1 Kings 13:19

KJV

So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.

KJV (with Strong's)

So he went back {H7725} with him, and did eat {H398} bread {H3899} in his house {H1004}, and drank {H8354} water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So he went back with him and did eat food and drink water in his house.

Berean Standard Bible

but the man of God went back with him, ate bread in his house, and drank water.

American Standard Version

So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:19 records the pivotal and tragic moment when the unnamed man of God from Judah, having just delivered a powerful divine judgment against King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar in Bethel, disobeys the explicit command of the Lord. Despite being forbidden to eat, drink, or return by the same path, he yields to the deception of an older prophet, partaking of food and water in Bethel. This seemingly simple act of eating and drinking in a place God had commanded him to shun marks a profound spiritual failure, setting in motion the immediate and severe divine judgment that follows, underscoring the absolute necessity of unwavering obedience to God's direct word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of a dramatic narrative in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"). The chapter opens with the man of God, sent directly by the Lord, prophesying against Jeroboam's altar at Bethel. He demonstrates remarkable faithfulness by refusing Jeroboam's invitation to dine and be rewarded, stating clearly the divine prohibition against eating or drinking in that place and returning by the same way, as detailed in [1 Kings 13:8-10](/1_kings/13-8 "1 Kings 13:8-10 - The Man of God's Refusal of Jeroboam's Offer"). However, an older, seemingly pious prophet from Bethel intercepts him, claiming a new, contradictory message from an angel. The man of God, perhaps weary from his arduous mission and swayed by the appeal of a fellow prophet, succumbs to this deception. Verse 19 directly describes this act of disobedience, which immediately precedes the pronouncement of divine judgment against him by the very prophet who deceived him, as seen in [1 Kings 13:20-22](/1_kings/13-20 "1 Kings 13:20-22 - The Judgment Pronounced by the Old Prophet"). This sequence highlights the swift and severe consequences of deviating from God's explicit instructions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar") unfold against the backdrop of the divided kingdom of Israel. Following Solomon's reign, the ten northern tribes seceded, forming the kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam I. Fearing that pilgrimages to Jerusalem for worship would lead his people back to the Davidic dynasty, Jeroboam established alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, non-Levitical priests, and new feast days, as recorded in [1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry and Establishment of New Worship Centers"). God's command to the man of God not to eat or drink in Bethel was a symbolic act of complete separation and non-participation in Jeroboam's apostate religious system. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal often signified fellowship, covenant, or acceptance. By forbidding the man of God to eat or drink, God was emphasizing the absolute spiritual defilement of Bethel and the need for His prophet to remain unstained by its idolatry and the false religious practices established there, maintaining a clear distinction between divine truth and human corruption.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative surrounding [1 Kings 13:19](/1_kings/13-19 "1 Kings 13:19 - The Man of God's Disobedience") powerfully illustrates several crucial themes. Firstly, it highlights the **absolute necessity of unyielding obedience to God's explicit word**. The man of God's initial faithfulness underscores the importance of hearing and adhering to divine commands, while his subsequent failure tragically demonstrates the perils of deviation, even when tempted by seemingly spiritual counsel. Secondly, the passage serves as a stark warning about the **peril of deception and the critical need for spiritual discernment**. The older prophet's lie exposes the danger of false prophecy and the ease with which even sincere believers can be misled, emphasizing the imperative to test all spiritual claims against the clear, consistent revelation of God's character and word, as exhorted in [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing False Prophets"). Finally, the swift and severe **consequences of disobedience** are undeniably central. Despite the man of God's initial faithfulness and the deceptive nature of the temptation, God's word is upheld, demonstrating that divine judgment is certain when His commands are violated, regardless of the circumstances or the source of temptation, reinforcing the truth that [God is not a man, that He should lie](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went back (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root signifies "to turn back" or "to return," often with the implication of reversing a course or action. In this context, it is profoundly significant as it describes the man of God physically turning back from the path God had commanded him to take, mirroring his spiritual turning away from God's explicit instruction. It marks the precise moment of his deviation from obedience, initiating the chain of events leading to his judgment.
* **Eat (Hebrew, _’âkal'_):** This verb denotes the act of consuming food, whether literally or figuratively. Here, it is not merely about sustenance but represents the breaking of a divine prohibition. The act of eating bread in the house of the old prophet symbolizes a participation in fellowship and an acceptance of hospitality in a place and from a source that God had commanded him to shun, thereby violating the spiritual separation God required.
