and whatever answers we have to these questions, would be sanctified guesses at best. It could be that the old prophet knew the king and wanted to win his favor. Hence, he did what he did to get this nameless prophet into trouble with the Lord. Secondly, it could be that what the nameless prophet did, reveal the old prophet’s irresponsibility. If he were a godly prophet, he would have warned the king of his sinful actions and held him accountable. Apparently, he did nothing of that.

Two lessons from this passage. Firstly, whatever ministry we are entrusted by the Lord, be diligent and do our part. We must not compromise on our assignment and offer to the Lord anything less than the best. Don’t ever emulate the old prophet. Secondly, don’t be gullible, wise up and be discerning. Evaluate and ascertain every counsel before jumping headlong into action. The nameless prophet knew for sure that the Lord had told him what he must do. If another message from another person contradicts what he had heard from the Lord, it should have alerted him. He should have clarified with the Lord. He didn’t, he just gullibly followed. Wise up so that we will not fall for any ruse!