1 Kings 13:23

KJV

¶ And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, [to wit], for the prophet whom he had brought back.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, after {H310} he had eaten {H398} bread {H3899}, and after {H310} he had drunk {H8354}, that he saddled {H2280} for him the ass {H2543}, to wit, for the prophet {H5030} whom he had brought back {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After he had eaten food and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the prophet he had brought back.

Berean Standard Bible

And after the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the old prophet who had brought him back saddled the donkey for him.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for him the ass, to wit, for the prophet whom he had brought back.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse marks the immediate aftermath of the man of God's fateful disobedience, detailing the old prophet's action of preparing the ass for the man of God's departure from Bethel. Having succumbed to deception and violated God's explicit command not to eat or drink in that place, the man of God is now set on a path that will swiftly lead to divine judgment, highlighting the somber consequences of even a single act of rebellion against a clear divine directive.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the dramatic narrative of [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Disobedient Prophet"). The chapter opens with a powerful display of divine authority as an unnamed man of God from Judah is sent by the Lord to prophesy against King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar at Bethel, a prophecy immediately confirmed by a sign ([1 Kings 13:1-5](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-5 - Prophecy Against Bethel Altar")). Crucially, the man of God receives a strict, explicit command from the Lord: he is not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor is he to return by the same way he came ([1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Man of God")). After initially resisting Jeroboam's invitation, the man of God is tragically deceived by an old prophet, who falsely claims to have received a new revelation from an angel permitting him to eat and drink ([1 Kings 13:18](/1_kings/13-18 "1 Kings 13:18 - The Old Prophet's Deception")). Verse 23, therefore, describes the man of God's preparations for departure *after* he has committed the forbidden act, setting the immediate stage for the swift and severe divine judgment that follows in the very next verses ([1 Kings 13:24-25](/1_kings/13-24 "1 Kings 13:24-25 - The Lion's Judgment")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Disobedient Prophet") unfold in the early days of the divided monarchy, specifically during the reign of Jeroboam I in the northern kingdom of Israel. Jeroboam had established alternative worship centers at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, thereby securing his political power ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This act was a profound violation of the Mosaic covenant and a direct challenge to Yahweh's exclusive claim to worship. Bethel, though historically significant as a place where Jacob encountered God ([Genesis 28:10-19](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-19 - Jacob's Ladder at Bethel")), had been corrupted into a center of idolatry. The cultural context emphasizes the importance of hospitality, which the old prophet exploits, and the grave consequences of prophetic disobedience, especially when a prophet claims to speak for God. The immediate divine judgment highlights God's intolerance for syncretism and disobedience, particularly from those called to represent Him.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Disobedient Prophet") and the broader Deuteronomistic History. Foremost is the **gravity of obedience to divine command**, particularly for those in prophetic ministry. The man of God's initial faithfulness and miraculous power are overshadowed by his single act of disobedience, demonstrating that God's word is absolute and not subject to human interpretation or deceptive "new revelations." Another key theme is the **danger of deception and the necessity of discernment**. The old prophet's cunning manipulation underscores the spiritual peril of listening to voices that contradict a clear word from God, even if they appear to come from a legitimate source ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")). Finally, the verse sets the stage for the theme of **swift and certain divine judgment**. Although the judgment itself is not in this verse, the preparation for the journey immediately after the sin signals the impending fulfillment of the old prophet's own prophecy of doom against the man of God ([1 Kings 13:21-22](/1_kings/13-21 "1 Kings 13:21-22 - The Old Prophet's Prophecy of Judgment")), illustrating that God holds His servants to a high standard and that disobedience carries severe consequences.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **eaten bread, and... drunk (Hebrew, _'ākal leḥem wĕšātāh māyim'_):** This phrase directly references the explicit command given by God to the man of God in [1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Man of God"), which forbade him from eating or drinking in Bethel. The repetition here emphasizes the completion of the forbidden act, underscoring the man of God's definitive disobedience. It highlights that the violation was not accidental or partial but a full transgression of the divine prohibition, making his subsequent judgment entirely just.
