1 Kings 13:31

KJV

And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God [is] buried; lay my bones beside his bones:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, after {H310} he had buried {H6912} him, that he spake {H559} to his sons {H1121}, saying {H559}, When I am dead {H4191}, then bury {H6912} me in the sepulchre {H6913} wherein the man {H376} of God {H430} is buried {H6912}; lay {H3240} my bones {H6106} beside {H681} his bones {H6106}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After burying him he said to his sons, "When I die, put me in the burial cave where the man of God is buried; lay my bones next to his bones.

Berean Standard Bible

After he had buried him, the prophet said to his sons, “When I die, you must bury me in the tomb where the man of God is buried. Lay my bones beside his bones,

American Standard Version

And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 13:31 captures a deeply poignant and ethically complex moment following the tragic death of the prophet from Judah, often referred to as the "man of God." After retrieving and burying the deceased prophet, the old prophet of Bethel, who had deceptively led the man of God to his fatal disobedience, instructs his own sons regarding his future burial. This instruction reveals a profound, albeit belated, recognition of the man of God's authentic divine commission and a desperate desire for posthumous association with a true messenger of Yahweh, perhaps in anticipation of the very judgment that the man of God had prophesied.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the dramatic and tragic narrative of 1 Kings 13. The chapter opens with a "man of God" sent from Judah to Bethel to prophesy against King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar and practices, specifically mentioning that "bones of men" would be burned upon it by a future king named Josiah ([1 Kings 13:1-2](/1_kings/13-1 "1 Kings 13:1-2 - Prophecy against Jeroboam's Altar")). He was given a strict divine command not to eat or drink in Bethel and to return by a different route ([1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - The Divine Command")). However, an old prophet from Bethel, claiming a new message from an angel, deceptively lured him back, causing him to disobey. As a direct consequence of this disobedience, the man of God was killed by a lion ([1 Kings 13:24](/1_kings/13-24 "1 Kings 13:24 - The Prophet's Disobedience and Consequence")). The old prophet, filled with remorse and perhaps a dawning realization of the gravity of his own actions, retrieved the body, mourned him, and buried him in his own sepulchre ([1 Kings 13:29-30](/1_kings/13-29 "1 Kings 13:29-30 - The Old Prophet's Remorse and Burial")). Verse 31 directly follows this burial, revealing the old prophet's desperate desire to align himself, even in death, with the authentic prophet of God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Kings 13 unfold in the early days of the divided kingdom, shortly after Jeroboam I established his alternative worship centers in Bethel and Dan to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem for worship ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). Bethel, once a sacred site associated with Abraham and Jacob, had become a center of idolatry under Jeroboam, making the man of God's prophecy there particularly significant. Burial customs in ancient Israel placed great importance on family sepulchres and being laid with one's ancestors, signifying continuity and identity. The desire to be buried alongside another, especially a revered figure, indicated a profound identification with that person's legacy or status. The old prophet's request reflects a cultural understanding that one's burial place could signify spiritual or social alignment, and perhaps even offer a measure of protection or hope in the afterlife, particularly in the context of a foretold judgment.

* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of 1 Kings 13 is the **absolute necessity of obedience to God's explicit commands**, even for His chosen messengers. The tragic fate of the man of God serves as a stark warning against compromise and deception, highlighting that divine judgment falls even on those who err in seemingly small ways or under duress. Another key theme is the **unwavering truth and fulfillment of God's prophetic word**, regardless of human failure. Despite the man of God's disobedience and death, the prophecy against Jeroboam's altar and the mention of Josiah's future actions ([1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - The Prophecy of Josiah")) remained valid and would eventually be fulfilled ([2 Kings 23:15-18](/2_kings/23-15 "2 Kings 23:15-18 - Josiah Fulfills the Prophecy")). The old prophet's request for burial alongside the man of God underscores a recognition of this prophetic authority and a desperate **desire for posthumous association** with divine truth, perhaps hoping to escape the coming judgment on Bethel by being identified with a true servant of Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _'ish ha'Elohim'_):** This is a highly significant title in the Old Testament, denoting someone specially chosen, commissioned, and empowered by God to deliver His message, perform His will, or act as His representative. It signifies divine authority and close relationship with Yahweh. The old prophet's consistent use of this title for the prophet from Judah, even after his death and the circumstances leading to it, underscores his recognition of the divine authority behind the prophet's original message, regardless of the prophet's personal failure in obedience. It highlights the enduring truth of the message despite the messenger's stumble.
* **Sepulchre (Hebrew, _qeber'_):** Refers to a tomb or burial place, often a cave or rock-cut chamber, typically for family or esteemed individuals. In ancient Israel, the place of burial held significant cultural and spiritual weight. Being buried with one's ancestors or with a respected figure implied a connection to their legacy, identity, and destiny. The old prophet's desire to be buried in the same sepulchre as the man of God indicates a profound desire for identification and association, perhaps hoping to share in the man of God's prophetic legacy or to be spared the judgment prophesied against Bethel and its idolatrous practices.
* **Bones (Hebrew, _'etsem'_):** In ancient Hebrew thought, "bones" often represented the very essence of a person, their enduring identity even after death. The prophecy against Jeroboam's altar specifically mentioned that "bones of men" would be burned upon it ([1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy of Bones")). The old prophet's instruction to "lay my bones beside his bones" is a direct response to this prophecy. He likely understood that the man of God's bones, as those of a true prophet, would be spared during the future fulfillment of the judgment, and he sought protection for his own remains through this association. This reflects a belief in the enduring power and truth of the divine message and a desperate hope for physical preservation in the face of impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, after he had buried him,"**: This clause establishes the immediate temporal setting, directly following the old prophet's act of burying the man of God, as described in the preceding verses ([1 Kings 13:29-30](/1_kings/13-29 "1 Kings 13:29-30 - The Burial of the Man of God")). It sets the stage for the old prophet's subsequent, significant instruction to his sons, indicating that his remorse and reflection on the man of God's fate have led to a decisive action concerning his own future.
* **"that he spake to his sons, saying,"**: This highlights the solemn and intentional nature of the old prophet's instruction. By addressing his sons, he is issuing a binding command regarding his final resting place, ensuring that his wishes will be carried out after his death. This also emphasizes the intergenerational aspect of the narrative, as the sons are now entrusted with a task directly related to the prophetic events that have just unfolded.
* **"When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of God [is] buried;"**: This is the core of the old prophet's command. It reveals his profound desire to be interred in the exact same tomb as the man of God. This is not merely a practical instruction but a symbolic act of identification and association. Despite his own role in the man of God's demise, he seeks to be linked with the prophet's authenticity and divine favor, perhaps hoping to partake in any future protection or blessing associated with the true prophet of Yahweh.
* **"lay my bones beside his bones:"**: This further specifies and reinforces the old prophet's desire for intimate posthumous association. The mention of "bones" is particularly potent given the prophecy in [1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - Prophecy of Bones") that "bones of men" would be burned upon Jeroboam's altar. The old prophet's request suggests a deep awareness of this prophecy and a desperate hope that by being physically intertwined with the man of God, his own remains might be spared the desecration foretold for the idolatrous site of Bethel. It underscores his belief in the man of God's prophetic word, even as he grapples with the consequences of his own deceit.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Kings 13:31 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the old prophet, who deceived the man of God into disobedience, now seeks to be buried alongside him, implicitly acknowledging the man of God's authentic prophetic status and the truth of his message. This reversal of roles—the deceiver now seeking association with the deceived—underscores the profound impact of the man of God's death and prophecy. **Foreshadowing** is also present, as the old prophet's desire to protect his bones by associating them with the man of God's directly anticipates the future fulfillment of the prophecy by King Josiah, who, centuries later, would indeed desecrate Jeroboam's altar by burning bones upon it, explicitly sparing the bones of the man of God ([2 Kings 23:16-18](/2_kings/23-16 "2 Kings 23:16-18 - Josiah Spares the Bones")). Finally, **Symbolism** is evident in the act of burial itself and the emphasis on "bones." Burial in the same sepulchre symbolizes a desire for spiritual and eschatological alignment, while "bones" represent the enduring identity and legacy of an individual, here hoped to be preserved from judgment through association with divine truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The old prophet's request in 1 Kings 13:31 serves as a stark reminder of the enduring power and truth of God's word, even when delivered by a flawed messenger. Despite the man of God's fatal error of disobedience, the old prophet recognized the divine origin of his prophecy concerning Bethel and Jeroboam's altar. His desperate desire for posthumous association underscores a profound, albeit self-serving, belief in the coming judgment and a hope for personal preservation through identification with a true servant of Yahweh. This highlights that God's plan and prophetic declarations will be fulfilled irrespective of human frailty or failure, and that even those who deviate from His path may still acknowledge the authenticity of His message. The narrative ultimately affirms God's sovereignty and the certainty of His word.

