Biblical Reference: 1 Kings 13:1-32

Context and Background:
The account of the man of God being killed by a lion is found in the First Book of Kings, chapter 13. This narrative occurs during the reign of King Jeroboam I of Israel, a time marked by idolatry and disobedience to the covenantal laws of Yahweh. Jeroboam, having established golden calves at Bethel and Dan, led the people of Israel into sin by instituting unauthorized worship practices.

The Man of God:
The man of God, whose name is not mentioned, is a prophet sent by Yahweh from Judah to Bethel. His mission is to deliver a message of judgment against the altar that Jeroboam had erected. The man of God prophesies that a future king, Josiah, will desecrate the altar by burning human bones on it (1 Kings 13:2). As a sign of the prophecy's authenticity, the altar is miraculously split apart, and its ashes are poured out (1 Kings 13:3-5).

Jeroboam's Reaction:
King Jeroboam, witnessing the sign, stretches out his hand against the man of God, commanding his arrest. However, his hand withers, and he is unable to draw it back. The king pleads with the man of God to intercede with Yahweh for healing. The man of God prays, and Jeroboam's hand is restored (1 Kings 13:4-6).

The Command and Disobedience:
The man of God had been explicitly instructed by Yahweh not to eat bread, drink water, or return by the way he came (1 Kings 13:9). After refusing Jeroboam's invitation to dine, he departs Bethel by a different route. However, an old prophet from Bethel deceives him. Claiming to have received a divine message, the old prophet persuades the man of God to return to his house and eat (1 Kings 13:11-19).

The Judgment:
While they are eating, the old prophet receives a true word from Yahweh, declaring that the man of God will not be buried in his ancestral tomb because he disobeyed the Lord's command (1 Kings 13:20-22). Upon leaving, the man of God is killed by a lion on the road, a divine act confirming the prophecy. Remarkably, the lion does not devour the body or harm the donkey, serving as a sign of God's judgment (1 Kings 13:23-25).

The Burial:
The old prophet retrieves the body and mourns for the man of God, burying him in his own tomb. He instructs his sons to bury him beside the man of God when he dies, acknowledging the truth of the prophecy concerning the altar at Bethel (1 Kings 13:26-32).

Theological Implications:
This narrative underscores the seriousness of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience, even for a prophet. It highlights the sovereignty of God in fulfilling His word and the certainty of divine judgment against idolatry and false worship. The account also serves as a foreshadowing of the eventual fulfillment of the prophecy by King Josiah, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:
The account of the man of God killed by a lion serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of adhering to God's instructions without deviation. It warns against the dangers of deception and the need for discernment, even when faced with seemingly authoritative claims. The narrative calls believers to a life of faithfulness and integrity, trusting in God's ultimate justice and righteousness.