The old prophet's request to be buried next to the man of God highlights a profound respect and acknowledgment of the divine mission that the man of God carried out. Despite the earlier deception, where the old prophet misled the man of God, this request signifies a desire for reconciliation and a deep respect for the man of God's faithfulness to God's command. It reflects the old prophet's recognition of the importance of aligning oneself with God's messengers and the divine will.
This act of wanting to be laid to rest beside the man of God symbolizes a final act of unity and respect for the divine purpose that the man of God represented. It suggests that the old prophet, despite his earlier actions, understood the significance of the man of God's mission and wanted to be associated with it in death. This request can be seen as a symbolic gesture of repentance and an acknowledgment of the truth and power of God's word delivered through His prophets. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring and respecting those who faithfully serve God's purposes, even in the face of human error and misunderstanding.