Topical Bible: Lion: An Unnamed Person Killed By

◄ Lion: An Unnamed Person Killed By ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, lions are often depicted as symbols of strength, danger, and divine judgment. One particular account involving a lion highlights the theme of divine retribution and the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. This account is found in the First Book of Kings, where an unnamed prophet meets his demise at the claws of a lion.

Biblical Account:

The account is recorded in 1 Kings 13. In this chapter, a man of God from Judah is sent to Bethel to deliver a message of judgment against King Jeroboam and the altar he had erected. The prophet is given specific instructions by the LORD: he must not eat bread, drink water, or return by the way he came (1 Kings 13:9). After delivering the message, the prophet begins his journey home, adhering to the divine command.

However, an old prophet living in Bethel deceives the man of God. Claiming to have received a word from an angel, the old prophet persuades the man of God to return to his house and eat bread and drink water (1 Kings 13:18). The man of God, swayed by the old prophet's words, disobeys the LORD's command and accepts the invitation.

As a result of his disobedience, the LORD pronounces judgment upon the man of God. After he departs from the old prophet's house, a lion meets him on the road and kills him. The lion stands by the body, along with the donkey, without devouring the corpse or attacking the donkey, serving as a sign of the divine nature of the judgment (1 Kings 13:24-25).

Theological Implications:

This account underscores the seriousness of adhering to God's commands and the potential consequences of disobedience. The lion, in this context, acts as an instrument of divine judgment, emphasizing the sovereignty of God over creation and His ability to use even the natural world to fulfill His purposes.

The narrative also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of false prophecy and deception. The man of God's downfall is precipitated by his willingness to trust a message that contradicted the direct command he had received from the LORD. This highlights the importance of discernment and fidelity to God's word.

Symbolism of the Lion:

Throughout Scripture, lions are often used symbolically to represent power and authority. In this account, the lion's role as an agent of divine judgment reinforces its symbolic association with strength and the execution of God's will. The presence of the lion, alongside the untouched donkey, further illustrates the miraculous nature of the event, pointing to a divine orchestration beyond natural predatory behavior.

Conclusion:

The account of the unnamed man of God killed by a lion serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the potential consequences of straying from His path. It also highlights the need for vigilance against deception and the critical role of discernment in the life of faith.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 20:36
Then said he to him, Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as you are departed from me, a lion shall slay you. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... Well, let us recall, if you please, that particular line in which you change the
person of the speaker, that we may see who it is whom you represent as ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /