1 Kings 13:20

KJV

And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, as they sat {H3427} at the table {H7979}, that the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} came unto the prophet {H5030} that brought him back {H7725}:

Complete Jewish Bible

As they were sitting at the table, the word of ADONAI came to the prophet who had brought him back;

Berean Standard Bible

While they were sitting at the table, the word of the LORD came to the prophet who had brought him back,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of Jehovah came unto the prophet that brought him back;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:20 marks a pivotal and somber moment in the narrative of the young prophet from Judah. Having been lured into disobedience by an older prophet's deceptive claim of divine revelation, this verse dramatically reveals the immediate and unexpected consequence: God's authoritative word of judgment is pronounced not directly to the disobedient young prophet, but ironically, through the very deceiver who led him astray, underscoring the gravity of his transgression and the unwavering nature of divine justice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the climax of a deeply tragic and ironic narrative in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"). The chapter begins with a young, unnamed prophet from Judah being sent by God to Bethel to pronounce judgment against King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar and his apostate kingdom ([1 Kings 13:1-3](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-3 - Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar")). The prophet faithfully delivers his message, even miraculously withering Jeroboam's hand and splitting the altar as a sign ([1 Kings 13:4-5](/1_kings/13-4 "1 Kings 13:4-5 - The Sign Given")). Crucially, God gives the prophet a strict command: he is not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor return by the way he came ([1 Kings 13:8-9](/1_kings/13-8 "1 Kings 13:8-9 - God's Command to the Prophet")). Despite Jeroboam's invitation, the prophet initially adheres to this command. However, an old prophet from Bethel, hearing of these events, deceitfully claims a false angelic message, convincing the young prophet to return to his home to eat and drink ([1 Kings 13:11-19](/1_kings/13-11 "1 Kings 13:11-19 - The Deception of the Old Prophet")). It is precisely at this moment, as they are seated at the table, that the "word of the LORD" intervenes, transforming the deceiver into the unwilling messenger of divine judgment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") unfold in the aftermath of the division of the united monarchy, following the death of Solomon. King Jeroboam I, fearing that his subjects would return to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, established rival cultic centers at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, thus leading Israel into widespread idolatry ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). Bethel, though historically significant as a place of divine encounter for Jacob ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), had become a center of Jeroboam's apostate worship. Prophets in ancient Israel served as God's direct spokespersons, delivering His commands, warnings, and judgments. Their authority derived solely from the accuracy and divine origin of their messages. Discerning true prophets from false ones was a critical challenge, often requiring careful attention to their character, the fulfillment of their prophecies, and consistency with established divine revelation ([Deuteronomy 18:20-22](/deuteronomy/18-20 "Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - Distinguishing True and False Prophets")). The cultural expectation was that a prophet's word, especially one directly from the LORD, carried absolute authority and demanded unwavering obedience.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, demonstrating that God's word and purposes will be accomplished regardless of human deceit or disobedience. God uses the old prophet, an instrument of deception, to deliver His authentic judgment, underscoring His ultimate control over all circumstances and individuals. Secondly, the passage emphasizes the **Consequences of Disobedience to God's Explicit Commands**. Despite the young prophet's initial faithfulness and the deceptive nature of the old prophet, his failure to adhere to God's clear instruction not to eat or drink in Bethel leads to immediate and severe judgment. This illustrates the principle that obedience, even in seemingly minor details, is paramount, and accountability remains with the individual, as seen in the broader warnings of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Thirdly, the narrative serves as a stark warning about the **Peril of False Prophecy and the Necessity of Discernment**. The young prophet's downfall is directly linked to his failure to discern the true source of the old prophet's message, accepting a "new" revelation that contradicted a clear, previous command from God. This underscores the importance of testing all spirits and messages against the known word of God, a theme echoed in [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Hebrew, _dāḇār_):** The Hebrew term דָּבָר (_dāḇār_), translated "word," is highly significant. It denotes not just a spoken utterance but often carries the weight of an event, a matter, or a decree. When paired with "of the LORD" (יְהוָה, _YHWH_), as in "the word of the LORD" (דְּבַר יְהוָה, _davar YHWH_), it consistently refers to a direct, authoritative, and active message or command originating from God Himself. Its appearance here confirms that the subsequent pronouncement is not merely the old prophet's opinion or condemnation, but a genuine, divine decree, highlighting God's direct involvement and unwavering commitment to His word, even in judgment.
* **Prophet (Hebrew, _nāḇî'_) that brought him back (Hebrew, _'ăšer hešîvô_):** The Hebrew word for "prophet" (נָבִיא, _nāḇî'_) refers to one who speaks for God. The phrase "that brought him back" (אֲשֶׁר הֱשִׁיבוֹ, _'ăšer hešîvô_) emphasizes the old prophet's active role in the young prophet's disobedience. The irony is profound: the very individual who facilitated the transgression is now compelled by God to deliver the divine judgment for that transgression. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty, capable of using even a deceptive instrument to accomplish His righteous will and demonstrate His justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, as they sat at the table,"**: This opening clause establishes the immediate context and timing of the divine intervention. The young prophet has just completed his act of disobedience by eating and drinking in Bethel, violating God's explicit command. The setting—a shared meal at the old prophet's house—underscores the intimacy of the deception and the sudden, dramatic shift from a moment of presumed hospitality to one of impending judgment. The phrase "it came to pass" often signals a significant turning point in biblical narrative, drawing attention to the unfolding event.
* **"that the word of the LORD came unto the prophet that brought him back:"**: This is the pivotal revelation of the verse. Instead of coming to the disobedient young prophet, the authoritative "word of the LORD" comes to the old prophet, the one who orchestrated the deception. This is a moment of profound irony and divine reversal. The deceiver is now forced to become the unwilling, yet true, messenger of God's judgment against the one he misled. It signifies that God's truth cannot be manipulated or silenced, and His judgment will be delivered, even through unexpected and morally compromised channels. It also implies the immediate nature of God's response to disobedience.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [1 Kings 13:20](/1_kings/13-20 "1 Kings 13:20 - The Word of the Lord Comes") is rich with **Irony**. The most striking instance is the fact that the divine judgment against the young prophet is delivered through the very old prophet who deceived him. This unexpected choice of messenger creates a powerful sense of poetic justice, where the instrument of sin becomes the vehicle for its condemnation. This also creates **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is aware of the old prophet's deceit from earlier in the chapter ([1 Kings 13:18](/1_kings/13-18 "1 Kings 13:18 - The Old Prophet's Lie")), while the young prophet, presumably, is not fully aware of the depth of the old prophet's duplicity until the judgment is pronounced. The verse also employs **Foreshadowing**, as the arrival of "the word of the LORD" to the old prophet immediately signals that a significant and negative development is about to occur for the young prophet, setting the stage for the pronouncement of his death in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's unwavering holiness and His commitment to His own word. It underscores that divine commands are not arbitrary suggestions but binding decrees, and disobedience, even if influenced by others, carries severe consequences. God's justice is not circumvented by human deceit; rather, He demonstrates His absolute sovereignty by using even the morally compromised to achieve His righteous ends. The immediate delivery of judgment highlights the seriousness with which God views faithfulness to His explicit instructions and the perilous nature of disregarding a clear divine mandate. It serves as a stark reminder that God is not mocked and that His word, whether for blessing or judgment, will always come to pass.

* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Do Not Be Deceived")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - No Sacrifice for Deliberate Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Kings 13:20 and its surrounding context offers profound and sobering lessons for believers today. It calls us to a deeper understanding of personal accountability before God, reminding us that while external pressures and deceptions may be powerful, our ultimate responsibility lies in discerning and obeying God's revealed will. We are challenged to cultivate a spirit of robust discernment, rigorously testing all spiritual messages, even those from seemingly credible sources, against the unchanging truth of God's written Word. This story serves as a potent warning against spiritual complacency and the danger of prioritizing human comfort or perceived "new revelation" over clear, established divine commands. It compels us to cling to the integrity of God's word, recognizing that His judgments are just and His character unwavering, regardless of the messengers He chooses or the circumstances that unfold.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of personal responsibility in my walk with God, especially when faced with conflicting advice or temptations?**
* **What practices can I cultivate to enhance my spiritual discernment and ensure I am testing all messages against the unchanging truth of Scripture?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be susceptible to subtle deceptions that could lead me away from God's clear commands?**
* **How does God's use of the old prophet, a deceiver, to deliver His word, impact my view of God's sovereignty and justice?**

### FAQ
**Why did God choose to deliver His word of judgment through the old prophet, who was a deceiver, rather than directly to the young prophet?**

Answer: God's choice to use the old prophet is a powerful demonstration of His absolute sovereignty and justice. Firstly, it highlights the profound irony and poetic justice of the situation: the instrument of the young prophet's downfall becomes the unwilling messenger of his judgment. This underscores that God can use anyone, even those with flawed character or deceptive intentions, to accomplish His divine purposes ([Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose in Pharaoh")). Secondly, it emphasizes the immediate and unavoidable nature of God's judgment for disobedience. The "word of the LORD" is not dependent on the moral purity of its human vessel but on its divine origin. It also serves as a stark warning to the old prophet himself, as he is forced to articulate God's truth, perhaps leading to his own conviction, even if he remains unrepentant. This unexpected delivery method reinforces the gravity of the young prophet's transgression and the seriousness with which God views disobedience to His explicit commands.

**Was the young prophet's punishment fair, given that he was deceived by an older, seemingly credible prophet?**

Answer: From a human perspective, the young prophet's fate seems harsh, especially since he was deceived. However, the biblical narrative consistently emphasizes personal accountability before God. The young prophet had received a clear, direct, and unambiguous command from the LORD Himself ([1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Prophet")). The old prophet's "new revelation" contradicted this direct command. While the deception was real, the young prophet's failure lay in not discerning or testing the "spirit" of the old prophet's message against the previously revealed, authoritative word of God. His obedience to God's initial command should have been absolute, regardless of subsequent claims. This narrative teaches that while God understands human weakness, He holds His servants accountable for discerning and adhering to His known will, especially when it has been directly communicated. The severity of the judgment underscores the gravity of disobeying a direct divine mandate, particularly for a prophet who was meant to be an example of faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of the young prophet in 1 Kings 13, culminating in the judgment delivered in [1 Kings 13:20](/1_kings/13-20 "1 Kings 13:20 - The Word of the Lord Comes"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. Where the young prophet failed in obedience to a specific divine command, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled the Father's will in every detail, demonstrating absolute submission even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). The "word of the LORD" that brought judgment upon the disobedient prophet foreshadows the ultimate word of judgment that will come upon all who reject God's truth, yet it also points to the gracious "word of the LORD" that is Jesus Christ Himself, who brings salvation. Jesus is the true Prophet, not only speaking God's word but embodying it ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). He perfectly discerned between true and false spiritual claims, exposing deception and upholding divine truth ([Matthew 7:15-20](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15-20 - False Prophets")). Moreover, the judgment that fell upon the young prophet for his disobedience is a stark reminder of the penalty for sin. In Christ, this ultimate judgment was borne by the innocent Lamb of God, who took upon Himself the consequences of humanity's disobedience, allowing those who believe in Him to receive forgiveness and reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Christ stands as the perfectly obedient one, the ultimate discerner, and the one who absorbed the righteous judgment that we, in our own failures of obedience, deserve.

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.