1 kings 13:17 - For it was said to me by Yahweh’s word, ‘You shall eat no bread or drink water there, and don’t turn again to go by the way that you came.’”
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What does "1 kings 13:17" mean?
This verse in 1 Kings 13:17 is part of a larger story involving a prophet from Judah sent by God to denounce the altar at Bethel built by King Jeroboam. The verse itself relays the specific instructions given to the prophet:
"For it was said to me by Yahweh’s word..." This establishes the authority of the command. The prophet isn't acting on his own accord, but relaying direct instructions from God (Yahweh).
"...‘You shall eat no bread or drink water there...’" This is a very specific prohibition. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing food and drink was a sign of fellowship and covenant. By forbidding the prophet to partake in food or drink in Bethel, God was emphasizing the prophet's complete separation from the idolatrous practices and the people of that place. He was to have no association with them, even the seemingly innocent act of sharing a meal. It's also a test of the prophet's obedience.
"...and don’t turn again to go by the way that you came.’" This instruction is about preserving the purity of his mission and the avoidance of any potential compromise. By taking a different route home, the prophet would avoid any possible temptation to linger in Bethel, to soften his message, or to be influenced by the idolatrous environment he was sent to condemn. It also could symbolize a clean break from the place and its practices; he was to leave it behind completely.
In Summary:
The verse signifies:
Divine Authority: The prophet's actions are dictated by God's direct command.
Separation from Idolatry: He must avoid any form of fellowship or compromise with the idolatrous practices of Bethel.
Complete Obedience: The prophet's fidelity is tested by these specific instructions.
Singular Focus on Mission: He must maintain the purity and integrity of his message, avoiding any distraction or influence that could dilute its impact.
The consequences of disobeying these instructions, as we see later in the chapter, are severe, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's direct commands, even in seemingly minor details. The prophet ends up being deceived by an old prophet, eats with him, and then is killed by a lion on his way home. His disobedience results in his death.
1 kings 13:17 - For it was said to me by Yahweh’s word, ‘You shall eat no bread or drink water there, and don’t turn again to go by the way that you came.’”
What does "1 kings 13:17" mean?
This verse in 1 Kings 13:17 is part of a larger story involving a prophet from Judah sent by God to denounce the altar at Bethel built by King Jeroboam. The verse itself relays the specific instructions given to the prophet:
"For it was said to me by Yahweh’s word..." This establishes the authority of the command. The prophet isn't acting on his own accord, but relaying direct instructions from God (Yahweh).
"...‘You shall eat no bread or drink water there...’" This is a very specific prohibition. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing food and drink was a sign of fellowship and covenant. By forbidding the prophet to partake in food or drink in Bethel, God was emphasizing the prophet's complete separation from the idolatrous practices and the people of that place. He was to have no association with them, even the seemingly innocent act of sharing a meal. It's also a test of the prophet's obedience.
"...and don’t turn again to go by the way that you came.’" This instruction is about preserving the purity of his mission and the avoidance of any potential compromise. By taking a different route home, the prophet would avoid any possible temptation to linger in Bethel, to soften his message, or to be influenced by the idolatrous environment he was sent to condemn. It also could symbolize a clean break from the place and its practices; he was to leave it behind completely.
In Summary:
The verse signifies:
Divine Authority: The prophet's actions are dictated by God's direct command.
Separation from Idolatry: He must avoid any form of fellowship or compromise with the idolatrous practices of Bethel.
Complete Obedience: The prophet's fidelity is tested by these specific instructions.
Singular Focus on Mission: He must maintain the purity and integrity of his message, avoiding any distraction or influence that could dilute its impact.
The consequences of disobeying these instructions, as we see later in the chapter, are severe, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's direct commands, even in seemingly minor details. The prophet ends up being deceived by an old prophet, eats with him, and then is killed by a lion on his way home. His disobedience results in his death.