1 Kings 13:11

KJV

¶ Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel; and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also to their father.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now there dwelt {H3427} an {H259} old {H2205} prophet {H5030} in Bethel {H1008}; and his sons {H1121} came {H935} and told {H5608} him all the works {H4639} that the man {H376} of God {H430} had done {H6213} that day {H3117} in Bethel {H1008}: the words {H1697} which he had spoken {H1696} unto the king {H4428}, them they told {H5608} also to their father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now there lived an old prophet in Beit-El; and one of his sons came and told him all the things the man of God had done that day in Beit-El; also they told their father what he had said to the king.

Berean Standard Bible

Now a certain old prophet was living in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the deeds that the man of God had done that day in Bethel. They also told their father the words that the man had spoken to the king.

American Standard Version

Now there dwelt an old prophet in Beth-el; and one of his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Beth-el: the words which he had spoken unto the king, them also they told unto their father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:11 introduces a pivotal character, an "old prophet" residing in Bethel, a city deeply corrupted by King Jeroboam's idolatry. His sons report to him the extraordinary events of the day: the miraculous works performed by the unnamed "man of God" from Judah against Jeroboam's altar, including its splitting and the king's hand withering and being restored, as well as the powerful words spoken to the king. This seemingly innocuous report sets the stage for a tragic encounter that will test the man of God's obedience and discernment, ultimately highlighting the dangers of spiritual compromise and deception.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic confrontation between the unnamed man of God from Judah and King Jeroboam at the idolatrous altar in Bethel. The man of God had delivered a stern prophecy against the altar, which was miraculously confirmed by its splitting and the king's hand withering and then being restored, as detailed in [1 Kings 13:1-6](/1_kings/13-1-6 "1 Kings 13:1-6 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar and Miraculous Confirmation"). Crucially, the man of God was under a strict divine command not to eat or drink in Bethel and to return by a different way, a command explicitly stated in [1 Kings 13:8-9](/1_kings/13-8-9 "1 Kings 13:8-9 - The Man of God's Strict Command"). The introduction of the "old prophet" and his sons' detailed report directly sets up the subsequent narrative, where the old prophet will deceitfully tempt the man of God to violate this divine command, leading to the latter's tragic demise, as recounted in [1 Kings 13:18-24](/1_kings/13-18-24 "1 Kings 13:18-24 - The Deception and Death of the Man of God").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Bethel, one of the two centers of idolatry established by King Jeroboam I after the division of the kingdom. Jeroboam, fearing that his people would return to Jerusalem to worship Yahweh and thus shift their allegiance back to the Davidic dynasty, set up golden calves in Bethel and Dan, an act of profound theological and political apostasy described in [1 Kings 12:26-30](/1_kings/12-26-30 "1 Kings 12:26-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry"). The presence of an "old prophet" in Bethel, a place now synonymous with idolatry and false worship, immediately raises questions about his spiritual integrity and alignment with Yahweh's true covenant. Prophets in ancient Israel served as God's spokespersons, but their authority and authenticity were often tested, especially in times of widespread apostasy, making the old prophet's residence a significant detail.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God and the Old Prophet") and the broader narrative of the divided kingdom. It highlights the pervasive nature of **spiritual compromise** and **apostasy** in the Northern Kingdom, even among those who might claim a prophetic calling. The swift reporting by the sons underscores the **public nature of divine judgment** and the man of God's powerful **prophetic authority**, which could not be ignored. Most significantly, it introduces the theme of **deception** and the crucial importance of **unwavering obedience to God's specific commands**, even when faced with seemingly legitimate spiritual counsel. The contrast between the obedient "man of God" and the ambiguous "old prophet" foreshadows a profound **test of discernment** that will have fatal consequences for the man of God, as seen in [1 Kings 13:24](/1_kings/13-24 "1 Kings 13:24 - The Lion Kills the Man of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Old (Hebrew, _zâqên'_ H2205):** This adjective describes the prophet as "aged" or "elder." While suggesting experience, in this context, combined with his residence in Bethel, it also hints at a prophet who has perhaps grown complacent or compromised over time within a spiritually corrupt environment, contrasting with the immediate, fresh commission of the man of God from Judah.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nâbîyʼ'_ H5030):** This term denotes an inspired person, a spokesperson for God. The fact that he is called a "prophet" yet resides in Bethel, a center of idolatry, immediately creates a tension. Unlike the "man of God" (a more specific, honorific title), his designation as merely "prophet" leaves his spiritual integrity open to question, setting the stage for his deceptive actions.
