1 Kings 13:28

and he went and found the body lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. The lion had not eaten the body or mauled the donkey.

Study Bible

Then the prophet went
This phrase indicates a deliberate action taken by the prophet, who is often identified as the old prophet from Bethel. The Hebrew root for "went" (הלך, halak) implies a purposeful journey, often used in the context of obedience or fulfillment of a task. In this narrative, the prophet's journey is one of discovery and reflection, as he seeks to understand the consequences of the disobedience of the man of God.

found the body lying on the road
The discovery of the body signifies the tragic outcome of the man of God's disobedience to God's command. The Hebrew word for "body" (נבלה, nevelah) often refers to a corpse, emphasizing the finality of death. This scene serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of God's instructions and the consequences of straying from them.

with the donkey and the lion standing beside it
The presence of both the donkey and the lion is highly symbolic. In ancient Near Eastern culture, lions were seen as powerful and often destructive creatures, while donkeys were common beasts of burden. The fact that the lion did not harm the donkey or further mutilate the body suggests a supernatural intervention, highlighting God's control over nature and His ability to use it to convey His messages.

the lion had not eaten the body
This detail underscores the miraculous nature of the event. Lions, by their natural instincts, would typically consume their prey. The Hebrew word for "eaten" (אכל, akal) is used here to emphasize what did not happen, pointing to the divine orchestration of events. This restraint by the lion serves as a testament to God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word.

or mauled the donkey
The preservation of the donkey further illustrates the unusual nature of the scene. The Hebrew root for "mauled" (שבר, shabar) means to break or destroy, which did not occur here. This restraint is a powerful symbol of God's protection and the distinction between divine judgment and natural consequences. It also serves as a narrative device to draw attention to the miraculous and instructive nature of the event.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Prophet
A man of God from Judah who had been sent to Bethel to deliver a message against the altar King Jeroboam had erected. He disobeyed God's command not to eat or drink in Bethel and was killed by a lion as a consequence.

2. The Lion
An instrument of God's judgment, sent to kill the disobedient prophet. Remarkably, it did not eat the body or harm the donkey, signifying divine intervention and purpose.

3. The Donkey
The animal the prophet rode. Its presence alongside the lion and the untouched body highlights the miraculous nature of the event.

4. The Road
The location where the prophet's body was found, symbolizing the path of disobedience and the consequences of straying from God's commands.

5. Bethel
The place where the prophet delivered God's message against idolatry, representing a center of false worship under King Jeroboam.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Disobedience
Disobedience to God's clear commands can lead to severe consequences, as seen in the prophet's death.

God's Sovereignty in Judgment
The lion's behavior demonstrates God's control over creation and His ability to execute judgment precisely.

Discernment and Obedience
The prophet's failure to discern the truth from the old prophet's lie serves as a warning to seek God's guidance and adhere strictly to His word.

Symbolism of the Lion and Donkey
The peaceful coexistence of the lion and donkey beside the body symbolizes the unnatural and divine nature of the event, emphasizing God's message.

Repentance and Restoration
While the prophet faced judgment, the broader account encourages repentance and returning to God to avoid similar fates.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the prophet in 1 Kings 13 illustrate the importance of obedience to God's commands?

2. In what ways can we discern God's voice and avoid being misled by others, as the prophet was by the old prophet?

3. How does the miraculous nature of the lion and donkey's behavior reinforce the message of divine judgment and sovereignty?

4. What parallels can you draw between the prophet's disobedience and other biblical figures who faced consequences for similar actions?

5. How can we apply the lessons from this passage to our daily walk with God, particularly in areas of obedience and discernment?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 13:1-32
Provides the full context of the prophet's mission, disobedience, and the resulting judgment.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice, paralleling the prophet's failure to obey God's direct command.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord and not leaning on one's understanding, relevant to the prophet's decision to heed the old prophet's lie.

Hebrews 10:31
Reflects on the fearful expectation of judgment for those who disobey God, akin to the prophet's fate.