* **saddled (Hebrew, _ḥābaš'_):** This verb means "to bind," "to tie," or "to saddle." Here, it describes the action of the old prophet preparing the donkey for the man of God's departure. This seemingly helpful act is steeped in irony, as the old prophet, who lured the man of God into sin, now facilitates his journey towards divine judgment. It underscores the active role the deceiver plays in the unfolding tragedy, not just in tempting but also in enabling the path to destruction.
* **the prophet whom he had brought back (Hebrew, _hannābî' 'ăšer hēšîbô'_):** This descriptive phrase identifies the man of God from Judah, emphasizing that he was "brought back" by the old prophet. The old prophet's action of "bringing him back" (from his intended path of obedience) is central to the narrative's tragic turn. This phrasing serves as a stark reminder of the old prophet's culpability in the man of God's downfall, highlighting the destructive power of deceptive influence that diverts one from God's clear path.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread, and after he had drunk":** This opening clause immediately establishes the temporal setting, emphasizing that the events described are a direct consequence of the man of God's completed act of disobedience. The repetition of "eaten bread, and... drunk" serves as a solemn reminder of the specific divine command that was violated, setting the stage for the impending judgment. It underscores the finality of his transgression.
* **"that he saddled for him the ass":** This clause reveals the action of the old prophet. The subject "he" refers to the old prophet, who, having successfully deceived the man of God, now prepares the means for his departure. This act, while outwardly appearing as a gesture of hospitality or assistance, is deeply ironic and sinister, as it facilitates the man of God's journey towards his divinely ordained punishment.
* **"[to wit], for the prophet whom he had brought back":** The phrase "to wit" (an archaic English expression meaning "namely" or "that is to say") clarifies the identity of the person for whom the ass was saddled: the man of God from Judah. The crucial addition "whom he had brought back" explicitly highlights the old prophet's direct involvement in leading the man of God astray. It serves as a final, poignant reminder of the old prophet's successful deception and the man of God's tragic deviation from his divinely appointed mission and path.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of [1 Kings 13:23](/1_kings/13-23 "1 Kings 13:23 - The Old Prophet Saddles the Ass") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. **Irony** is prominent, as the old prophet, who delivered a false prophecy to entice the man of God into sin, now performs a seemingly helpful act of saddling the ass for his departure. This "help" is, in fact, a facilitation of the man of God's journey towards the very judgment the old prophet himself had prophesied after the disobedience ([1 Kings 13:21-22](/1_kings/13-21 "1 Kings 13:21-22 - The Old Prophet's Prophecy of Judgment")). This creates a chilling sense of complicity and highlights the deceptive nature of sin, where the path to destruction can be paved with seemingly innocuous or even benevolent actions. Furthermore, the verse employs **foreshadowing**, as the preparation for the man of God's journey immediately after his transgression signals the imminent and unavoidable divine judgment that will befall him. The act of saddling the ass is not merely a practical detail but a narrative cue that the consequences of disobedience are about to unfold. There is also an element of **contrast** between the man of God's initial unwavering obedience and miraculous power at the beginning of the chapter and his ultimate vulnerability to deception and subsequent fall, underscoring the fragility of even strong faith when divine commands are compromised.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple logistical detail, serves as a crucial hinge point, marking the immediate aftermath of a profound act of disobedience and setting the stage for divine judgment. It underscores the absolute necessity of unwavering obedience to God's explicit commands, especially for those called to prophetic ministry or leadership. The man of God's failure, despite his initial faithfulness and miraculous signs, illustrates that God holds His servants to a high standard, and even a single act of rebellion against a clear directive can have severe consequences. It also highlights the insidious nature of deception, reminding believers that not all claims of divine revelation are trustworthy, particularly if they contradict established truth or a previous clear word from God. The verse thus functions as a solemn warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of compromising divine truth for the sake of human persuasion or comfort.

