1 Kings 13:23 is difficult to understand. But we do not mean that it is difficult to understand the action that took place. Instead, it is difficult to understand the motivation that lies behind it. Why are matters continuing as they might have happened, if there was no divine rebuke and punishment announced? Did these two prophets
disbelieve the Lord’s words? The text does not tell us.
One matter ought to be noted. The pronoun he
that is used throughout the verse appears to point to the old prophet who brought the man of God back. If this is true, the verse can be read in such a manner as to suggest that it was only the old prophet who finished the meal. That suggestion would mean that the man of God from Judah was sensible of his disobedience and not willing to continue in it.
23 And after he had eaten bread and drunk, he saddled the donkey for the prophet whom he had brought back.