1 Kings 13:14

KJV

And went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak: and he said unto him, [Art] thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I [am].

KJV (with Strong's)

And went {H3212} after {H310} the man {H376} of God {H430}, and found {H4672} him sitting {H3427} under an oak {H424}: and he said {H559} unto him, Art thou the man {H376} of God {H430} that camest {H935} from Judah {H3063}? And he said {H559}, I am.

Complete Jewish Bible

he went after the man of God. He found him sitting under a pistachio tree and said to him, "Are you the man of God who came from Y'hudah?" He answered, "I am."

Berean Standard Bible

and went after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied.

American Standard Version

And he went after the man of God, and found him sitting under an oak; and he said unto him, Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah? And he said, I am.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:14 marks a critical juncture in the narrative of the unnamed man of God from Judah, who had just delivered a powerful prophetic word against King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar in Bethel. Having completed his divine assignment and received strict instructions to neither eat nor drink in Bethel, nor return by the same way, the prophet is found resting under an oak tree. This moment of pause sets the stage for a fateful encounter with an older prophet from Bethel, whose seemingly innocuous question, "Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah?", initiates a sequence of events that will tragically test the younger prophet's obedience to God's explicit command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic confrontation between the man of God from Judah and King Jeroboam in [1 Kings 13:1-10](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-10 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar"). The man of God, empowered by the Lord, had pronounced judgment on Jeroboam's altar, witnessed its miraculous tearing down, and seen Jeroboam's withered hand restored. Crucially, God had given him a specific, non-negotiable command in [1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - The Divine Command"): he was not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor return by the way he came. His resting under the oak, seemingly on his way home, indicates a moment of vulnerability after intense spiritual exertion. The arrival of the old prophet, having heard of the events from his sons, introduces a new, deceptive element that directly challenges the divine instruction and sets the stage for the tragic disobedience that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative unfolds in the early days of the divided kingdom, shortly after the schism between Israel (Northern Kingdom) and Judah (Southern Kingdom) following Solomon's reign. King Jeroboam, to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem to worship, established alternative cultic centers at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves ([1 Kings 12:28-30](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves")). Bethel, once a sacred site associated with Jacob's vision ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Ladder Dream")), had become a center of idolatry. Prophets in ancient Israel served as God's spokespersons, delivering divine messages and often performing signs. The concept of a "man of God" carried significant authority and implied direct divine commission. Resting under an oak tree was a common practice for travelers, providing shade and respite, but also sometimes associated with pagan worship sites in the Canaanite culture, though here it simply signifies a place of rest.
* **Key Themes:** The encounter in [1 Kings 13:14](/1_kings/13-14 "1 Kings 13:14 - The Old Prophet Finds the Man of God") powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, it highlights the **vulnerability of obedience**, even after significant spiritual victory. The man of God, having faithfully executed a difficult task, is now susceptible to weariness and external influence. Second, it explores the **nature of prophetic authority and the danger of deception**. The old prophet, despite being a prophet himself, acts as an agent of temptation, raising questions about the source and authenticity of prophetic messages. This narrative serves as a stark warning against accepting messages that contradict clear divine commands, even if they come from seemingly credible sources. Finally, the verse initiates a crucial **test of faithfulness and singular obedience** to God's explicit word. The man of God's simple affirmation, "I am," confirms his identity and implies his awareness of the divine mandate he carries, setting up the tension of whether he will remain steadfast or succumb to the old prophet's subsequent lies.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _'ish ha'Elohim'_):** This is a significant and recurring title in the Old Testament, used to describe individuals specially chosen, commissioned, and empowered by God to deliver His messages, perform His will, and represent Him. It emphasizes their divine authority and distinguishes them as instruments of the divine. In this context, it underscores the high calling and weighty responsibility placed upon the unnamed prophet from Judah, making his subsequent failure even more tragic.
* **Oak (Hebrew, _'elah'_):** While simply a descriptor for a tree providing shade, oak trees in biblical contexts can sometimes carry symbolic weight, often associated with places of rest, significant events, or even idolatrous worship (e.g., [Isaiah 1:29](/isaiah/1-29 "Isaiah 1:29 - Shame for Idolatry")). Here, it primarily signifies a place of respite and vulnerability, a pause in the prophet's journey home, where he is unexpectedly intercepted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And went after the man of God":** This clause establishes the active pursuit by the old prophet from Bethel. Having been informed by his sons about the events at Jeroboam's altar and the man of God's departure, the old prophet's decision to pursue indicates a deliberate intent, which the subsequent narrative reveals to be deceptive.
* **"and found him sitting under an oak":** This detail paints a picture of the man of God's state – he is resting, perhaps weary from his journey and the intense spiritual exertion of his prophetic mission. His posture suggests a moment of relaxation and vulnerability, making him more susceptible to persuasion or manipulation. The oak provides a natural, seemingly innocuous setting for the fateful encounter.
* **"and he said unto him, [Art] thou the man of God that camest from Judah?":** This direct question from the old prophet serves as an identification. It acknowledges the younger prophet's divine commission and the extraordinary events he was involved in. The old prophet's knowledge of these details (likely from his sons) lends a superficial credibility to his approach, setting the stage for the deception that is about to unfold.
* **"And he said, I [am].":** The man of God's simple, affirmative response confirms his identity. This is not merely an acknowledgment of his name or origin, but an affirmation of his divine status and the mission he has just completed. It signifies that he is fully aware of who he is and the strict divine commands he is under, highlighting the tragic irony of his subsequent disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the old prophet, himself a "man of God," becomes the instrument of temptation and downfall for another prophet, directly contradicting God's clear command. This highlights the deceptive nature of sin, which can come from unexpected sources, even those seemingly aligned with God. **Foreshadowing** is also present; the old prophet's pursuit and direct question create immediate tension, signaling that this encounter will be pivotal and likely fraught with danger for the man of God. The scene under the oak tree, a place of rest, subtly introduces **symbolism** for a moment of vulnerability, where vigilance is lowered, making one susceptible to external influences. The narrative structure, moving from a powerful display of divine authority to a subtle test of personal obedience, underscores the theme of the constant need for vigilance in faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of the man of God from Judah and the old prophet from Bethel is a profound exploration of obedience, divine command, and the insidious nature of deception. It underscores that God's commands are absolute and not subject to reinterpretation or contradiction, even by those who claim prophetic authority. The man of God's initial unwavering obedience, followed by his tragic failure, serves as a powerful testament to the constant need for vigilance in adhering to God's revealed will, especially when faced with conflicting voices or apparent spiritual authority. It highlights the principle that genuine divine guidance will always be consistent with God's established word and character, and that personal experience or perceived spiritual status do not exempt one from strict adherence to divine mandates.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [Jeremiah 23:16-17](/jeremiah/23-16 "Jeremiah 23:16-17 - False Prophets Denounced")
* [Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - Warning Against False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The story of the man of God's encounter under the oak tree serves as a timeless warning for all believers. It reminds us that spiritual victories, moments of great anointing, or significant service to God do not grant immunity from temptation or deception. In fact, such moments can sometimes be when we are most vulnerable, perhaps due to weariness, complacency, or a subtle pride in our accomplishments. The man of God's simple "I am" confirms his identity and awareness of his divine mandate, yet he later falters. This emphasizes the critical importance of holding fast to God's explicit commands, even when they seem inconvenient, illogical, or are contradicted by seemingly authoritative voices. Our ultimate loyalty must always be to God's clear word, not to human interpretation, tradition, or even other "spiritual" people. Vigilance, discernment, and an unyielding commitment to God's truth are essential for navigating the complexities of faith and avoiding the pitfalls of deception.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be most vulnerable to spiritual complacency or deception, especially after a period of spiritual success or exertion?**
* **How do I discern between genuine divine guidance and voices that might subtly contradict God's clear word, even if they appear to be from spiritual sources?**
* **What specific commands or principles from God's Word am I currently being tested on, and how can I strengthen my resolve to obey them fully?**
* **How does this story challenge my understanding of prophetic authority and the importance of testing all spirits and messages against the unchanging truth of Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Why was the man of God resting under an oak tree?**

