In 1 Kings 13, a young prophet from Judah had just delivered a prophecy against the altar at Bethel, fulfilling God's word. An old prophet, who lived in Bethel, witnessed this. After the young prophet refused the king's invitation to eat and receive a reward, citing God's direct command to him, the old prophet pursues him.
The verse "Then he said to him, 'Come home with me, and eat bread'" is the old prophet's invitation to the young prophet to break bread with him. On the surface, it seems like a simple act of hospitality. However, within the context of the story, it's a deceptive invitation.
Here's what it signifies:
Testing the Young Prophet's Obedience: The old prophet knows the young prophet's mission and the command he received from God not to eat or drink in Bethel. The invitation is a direct challenge to that command.
Implied Fellowship and Validation: By inviting him to eat bread, the old prophet is offering a kind of fellowship and implied validation of the young prophet's actions. Eating together was often a sign of trust and acceptance.
Opening the Door to Deception: The real danger lies in the fact that the old prophet lies to the young prophet, claiming an angel told him the young prophet could return and eat with him. The invitation is a way to create a scenario where the lie can take effect.
In short, while seemingly innocent, the invitation to "come home with me, and eat bread" is a pivotal point in the story, representing temptation, a test of obedience, and a vulnerability to deception that leads to the young prophet's downfall. It highlights the importance of staying true to God's word, even when faced with what appears to be well-intentioned advice or fellowship.
In 1 Kings 13, a young prophet from Judah had just delivered a prophecy against the altar at Bethel, fulfilling God's word. An old prophet, who lived in Bethel, witnessed this. After the young prophet refused the king's invitation to eat and receive a reward, citing God's direct command to him, the old prophet pursues him.
The verse "Then he said to him, 'Come home with me, and eat bread'" is the old prophet's invitation to the young prophet to break bread with him. On the surface, it seems like a simple act of hospitality. However, within the context of the story, it's a deceptive invitation.
Here's what it signifies:
Testing the Young Prophet's Obedience: The old prophet knows the young prophet's mission and the command he received from God not to eat or drink in Bethel. The invitation is a direct challenge to that command.
Implied Fellowship and Validation: By inviting him to eat bread, the old prophet is offering a kind of fellowship and implied validation of the young prophet's actions. Eating together was often a sign of trust and acceptance.
Opening the Door to Deception: The real danger lies in the fact that the old prophet lies to the young prophet, claiming an angel told him the young prophet could return and eat with him. The invitation is a way to create a scenario where the lie can take effect.
In short, while seemingly innocent, the invitation to "come home with me, and eat bread" is a pivotal point in the story, representing temptation, a test of obedience, and a vulnerability to deception that leads to the young prophet's downfall. It highlights the importance of staying true to God's word, even when faced with what appears to be well-intentioned advice or fellowship.