1 Kings 13:9

KJV

For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD, saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest.

KJV (with Strong's)

For so was it charged {H6680} me by the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, saying {H559}, Eat {H398} no bread {H3899}, nor drink {H8354} water {H4325}, nor turn again {H7725} by the same way {H1870} that thou camest {H1980}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this is the order I received through the word of ADONAI: 'Don't eat food or drink water, and don't return by the road you took when you came.'"

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what I was commanded by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’”

American Standard Version

for so was it charged me by the word of Jehovah, saying, Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water, neither return by the way that thou camest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 13:9 records the unnamed man of God's unwavering declaration to King Jeroboam, explaining the strict divine mandate he received from the LORD. This command explicitly forbade him from partaking of food or water in Bethel and from returning to Judah by the same route he had traveled. This verse is crucial, not only highlighting the prophet's initial, exemplary obedience to God's specific and non-negotiable instructions but also setting the stage for the tragic consequences that unfold later in the chapter due to a subsequent lapse in adherence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a dramatic and divinely orchestrated confrontation between the man of God and King Jeroboam at the idolatrous altar in Bethel. The prophet, sent from Judah, had boldly delivered a prophecy against Jeroboam's newly established cultic practices, declaring that a future king from the house of David (Josiah) would desecrate the altar. A miraculous sign accompanied this prophecy: the altar split, and its ashes poured out. When Jeroboam attempted to seize the prophet, his hand withered, and he was unable to retract it. Only through the man of God's prayer was Jeroboam's hand restored. In gratitude, Jeroboam invited the prophet to his house for refreshment and a reward. Verse 9 is the prophet's firm refusal, rooted in a specific, non-negotiable divine command. This refusal underscores the prophet's initial integrity and the absolute nature of the Lord's instructions, especially in the context of Jeroboam's egregious sin of establishing golden calves for worship, as detailed in [1 Kings 12:28](/1_kings/12-28 "1 Kings 12:28 - Jeroboam's Golden Calves").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Kings 13 occur shortly after the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate entities: the northern kingdom of Israel (under Jeroboam) and the southern kingdom of Judah (under Rehoboam). Jeroboam, fearing that his subjects would return to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple, established new centers of worship at Bethel and Dan, complete with golden calves, to prevent their allegiance from shifting back to the Davidic dynasty in Judah ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This act was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law and a profound act of apostasy. Bethel, once a sacred site associated with Jacob's vision ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Ladder at Bethel")), was now a hub of idolatry. In this context, the man of God's mission was a direct divine challenge to Jeroboam's illegitimate religious system. The cultural norm of offering hospitality to travelers was strong in the ancient Near East, making the prophet's refusal, though divinely commanded, a socially striking act that emphasized the gravity of his mission and the spiritual defilement of Bethel.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted in this verse is **Absolute Obedience to Divine Command**. The prophet's emphasis that his actions are not his own choice, but "charged me by the word of the LORD," underscores the necessity of strict and unquestioning adherence to God's specific instructions. This narrative also introduces the theme of **Separation and Purity in Ministry**. The prohibitions against eating, drinking, and returning the same way symbolize a call to separation from the corrupt environment of Bethel and from any potential compromise with Jeroboam's idolatrous kingdom. It emphasizes the purity and integrity required of God's messengers, who must not partake in the defilement of the land or its people. Furthermore, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **The Seriousness of God's Word and its Consequences**. The severity of the command, and the dire consequences for its eventual violation, underscore the profound seriousness with which God regards His own pronouncements. It implies a test of the prophet's faithfulness and integrity in carrying out a difficult mission, foreshadowing the tragic events that dramatically illustrate the [consequences of failing to uphold God's specific commands](/1_kings/13-26 "1 Kings 13:26 - The Man of God's Disobedience and Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **charged (Hebrew, _tsavah'_):** This verb (צָוָה, _tsavah_) means "to command, to appoint, to charge." It conveys a strong, authoritative, and binding instruction. It is not merely advice or a suggestion, but a direct, non-negotiable directive from God Himself. The use of this word emphasizes the divine origin and absolute authority behind the prohibitions, underscoring that the prophet's actions were not based on personal preference but divine imperative.
* **word of the LORD (Hebrew, _devar Yahweh'_):** This phrase (דְּבַר יְהוָה, _devar Yahweh_) signifies a direct, authoritative revelation from God. It highlights the divine source of the command, emphasizing its infallibility and the weight of its implications. In the prophetic tradition, "the word of the LORD" is the ultimate authority, demanding unquestioning obedience from those who receive it.
* **Eat no bread, nor drink water:** These prohibitions are not merely about physical sustenance but carry deep symbolic weight. They represent a complete separation from the defiled environment of Bethel and from any form of communion or hospitality offered by Jeroboam's idolatrous kingdom. In ancient cultures, sharing a meal was a sign of fellowship and covenant. By forbidding this, God commanded the prophet to maintain absolute spiritual and physical distinction, preventing any perceived endorsement of or compromise with the apostasy prevalent in Bethel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For so was it charged me by the word of the LORD":** This opening clause establishes the divine origin and absolute authority of the command. The prophet is not acting on his own initiative or wisdom but is merely an obedient messenger relaying a direct, non-negotiable instruction from God. This highlights the prophet's initial faithfulness and the supreme authority of Yahweh over all human kings and kingdoms, including Jeroboam's.
* **"saying, Eat no bread, nor drink water":** This specifies the first set of prohibitions. These are not arbitrary restrictions but carry deep theological and symbolic significance. They represent a complete spiritual and physical separation from the apostate northern kingdom. To eat or drink with Jeroboam or his people would imply fellowship, endorsement, or even dependence on a system that God had condemned. It underscores the purity and integrity required of God's messenger in a defiled land.
* **"nor turn again by the same way that thou camest":** This is the third and final prohibition, emphasizing a complete and irreversible break from the mission's context. Returning by the same path might imply lingering, a potential for further interaction, or a failure to fully disengage from the place of idolatry. It symbolizes a clean break, a refusal to revisit or be influenced by the corrupt environment, and a direct, unswerving return to the place of origin, underscoring the finality and distinctiveness of his divine assignment.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of the man of God in 1 Kings 13, particularly this verse, employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the strictness of the command in verse 9 subtly hints at the dire consequences that will befall the prophet when he eventually disobeys it. The very specificity of the prohibitions builds dramatic tension, making the later failure all the more tragic. **Symbolism** is also heavily utilized; the "bread" and "water" symbolize not just physical sustenance but spiritual communion and fellowship, while the "way" represents the path of one's journey and, metaphorically, one's spiritual trajectory. The refusal to eat, drink, or return by the same way thus symbolizes complete spiritual separation and uncompromising integrity. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony**, as the reader is made aware of the precise divine command, setting up the tragic fall of the prophet when he is deceived by the old prophet, highlighting the devastating consequences of even seemingly minor disobedience to a clear divine word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The unwavering stance of the man of God in 1 Kings 13:9 profoundly underscores the supreme importance of absolute and uncompromised obedience to God's explicit commands. This is not merely about following rules, but about recognizing God's authority, trusting His wisdom, and maintaining spiritual purity in the face of temptation or worldly compromise. The narrative serves as a stark reminder that even when God's servants perform great acts of faith, a single act of disobedience to a clear divine directive can have devastating consequences. It teaches that God's word is precise and demands precise adherence, particularly for those entrusted with His message.

