1 Kings 13:25

And there were men passing by who saw the body lying in the road with the lion standing beside it, and they went and reported this in the city where the old prophet lived.

Study Bible

And there were men passing by
This phrase indicates the presence of witnesses to the event, which is significant in biblical narratives for establishing the credibility of the account. In ancient Israel, the testimony of multiple witnesses was crucial for verifying events (Deuteronomy 19:15). The presence of these men underscores the public nature of the incident, ensuring that the miraculous and unusual circumstances would be widely known.

who saw the body lying in the road
The body lying in the road is that of the man of God who disobeyed the Lord's command. This serves as a stark visual reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's word. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a body left unburied was considered a sign of disgrace and divine judgment (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). This imagery would have been powerful to the original audience, emphasizing the seriousness of the prophet's actions.

with the lion standing beside it
The lion's presence is miraculous, as it did not devour the body or attack the donkey, which would be expected behavior. This indicates divine intervention, showing that the lion acted as an instrument of God's judgment rather than a natural predator. Lions are often symbols of strength and judgment in the Bible (Amos 3:8), and here it serves to highlight the authority and power of God's word.

and they went and reported this in the city
The act of reporting the incident suggests the importance of the event and its impact on the community. In biblical times, news of such a miraculous occurrence would spread quickly, serving as a warning and a lesson to others. This reflects the communal nature of ancient Israelite society, where significant events were shared and discussed within the community.

where the old prophet lived
The mention of the old prophet ties the narrative back to the earlier part of the chapter, where he deceived the man of God. This connection highlights themes of accountability and the consequences of misleading others. The old prophet's involvement in the story serves as a reminder of the complexity of human motives and the need for discernment in spiritual matters. The city itself becomes a backdrop for the unfolding of divine justice and the fulfillment of God's word.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah who disobeyed God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel and was subsequently killed by a lion as a consequence of his disobedience.

2. The Lion
An instrument of God's judgment, standing by the body of the man of God, symbolizing divine intervention and the seriousness of disobedience.

3. The Donkey
The animal the man of God rode, which remained unharmed and stood by the lion and the body, highlighting the miraculous nature of the event.

4. The Passersby
Men who witnessed the scene and reported it, serving as messengers to spread the news of the man of God's fate.

5. The Old Prophet
A prophet from Bethel who deceived the man of God into disobeying God's command, indirectly leading to his death.

Teaching Points

The Seriousness of Obedience
Disobedience to God's commands can have severe consequences. The man of God's fate serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to God's instructions.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The presence of the lion and the unharmed donkey illustrates God's control over creation and His ability to use it to fulfill His purposes.

The Role of Witnesses
The passersby who reported the incident highlight the importance of bearing witness to God's actions and sharing them with others.

The Danger of Deception
The old prophet's deception serves as a warning to be discerning and to test the spirits, ensuring that guidance aligns with God's word.

Miraculous Signs as Messages
The unusual scene of the lion and donkey standing by the body is a divine sign meant to convey a message, encouraging us to seek understanding in God's actions.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fate of the man of God in 1 Kings 13:25 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways does the presence of the lion and the donkey serve as a testament to God's sovereignty and power?

3. How can we apply the lesson of the old prophet's deception to our own lives in terms of discerning truth and guidance?

4. What role do witnesses play in the unfolding of God's plans, and how can we be effective witnesses in our own communities?

5. How does the account of the man of God in 1 Kings 13 connect with other biblical accounts of divine intervention and miraculous signs, such as Balaam's donkey in Numbers 22?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-24
Provides the context of the man of God's mission and his disobedience, leading to the events of verse 25.

Numbers 22:21-35
The account of Balaam and the donkey, where God uses an animal to convey a message, similar to the miraculous presence of the lion and donkey in 1 Kings 13:25.

2 Kings 23:17-18
Refers to the fulfillment of the prophecy concerning the man of God, showing the long-term impact of his actions and God's word.