* [Jeremiah 28:9](/jeremiah/28-9 "Jeremiah 28:9 - The Test of a Prophet")
* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - Identifying a True Prophet")
* [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man, That He Should Lie")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The poignant request of the old prophet in 1 Kings 13:31 offers profound lessons for believers today. It compels us to consider the gravity of God's word and the absolute necessity of obedience, even when faced with deception or seemingly authoritative counter-claims. The old prophet's belated recognition of the man of God's authenticity, and his desire to be associated with him in death, speaks to the enduring power of truth and the human longing for alignment with what is genuinely divine. It reminds us that while God judges disobedience, His prophetic word remains steadfast and will ultimately be fulfilled. We are called to cultivate a discerning spirit, testing all things against the revealed Word of God, and to live lives of uncompromising faithfulness, trusting that God's purposes will prevail despite human frailty. Our ultimate hope lies not in posthumous association with a righteous person, but in a living, active relationship with the perfectly obedient Son of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the old prophet's request for burial reflect his understanding of the man of God's prophetic authority, despite the man of God's fatal disobedience?**
* **What does this narrative teach us about the unwavering nature of God's prophetic word, even when the messenger stumbles?**
* **In what ways might we, like the old prophet, be tempted to seek "association" with spiritual truth or righteous individuals without fully embracing the demands of obedience ourselves?**
* **How can we cultivate greater discernment to avoid deception, even when it comes from seemingly spiritual or authoritative sources?**

### FAQ
**Why did the old prophet want to be buried with the man of God?**

Answer: The old prophet's desire to be buried with the man of God stemmed from a complex mix of remorse, recognition, and self-preservation. He clearly recognized the authenticity of the man of God's divine commission and the truth of his prophecy against Jeroboam's altar ([1 Kings 13:2](/1_kings/13-2 "1 Kings 13:2 - The Prophecy Against Jeroboam's Altar")). By requesting to be buried alongside him, the old prophet sought to identify himself with a true servant of Yahweh, perhaps hoping that this association would somehow protect his own bones from the judgment foretold for Bethel, which would involve the desecration of graves ([2 Kings 23:16-18](/2_kings/23-16 "2 Kings 23:16-18 - Josiah Fulfills the Prophecy")). It was a desperate attempt to align himself with divine truth and escape the consequences of his own deceit and the impending judgment on the idolatrous site.

**Does the man of God's disobedience negate the truth of his prophecy?**

Answer: No, the man of God's disobedience and subsequent death did not negate the truth or validity of his prophecy. The narrative of 1 Kings 13 powerfully demonstrates that God's word stands firm and will be fulfilled, regardless of the messenger's personal failings. The old prophet's actions in burying him and desiring to be buried with him underscore his belief in the prophecy's authenticity, even in the face of the prophet's tragic end. Centuries later, King Josiah explicitly fulfilled the prophecy, even sparing the bones of the man of God and the old prophet because they were buried together ([2 Kings 23:16-18](/2_kings/23-16 "2 Kings 23:16-18 - Josiah's Fulfillment")). This highlights God's sovereignty and the unwavering nature of His divine decrees.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 1 Kings 13:31, with its themes of divine command, human disobedience, prophetic truth, and the desire for righteous association, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Unlike the man of God who tragically failed in obedience, Jesus Christ perfectly fulfilled every divine command, living a life of absolute submission to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). The old prophet's desperate hope to be spared judgment by being buried with the man of God foreshadows the ultimate hope found in Christ: not a physical association in death, but a spiritual union with the One who conquered death. Through faith in Christ, believers are "buried with him by baptism into death" ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Buried with Christ")) and raised to new life, sharing in His resurrection and eternal inheritance, thereby escaping the judgment due to sin ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ Jesus")). Jesus is the ultimate "man of God," perfectly representing the Father and delivering His truth without compromise. His bones were not broken ([John 19:36](/john/19-36 "John 19:36 - Not a Bone Broken")), fulfilling prophecy, and His tomb was not a permanent resting place but a temporary stop before His glorious resurrection, offering true and lasting protection from the curse of death for all who are united with Him ([1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). In Christ, we find not just posthumous association, but a living, transformative relationship that secures our eternal future.

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 23:17

Then he said, What title [is] that that I see? And the men of the city told him, [It is] the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou hast done against the altar of Bethel.

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.

Luke 16:22

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

Luke 16:23

And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Psalms 26:9

Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men:

Ecclesiastes 8:10

And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this [is] also vanity.

Numbers 23:10

Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth [part] of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!