* [Deuteronomy 8:3](/deuteronomy/8-3 "Deuteronomy 8:3 - Man lives by every word of God")
* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is better than sacrifice")
* [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God rather than men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The man of God's initial obedience in 1 Kings 13:9 presents a powerful challenge for believers today. In a world constantly tempting us to compromise our convictions, to seek comfort over consecration, or to prioritize social acceptance over divine mandate, this verse calls us to radical, uncompromising adherence to God's revealed will. It reminds us that our spiritual integrity is paramount, especially when serving God in environments hostile to His truth. Just as the prophet was forbidden from partaking in the defiled hospitality of Bethel, we too are called to discern and distance ourselves from influences, relationships, or practices that might compromise our faith or dilute our witness. The tragic outcome of the prophet's story (though not yet revealed in this verse) serves as a sober warning: even after significant acts of faithfulness, a lapse in obedience to a clear command can lead to severe spiritual consequences. Our faithfulness is not measured by our past successes but by our ongoing, moment-by-moment adherence to God's word, trusting that His ways are always best, even when they seem counter-intuitive or socially inconvenient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to a radical separation or non-compromise, similar to the man of God's command to "eat no bread, nor drink water"?**
* **How do you discern between general biblical principles and specific, direct commands from God for your life, and what steps do you take to ensure absolute obedience to the latter?**
* **What "ways" or habits from your past might God be calling you to "turn again" from, signifying a complete break and a new direction in your journey of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why were the commands so specific and strict for the man of God?**

Answer: The commands were specific and strict to emphasize the absolute authority of the LORD and the profound spiritual defilement of Jeroboam's idolatrous cult in Bethel. By forbidding the prophet from eating, drinking, or returning by the same path, God was ensuring that His messenger maintained complete separation and purity, preventing any form of compromise or perceived endorsement of the apostasy. It was a test of the prophet's unwavering obedience and a symbolic act demonstrating God's complete rejection of Jeroboam's false worship. This strictness highlighted the gravity of the prophetic mission and the seriousness with which God views obedience to His word, especially in the face of widespread rebellion against Him, as seen in [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Testing a Prophet").

**What is the significance of not returning by the same way?**

Answer: Not returning by the same way symbolizes a complete and irreversible break from the place and context of the divine mission. It signifies that the prophet was to have no lingering connection, no potential for further interaction, and no opportunity for the defilement of Bethel to follow him back. It underscored the finality and distinctiveness of his assignment, ensuring that his journey was solely for the purpose of delivering God's message and then immediately disengaging from the corrupted environment. This directive emphasized a thorough separation, preventing any spiritual or physical contamination from the idolatrous practices he had just condemned, much like the instructions given for cleansing rituals in [Leviticus 14:40-42](/leviticus/14-40 "Leviticus 14:40-42 - Cleansing a House of Leprosy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The man of God's initial, albeit ultimately flawed, obedience in 1 Kings 13:9 points forward to the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet and Messenger of God. Unlike the man of God who eventually succumbed to temptation, Jesus consistently fulfilled every command of His Father without deviation or compromise. When tempted in the wilderness to turn stones into bread, Jesus declared, "[Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth 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")), perfectly embodying the spirit of the command to the man of God. He never sought His own will but always the will of the Father who sent Him ([John 6:38](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). Jesus' entire life was a journey of perfect obedience, culminating in His willingness to go to the cross, declaring, "[Not my will, but thine, be done](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus in Gethsemane")" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus in Gethsemane")). He maintained absolute separation from the world's corruption, yet engaged with its brokenness to bring redemption. In Christ, we see the flawless fulfillment of what it means to be "charged by the word of the LORD," for He is the living Word, perfectly embodying and executing the divine will, ensuring that His mission of salvation was completed without any compromise or turning back from the path set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")).

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

Numbers 16:26

And he spake unto the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary [food].

Deuteronomy 13:13

[Certain] men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;

Deuteronomy 13:18

When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do [that which is] right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.

Romans 16:17

¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

John 15:9

¶ As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.