מלכים א, פרק י״ג, פסוק י״ז

A prophet stands firm in his refusal, repeating the severe divine boundaries placed upon his mission. The absolute nature of God's instructions dictates both his physical sustenance and his exact travel route.

When explaining the source of his orders, the prophet notes that a message came to him. The primary approach among commentators is that this was a prophetic communication delivered by an angel speaking in the name of God [רד״ק, מצודת דוד, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, a subtle shift in his explanation reveals an internal uncertainty. Earlier in his journey, he confidently stated that God directly commanded him. Now, he merely notes that a word reached him. This change suggests that the prophet did not clearly understand the full nature of the instruction and harbored some doubt, leading him to describe it as a more general, unspecific message [מלבי״ם].

The restrictions themselves are strict and tied deeply to the location. The warning against eating and drinking applies permanently to that specific place. The ban remains in full effect forever, unless a new divine message explicitly permits it. This mirrors other divine prohibitions that stand firmly in place until formally revoked by God [מלבי״ם].

Beyond his diet, his movement is also heavily restricted. The instruction not to return on the path he took serves as an absolute ban on any form of travel along that specific route. He is entirely forbidden from setting foot on that path again, whether to continue his journey forward or to retrace his steps back home [מלבי״ם].