* [Numbers 20:12](/numbers/20-12 "Numbers 20:12 - Moses' Disobedience at Meribah")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Jeremiah 23:30-32](/jeremiah/23-30 "Jeremiah 23:30-32 - False Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The stark reality of 1 Kings 13:23 and the subsequent judgment serve as a powerful and sobering reminder for believers today. It compels us to examine the depth of our own commitment to God's revealed will. In a world saturated with competing voices and philosophies, the story of the man of God underscores the critical importance of discerning truth from error, especially when "new revelations" or seemingly well-intentioned advice contradict the clear, established word of God. Our obedience is not merely a matter of following rules, but an expression of our trust in God's wisdom and sovereignty. This passage challenges us to cultivate a profound personal relationship with God, enabling us to hear His voice clearly and to stand firm against all forms of deception, recognizing that even subtle deviations from His path can lead to tragic outcomes. It calls us to vigilance, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the integrity of God's word in every aspect of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between genuine divine guidance and deceptive influences in my life, especially when they come from seemingly spiritual sources?**
* **What are areas in my life where I might be tempted to compromise a clear command from God for the sake of comfort, convenience, or human approval?**
* **How does the swiftness and severity of the man of God's judgment impact my understanding of God's holiness and the gravity of obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why was the man of God's disobedience considered so severe, given he was deceived?**

Answer: While the man of God was indeed deceived, his disobedience was severe because it directly violated an explicit and unambiguous command from God, delivered personally to him ([1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Man of God")). As a prophet, he was expected to be a direct recipient and faithful messenger of God's word. His primary allegiance and source of truth should have been God Himself, not a secondary "revelation" that contradicted the first. The narrative emphasizes that God's word is paramount and unchangeable, and compromising it, even under duress or deception, carries grave consequences, particularly for those who represent Him. This highlights the principle of personal accountability and the critical need for discernment ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")), especially when a new message contradicts a previously clear divine instruction.

**What is the significance of the old prophet saddling the ass for the man of God?**

Answer: The act of the old prophet saddling the ass for the man of God is deeply significant and laden with **irony**. Having successfully lured the man of God into disobedience through deception ([1 Kings 13:18](/1_kings/13-18 "1 Kings 13:18 - The Old Prophet's Deception")), the old prophet now facilitates his departure. This seemingly helpful gesture is, in reality, an act that enables the man of God's journey towards his divinely appointed judgment. It underscores the old prophet's continued role in the man of God's downfall, not just as the source of temptation but as an active participant in setting the stage for the tragic consequences. It also serves as a chilling reminder that those who lead others astray may even appear to offer assistance, yet their actions ultimately guide the deceived down a path of destruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic narrative of the man of God's disobedience and its swift consequences in [1 Kings 13:23](/1_kings/13-23 "1 Kings 13:23 - The Old Prophet Saddles the Ass") powerfully foreshadows and contrasts with the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. Unlike the man of God who succumbed to temptation and violated a clear divine command, Jesus consistently demonstrated absolute and unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Where the man of God's single act of disobedience brought judgment upon himself, Jesus' perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, became the means of salvation for all who believe ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")). The judgment that fell upon the disobedient prophet points to the ultimate judgment for sin, a judgment that Jesus, the obedient Lamb of God, willingly bore in our place ([Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Furthermore, while the old prophet's deception led the man of God astray, Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, protects His sheep from deception and leads them in paths of righteousness ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27-28 "John 10:27-28 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")). The story of 1 Kings 13:23 thus serves as a stark reminder of humanity's propensity to fail and the dire consequences of disobedience, simultaneously amplifying the glorious truth of Christ's perfect obedience and His redemptive work, which offers forgiveness and new life where human effort and faithfulness fall short ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")).

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.