* **Drank (Hebrew, _shâthâh'_):** Similar to "eat," this verb for consuming liquid carries significant theological weight. Together, "eat bread and drank water" represent the most basic forms of sustenance and hospitality. The command to abstain from both underscored the totality of the man of God's required separation from Bethel. His partaking of them symbolizes a full embrace of the forbidden fellowship, sealing his act of disobedience and demonstrating a complete disregard for the divine directive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So he went back with him":** This phrase marks the critical turning point in the man of God's narrative. Having previously demonstrated unwavering resolve in refusing Jeroboam's entreaties and adhering to God's strict command, he now physically turns back with the old prophet. This reversal is more than a change of direction; it signifies a spiritual capitulation, as he deviates from the direct path of obedience God had set for him, highlighting the vulnerability of even strong believers to persistent, deceptive persuasion.
* **"and did eat bread in his house":** This describes the specific act of disobedience regarding food. Eating "bread" (a staple food) in the old prophet's "house" signifies more than just sustenance; it represents entering into fellowship and accepting hospitality in a place and from a person God had implicitly warned him against. This act directly violates God's explicit command not to eat in Bethel, as stated in [1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - The Command Not to Eat"). It underscores the profound spiritual implications of seemingly mundane actions when they defy divine instruction.
* **"and drank water":** This completes the description of the forbidden acts. Like eating, drinking water in the old prophet's house was a direct violation of the divine prohibition. The simplicity of "bread and water" underscores that even basic necessities, when consumed in defiance of God's clear word, constitute a serious breach of obedience, leading to severe consequences. This detail emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's command and the man of God's complete failure to uphold it.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative surrounding [1 Kings 13:19](/1_kings/13-19 "1 Kings 13:19 - The Man of God's Disobedience") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Irony** is pervasive, most notably in the figure of the old prophet from Bethel. He is presented as a prophet of the Lord, yet he deceives a fellow prophet with a lie, ultimately becoming the instrument through which God's judgment is pronounced against the man he misled, as seen in [1 Kings 13:20-22](/1_kings/13-20 "1 Kings 13:20-22 - The Old Prophet's Prophecy of Judgment"). This creates a chilling sense of divine justice being executed through an unexpected and morally compromised channel. There is also a strong element of **foreshadowing** in the initial divine command itself; the strict prohibition against eating, drinking, or returning by the same way subtly hints at the severe consequences awaiting any deviation. The man of God's initial refusal of Jeroboam's hospitality, as detailed in [1 Kings 13:8-10](/1_kings/13-8 "1 Kings 13:8-10 - The Man of God's Initial Refusal"), sets up a tragic **contrast** with his later capitulation, making his disobedience in verse 19 all the more poignant. Finally, **Symbolism** is evident in the act of eating and drinking itself. Beyond mere physical acts, they symbolize the breaking of a divine covenant of separation and the tragic embrace of forbidden fellowship, leading to spiritual defilement and judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The profound tragedy of 1 Kings 13:19 lies in its stark illustration of the non-negotiable nature of God's direct commands and the severe consequences of disobedience, regardless of the source of temptation or the perceived spiritual authority of the deceiver. It underscores that God's word is paramount and unchangeable, and that personal accountability for one's actions before the Lord remains, even when misled. This narrative serves as a timeless warning against spiritual complacency and the critical need for discernment, reminding believers that even those who appear to speak for God can be instruments of deception, and that true faithfulness requires unwavering adherence to the revealed truth of Scripture above all else. It highlights that God's holiness demands absolute obedience, and His justice is meted out even when the disobedient party was initially faithful or deceived.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing False Prophets")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie")
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - There is a Way That Seems Right to a Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of the man of God in 1 Kings 13, culminating in his disobedience in verse 19, offers timeless and sobering lessons for every believer. It compels us to examine the absolute authority of God's Word in our lives, reminding us that direct commands from the Lord are not subject to reinterpretation or negotiation, even when presented by seemingly spiritual authorities or when we are weary. We are called to cultivate a deep spiritual discernment, constantly testing all counsel, prophecies, and teachings against the unchanging truth of Scripture, recognizing that even those who claim to speak for God can be mistaken or, tragically, deceptive. Furthermore, this passage highlights the personal accountability we each bear before God for our choices, emphasizing that while others may tempt or mislead us, our ultimate responsibility lies in our own obedience. It also serves as a poignant reminder that spiritual vigilance is crucial, particularly after periods of intense spiritual exertion or success, as these can be moments of vulnerability to subtle temptations that lead to compromise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise a clear command from God, perhaps under the guise of "new revelation" or "spiritual advice"?**
* **How do I actively practice spiritual discernment, testing the counsel I receive against the unchanging truth of God's written Word?**
* **What steps can I take to strengthen my personal accountability to God, ensuring my obedience is rooted in His command rather than external pressures or weariness?**
* **Considering the man of God's initial faithfulness, how can I guard against spiritual complacency or vulnerability after experiencing spiritual victories or demanding seasons?**