* **Bethel (Hebrew, _Bêyth-ʼÊl'_ H1008):** Meaning "House of God," Bethel held profound historical significance as a place where Jacob encountered God ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")). However, by Jeroboam's time, it had become a primary center for the idolatrous worship of golden calves ([1 Kings 12:29](/1_kings/12-29 "1 Kings 12:29 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). The irony of a "prophet" dwelling in this corrupted "House of God" is palpable, underscoring the spiritual decay in Israel and subtly hinting at the old prophet's own compromised spiritual state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now there dwelt an old prophet in Bethel":** This clause introduces a new character crucial to the unfolding narrative. His description as "old" suggests a certain established presence or experience, but his residence "in Bethel," a city steeped in Jeroboam's idolatry, immediately raises questions about his spiritual allegiance and integrity. It hints at a prophet who has perhaps compromised or become complacent within a spiritually corrupt environment, contrasting with the direct divine commission of the man of God from Judah.
* **"and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel":** This highlights the public and undeniable nature of the man of God's miraculous actions. The "works" refer to the splitting of the altar and the withering and subsequent restoration of Jeroboam's hand, powerful demonstrations of Yahweh's judgment and the man of God's divine authority. The sons' report indicates that these events were widely observed and discussed, reaching even the household of the old prophet, making him fully aware of the divine intervention.
* **"the words which he had spoken unto the king, them they told also unto their father":** This emphasizes that not only the miraculous deeds but also the specific prophetic message delivered to King Jeroboam were relayed. This includes the condemnation of the altar and the prediction of its future destruction by a king named Josiah ([1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy of Josiah")). The old prophet is thus fully informed of the man of God's divine commission and the precise nature of his message and actions, setting up the context for his subsequent deceptive interaction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enrich its meaning and prepare the reader for the unfolding drama. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the introduction of the "old prophet" in Bethel, immediately after the man of God's strict divine command, signals that this character will play a crucial, indeed tragic, role in the man of God's subsequent test and downfall. The narrative builds **dramatic tension** by setting up a potential conflict or interaction between these two prophetic figures, one divinely commissioned and obedient, the other ambiguous and ultimately deceptive. There is also a subtle **irony** in an "old prophet" residing in Bethel, the "House of God," which has become a center of idolatry, hinting at the spiritual compromise that pervades the Northern Kingdom and perhaps the prophet himself. Furthermore, the verse establishes a clear **contrast** between the unnamed "man of God" from Judah, who acts with clear divine authority and unwavering obedience, and the "old prophet" whose spiritual standing is immediately ambiguous due to his location and, later, his deceptive actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though brief, is theologically rich, serving as a critical pivot point in a narrative that powerfully illustrates the dangers of spiritual deception and the absolute necessity of unwavering obedience to God's specific commands. It underscores that even those who bear the title of "prophet" or claim spiritual authority can be compromised, especially when dwelling in environments of apostasy. The report of the man of God's actions and words reaching the old prophet's household emphasizes that God's truth and judgment are public and undeniable, yet their reception and response can vary dramatically. The subsequent events reveal that a true prophet's greatest test may not come from overt enemies, but from those who appear to be allies or fellow servants of God, highlighting the critical importance of discernment and adherence to the clear word of the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1-5 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing a Prophet")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15-20 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [2 Peter 2:1-3](/2_peter/2-1-3 "2 Peter 2:1-3 - False Teachers Among You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The introduction of the old prophet in Bethel serves as a profound warning for believers across all generations. It challenges us to critically evaluate all spiritual counsel, even that which comes from seemingly legitimate or experienced sources, against the clear, revealed Word of God. The man of God's strict command not to eat or drink in Bethel was a specific, non-negotiable divine instruction; the subsequent narrative demonstrates the catastrophic consequences of deviating from such clarity, even under the guise of "prophetic" authority. This story urges us to cultivate a deep personal relationship with God's Word, allowing it to be our ultimate plumb line for truth and obedience, rather than relying solely on human interpretation or charisma. It also prompts us to examine our own spiritual environments, asking if we have become complacent in settings that foster compromise or subtly deviate from God's standards, lest we, like the man of God, fall prey to deception.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the old prophet's residence in Bethel challenge our understanding of spiritual authority and discernment in compromised environments?**
* **What are the dangers of spiritual complacency, especially when surrounded by cultural or religious practices that deviate from God's truth?**
* **How can we ensure our obedience to God's specific commands remains unwavering, even when faced with persuasive, yet misleading, counsel from seemingly legitimate sources?**

