Compare the lion's behavior in 1 Kings 13:24 to Daniel 6:22. The passages side by side “As he traveled on, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying on the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it.” (1 Kings 13:24) “My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions; they have not harmed me, for I was found innocent in His sight.” (Daniel 6:22) 1 Kings 13:24 — a lion of judgment • The lion acts as an instrument of God’s discipline on the disobedient prophet. • It kills but does not consume the man, nor harm the donkey—an unmistakably supernatural restraint. • The scene publicly displays the seriousness of disobeying a direct command from the Lord (cf. 1 Kings 13:21–22). • God’s absolute control over nature is evident: even a predator performs precisely what He decrees, no more and no less. Daniel 6:22 — lions restrained for deliverance • Multiple lions are present, naturally starved to ensure lethality (cf. Daniel 6:24). • God sends His angel to “shut the mouths of the lions,” preserving Daniel’s life because of his innocent, steadfast obedience. • The miracle vindicates both Daniel and the living God before King Darius and the empire (Daniel 6:26–27). • Again, the lions do only what God allows; their normal instincts are overruled by divine command. Similarities and differences in behavior Similarities • Both accounts feature lions behaving contrary to natural instinct under God’s direct control. • Each event serves as a public testimony—either to judgment (1 Kings) or deliverance (Daniel). • God’s sovereignty over creation is front-and-center (cf. Psalm 22:21; Job 38:39–41). Differences • Purpose: discipline for disobedience versus protection of faithful obedience. • Number of lions: a single lion in 1 Kings; an entire den in Daniel. • Outcome: death of the prophet; life preserved for Daniel. • Agent: no angel mentioned in 1 Kings—God simply commands the beast; Daniel explicitly credits an angelic intervention. What these accounts reveal about God • He is Lord over every creature (Genesis 1:28; Psalm 104:21). • He judges disobedience swiftly and justly (Hebrews 10:30–31). • He powerfully preserves those who trust and obey Him (Psalm 34:7; 2 Peter 2:9). • Miraculous control of nature authenticates His word and His messengers (Mark 4:41). Living out the lesson today • Obedience matters: God’s commands are not suggestions. • Trust His protection: nothing—human or animal—can touch His servants without permission (John 10:28–29). • Expect accountability: the same God who spared Daniel also disciplined the prophet; He does not change (Malachi 3:6). • Let God’s sovereignty over “lions” in Scripture strengthen confidence when facing modern-day threats, knowing He remains fully in control. |
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