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 introduces the prophet who had previously deceived the man of God. The Hebrew root for "prophet" is "navi," which traditionally refers to someone who speaks on behalf of God. However, in this context, the prophet's actions were misleading, highlighting the complexity of human nature and the potential for even those in spiritual roles to err. The phrase "brought him back" indicates a return, both physically and spiritually, to a place of disobedience, emphasizing the consequences of straying from divine instruction.

he said, 'It is the man of God
The term "man of God" is significant, as it denotes someone chosen and set apart for divine purposes. In Hebrew, "ish ha-Elohim" underscores a relationship with God that is meant to be intimate and obedient. This acknowledgment by the prophet serves as a reminder of the man's original calling and the high expectations placed upon those who serve God.

who defied the word of the LORD
To "defy" in this context comes from the Hebrew root "marah," meaning to rebel or resist. This highlights the gravity of the man of God's actions. The "word of the LORD" is a powerful phrase, indicating divine command and authority. The historical context here is crucial, as the Israelites were repeatedly reminded of the importance of obedience to God's word, which was central to their covenant relationship with Him.

The LORD has delivered him to the lion
The phrase "delivered him" uses the Hebrew root "nathan," meaning to give or hand over. This suggests a divine judgment or consequence for disobedience. The lion, often a symbol of power and judgment in the Bible, represents God's sovereignty and the seriousness of straying from His commands. This imagery would resonate with the ancient audience, familiar with the dangers of lions in their environment.

which has mauled him and killed him
The words "mauled" and "killed" describe the physical consequences of the man's disobedience. In Hebrew, "mauled" can be linked to "shabar," meaning to break or crush, while "killed" is from "muth," meaning to die. These terms emphasize the finality and severity of the judgment, serving as a sobering reminder of the cost of defying God.

according to the word of the LORD that He spoke to him
This closing phrase reiterates the authority and truth of God's word. The repetition of "the word of the LORD" underscores its importance and reliability. Historically, this serves as a testament to the prophetic tradition in Israel, where God's words were seen as unchangeable and certain. It also highlights the personal nature of God's communication, as He "spoke to him," indicating a direct and personal relationship that was tragically broken by disobedience.

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.