### FAQ
**Why is the old prophet's residence in Bethel significant?**

Answer: Bethel, meaning "House of God," was historically a place of profound divine encounter, most notably where Jacob had his dream of a ladder to heaven, as recorded in [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10-22 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel"). However, King Jeroboam had deliberately turned Bethel into a center of idolatry, setting up one of his golden calves there to prevent his people from worshiping in Jerusalem, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:29](/1_kings/12-29 "1 Kings 12:29 - Jeroboam's Idolatry"). For an "old prophet" to reside in such a place suggests a deep level of spiritual compromise or comfort within an environment of apostasy. It immediately raises questions about his integrity and his true allegiance to Yahweh, setting a subtle but critical contrast with the man of God from Judah who was sent directly by God to confront this very idolatry.

**What is the difference between "man of God" and "old prophet" in this context?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (_’îš hā’ĕlōhîm_) is a highly honorable and respected designation for a prophet, indicating that he is specially chosen, commissioned, and empowered by God to deliver His message. It implies a direct, uncompromised relationship with Yahweh and often denotes integrity and faithfulness. In contrast, the "old prophet" (_nābî' zāqên'_) is simply described by his age and profession. The narrative subtly uses this difference in terminology to highlight a spiritual distinction. While both are "prophets," the "man of God" represents unblemished divine authority and obedience, whereas the "old prophet's" title, combined with his location and subsequent actions, suggests a diminished or compromised spiritual standing, leading to the tragic deception of the man of God in [1 Kings 13:18](/1_kings/13-18 "1 Kings 13:18 - The Old Prophet's Deception").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative initiated by [1 Kings 13:11](/1_kings/13-11 "1 Kings 13:11 - The Old Prophet of Bethel"), where a true prophet of God ultimately falls due to deception and disobedience, profoundly underscores humanity's inherent fallibility and susceptibility to temptation, even when divinely commissioned. This story, in its stark warning, points forward to the ultimate need for a Prophet who would never compromise, never deviate from the Father's will, and whose word would be absolute truth. Jesus Christ is that ultimate Prophet, the very Word of God incarnate ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), who perfectly fulfilled the prophetic office promised in the Old Testament, being a Prophet like Moses but greater ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - A Prophet Like Moses")). Unlike the man of God from Judah, who succumbed to a lie, Jesus perfectly obeyed every divine command, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). His unwavering faithfulness and perfect truthfulness stand in stark contrast to the spiritual compromise and deception seen in 1 Kings 13, offering the only sure foundation for faith and the ultimate fulfillment of all prophetic revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). In Christ, we find the Prophet who cannot be deceived and will never deceive, providing the perfect standard for obedience and the ultimate source of truth and life.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 23:18

And he said, Let him alone; let no man move his bones. So they let his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet that came out of Samaria.

Matthew 7:22

Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

Numbers 24:2

And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding [in his tents] according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him.

Ezekiel 13:2

Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;

1 Timothy 3:5

(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

Numbers 23:4

And God met Balaam: and he said unto him, I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered upon [every] altar a bullock and a ram.

Numbers 23:5

And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak.