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 introduces the witnesses to the miraculous and tragic event. The Hebrew word for "men" is "אֲנָשִׁים" (anashim), which often denotes ordinary people. The presence of these passersby highlights the public nature of the event, ensuring that the message and its implications would spread. In a historical context, roads were common places for travelers and traders, making it likely for such an event to be witnessed and reported.

who saw the body lying in the road
The "body" refers to the disobedient prophet who was killed by a lion. The Hebrew word for "body" is "פֶּגֶר" (peger), which can mean a corpse or carcass, emphasizing the finality of death. The road, or "דֶּרֶךְ" (derekh), symbolizes the journey of life and the consequences of straying from God's path. This scene serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness of divine commands and the reality of divine judgment.

with the lion standing beside the body
The lion, "אֲרִי" (ari), is a symbol of power and judgment in the Bible. Its presence beside the body, rather than devouring it, signifies a supernatural event. In the ancient Near East, lions were feared predators, and their behavior here underscores the miraculous nature of God's intervention. The lion's restraint is a testament to God's control over nature and His ability to use creation to fulfill His purposes.

and they went and reported it
The act of reporting, "וַיַּגִּדוּ" (vayaggidu), is crucial in the narrative. It ensures that the event is not isolated but becomes known to the community. This reflects the biblical principle that God's works and judgments are to be declared and remembered. The dissemination of this report serves as a warning and a lesson to others about the consequences of disobedience.

in the city where the old prophet lived
The "city" is a place of community and communication. The old prophet, who had deceived the man of God, resides here, and the report reaching this location brings the narrative full circle. The Hebrew word for "lived" is "יֹשֵׁב" (yoshev), indicating dwelling or residing, which implies a sense of permanence. This detail highlights the interconnectedness of the characters and the unfolding of God's plan, even through human failure and deception.

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.