### FAQ
**Why was the man of God's punishment so severe for seemingly just eating and drinking?**

Answer: The severity of the man of God's punishment, which resulted in his death by a lion ([1_kings/13-23-24](/1_kings/13-23 "1 Kings 13:23-24 - The Lion Kills the Man of God")), stemmed not from the mere physical act of eating and drinking, but from his direct and conscious disobedience to an explicit, unambiguous command from God. He had been given a clear, specific prohibition: "You shall not eat bread or drink water there, nor return by the way which you came" ([1_kings/13-9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - The Divine Command Not to Eat or Drink in Bethel")). This command was not arbitrary; it symbolized God's complete separation from the idolatrous practices of Bethel and Jeroboam's apostate kingdom. As a prophet, the man of God was a direct representative of the Lord, and his obedience was crucial for maintaining the integrity of God's message and the sanctity of His word. His failure, therefore, was a public affront to God's authority and truth, especially after he had so faithfully delivered the initial prophecy. The swift and severe judgment underscored God's holiness, the seriousness of His commands, and the absolute necessity of obedience, particularly for those who serve as His messengers. It demonstrated that God upholds His word, even when His own prophet disobeys, and that deception, while culpable, does not negate personal responsibility before a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of the man of God in 1 Kings 13:19, marked by his fatal disobedience, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the perfect and unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ. Unlike the man of God who succumbed to deception and broke God's explicit command concerning food and fellowship, Jesus perfectly embodied absolute submission to the Father's will. During His temptation in the wilderness, when directly challenged by Satan to turn stones into bread, Jesus famously declared, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" ([Matthew 4:4](/matthew/4-4 "Matthew 4:4 - Jesus' Response to Temptation in the Wilderness")), thereby prioritizing divine command over physical sustenance, a direct contrast to the prophet in Bethel. Where the prophet failed to discern truth from deception, Jesus, as the very "Word of God" made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")), perfectly knew and perfectly obeyed the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death on the Cross")). The man of God's eating and drinking in defiance of God's word brought judgment and death, but Christ's perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, provides the bread of life and living water to all who believe, offering forgiveness and eternal life where human disobedience brought only condemnation ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"); [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "John 4:14 - Jesus, the Living Water")). He is the faithful Prophet, Priest, and King who never deviated from the Father's command, thus securing salvation for all who trust in His perfect obedience.

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

Deuteronomy 18:20

But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.

Genesis 3:6

¶ And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

2 Peter 2:18

For when they speak great swelling [words] of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, [through much] wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

2 Peter 2:19

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

Deuteronomy 13:5

And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn [you] away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.

Deuteronomy 13:3

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Acts 4:19

But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.