Answer: The text implies he was resting due to weariness from his journey and the intense spiritual exertion of delivering a powerful prophecy and witnessing miraculous signs. He had just completed a significant divine assignment and was likely on his way back to Judah. Resting under an oak tree provided natural shade and respite, a common practice for travelers in the ancient Near East, but it also placed him in a vulnerable position where he could be easily found and approached.

**What is the significance of the old prophet's question, "Art thou the man of God that camest from Judah?"**

Answer: This question serves as an identification and acknowledgment of the younger prophet's divine commission and the extraordinary events he had just been involved in at Bethel. The old prophet's knowledge of these details (gained from his sons) lends a superficial credibility to his approach. It sets the stage for the subsequent deceptive interaction by confirming the identity of the one whom God had strictly commanded, thus highlighting the direct challenge to God's word that is about to unfold.

**What does the title "man of God" signify in this context?**

Answer: The title "man of God" (Hebrew: _'ish ha'Elohim'_) is a highly significant designation in the Old Testament, denoting someone specially chosen, empowered, and commissioned by God to deliver His messages and execute His will. It emphasizes their divine authority and direct connection to the Lord. In [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"), it underscores the high calling and grave responsibility placed upon the unnamed prophet from Judah, making his subsequent disobedience a profound failure of his divine mandate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of the man of God from Judah, found resting under an oak and subsequently deceived, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect obedience and unwavering faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Unlike the prophet who succumbed to a deceptive voice, even after a mighty display of God's power, Jesus, the ultimate "Man of God," consistently demonstrated absolute fidelity to His Father's will. When tempted in the wilderness, Jesus countered every lie of the devil with the unassailable truth of Scripture, declaring, "[Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus' Response to Temptation")" ([Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus' Response to Temptation")). Where the prophet from Judah failed to uphold a simple divine command, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, living a life of complete obedience even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). He is the true Prophet who never spoke His own words but only those of the Father ([John 12:49](/john/12-49 "John 12:49 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")), and He warned His followers against false prophets who come in sheep's clothing ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Warning Against False Prophets")). In Christ, we see the perfect embodiment of obedience, the ultimate source of truth, and the one who, unlike the vulnerable prophet, could never be deceived or led astray from the Father's perfect plan. His victory over temptation and sin provides the only true path to life and exposes the futility of relying on any voice that contradicts God's revealed word.

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

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 4:6

Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with [his] journey, sat thus on the well: [and] it was about the sixth hour.

2 Corinthians 11:27

In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

1 Corinthians 4:11

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: