Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 13 - Verse 18
Meaning
In this verse, we see a prophet lying to another prophet. The first prophet claimed that an angel had spoken to him, instructing him to bring the second prophet back to his house to eat and drink. However, in reality, the first prophet was not visited by an angel and had fabricated the story to deceive the second prophet. This incident serves as a cautionary reminder that not all who claim to be messengers of God are genuine, and sometimes false prophets may try to mislead believers for their own gain. It is crucial for individuals to discern the truth and rely on the word of the LORD rather than blindly trusting those who profess to have received divine messages. This verse teaches us about the importance of discernment and the dangers of deceit within religious communities.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a prophet who is confronted by another man claiming to be a prophet and receiving a message from an angel. The word study of interest here is the phrase "an angel spake unto me by the word of the LORD." This phrase emphasizes the authority and divine source of the message being delivered to the prophet. The use of the word "word" here signifies that the message was delivered directly from the Lord, indicating its importance and truthfulness. However, despite the angelic message, the prophet in question lies to the other prophet, leading to a lesson on discernment and the importance of testing the spirits to ensure they are from God. This verse serves as a reminder to be cautious of false prophets and to always seek confirmation from God's word before following any spiritual guidance.