1 Kings 13:26

When the prophet who had brought him back from his journey heard this, he said, "It is the man of God who disobeyed the command of the LORD. Therefore the LORD has delivered him to the lion, and it has mauled him and killed him, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to him."

Study Bible

When the prophet who had brought him back from his journey heard this
This phrase refers to the old prophet from Bethel who had deceived the man of God from Judah into returning to eat and drink, contrary to God's command. The old prophet's actions highlight the theme of false prophecy and deception, which is a recurring issue in Israel's history. The phrase also underscores the importance of discernment and obedience to God's word, as seen in other biblical narratives such as the deception of Eve in Genesis 3.

he said, “It is the man of God who disobeyed the command of the LORD.
The man of God is identified as having disobeyed a direct command from the LORD, emphasizing the seriousness of his transgression. This reflects the biblical principle that disobedience to God's commands, especially by those who are His messengers, carries severe consequences. This theme is echoed in the story of Saul's disobedience in 1 Samuel 15, where partial obedience is shown to be inadequate.

Therefore the LORD has delivered him to the lion,
The lion is often a symbol of God's judgment in the Bible, as seen in other passages like Daniel 6 and Amos 3:8. The use of a lion here signifies divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's word. The phrase "delivered him to the lion" indicates that the judgment was not random but a direct act of God, reinforcing the idea of divine sovereignty and justice.

and it has mauled him and killed him,
The mauling and killing by the lion serve as a physical manifestation of the spiritual consequences of disobedience. This act of judgment is both immediate and final, illustrating the seriousness with which God views the violation of His commands. It also serves as a warning to others about the dangers of straying from God's instructions.

according to the word that the LORD had spoken to him.”
This phrase confirms the fulfillment of God's prophetic word, underscoring the reliability and authority of divine revelation. It serves as a reminder that God's words are not to be taken lightly and that His promises and warnings will come to pass. This is consistent with the broader biblical narrative, where God's word is always fulfilled, as seen in the prophecies concerning Jesus Christ in the New Testament.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Man of God
A prophet from Judah who was sent by God to deliver a message against the altar at Bethel.

2. The Old Prophet
An older prophet living in Bethel who deceived the man of God into disobeying God's command.

3. Bethel
A significant location in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Jeroboam set up a golden calf for worship.

4. The Lion
An instrument of God's judgment, used to fulfill the prophecy against the man of God for his disobedience.

5. The Word of the LORD
The divine command given to the man of God, which he ultimately disobeyed due to deception.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
Obedience to God's word is paramount, even when faced with conflicting messages from others.

Discernment in Spiritual Matters
Believers must exercise discernment and seek confirmation from God when receiving messages that contradict His known will.

Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the man of God's fate.

The Role of Deception
Deception can come from unexpected sources, even those who appear to be spiritual authorities.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's justice is perfect, and His sovereignty is evident in how He fulfills His word, even through unexpected means.

Bible Study Questions

1. What lessons can we learn from the man of God's disobedience, and how can we apply them to our own lives?

2. How can we ensure that we are discerning God's true voice amidst conflicting messages from others?

3. In what ways does the account of the man of God and the old prophet challenge us to evaluate the sources of our spiritual guidance?

4. How does the concept of divine justice in this passage relate to other instances of God's judgment in the Bible?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required obedience to God's word. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-25
Provides the context of the man of God's mission and his encounter with the old prophet.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands over sacrifice, paralleling the man of God's failure.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on one's own understanding, relevant to the man of God's reliance on the old prophet's words.

Galatians 1:8-9
Warns against accepting any gospel contrary to what was originally received, similar to the man of God's acceptance of the old prophet's lie.

Hebrews 12:6
Discusses God's discipline for those He loves, which can be seen in the man of God's punishment.