1 Kings 13:9

“For so it was charged me by the word of the Lord, etc.] The command of the Lord, by which he came to Bethel, and cried against the altar there, (<111301>1 Kings 13:1,2) saying, eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest: signifying that no communion was to be had with idolaters, nor any example to be set and followed; but the way to them, and to their idolatry, was to be shunned and avoided.”

“Eat no bread, nor drink water - The reason of the command is evident. The man of God was not to accept the hospitality of any dweller at Bethel, in order to show in a marked way, which men generally could appreciate, God’s abhorrence of the system which Jeroboam had “devised of his own heart.” Nor turn again by the same way that thou camest - This command seems to have been given simply to test the obedience of the prophet by laying him under a positive as well as a moral obligation. return to 'Top of Page'”

“For so, &c. - My refusal of thy favour, is not from any contempt, or hatred of thy person; but in obedience to the just command of my God, who hath forbidden me all father converse or communication with thee. Eat nor drink - In that place, or with that people. Whereby God declares, how detestable they were in God's eyes; because they were vile apostates from the true God, and embraced this idol - worship, against the light of their own consciences, merely to comply with the king's humour and command. Nor turn - That by thy avoiding the way that led thee to Beth - el as execrable, although thou wentest by my special command, thou mightest teach all others, how much they should abhor that way,…”

“For: Kg1 13:1, Kg1 13:21, Kg1 13:22; Sa1 15:22; Job 23:12; Joh 13:17, Joh 15:9, Joh 15:10, Joh 15:14 Eat no bread: Num 16:26; Deu 13:13-18; Psa 141:4; Rom 16:17; Co1 5:11; Eph 5:11; Jo2 1:10, Jo2 1:11; Rev 18:4 3 Kings (1 Kings) 13:11”