The domestic donkey, a humble and steadfast creature, holds a unique place in biblical narratives, often serving as a symbol of peace, service, and divine intervention. One of the most intriguing accounts involving a donkey is the miraculous event where a donkey is not torn by a lion, showcasing God's sovereign power and protection.

This event is recorded in the First Book of Kings, where the prophet's disobedience leads to a dramatic encounter. In 1 Kings 13, a man of God from Judah is sent to Bethel to prophesy against the altar erected by King Jeroboam. After delivering his message, he is instructed by the Lord not to eat bread or drink water in that place, nor return by the way he came. However, deceived by an old prophet, he disobeys God's command and eats in Bethel.

As a consequence of his disobedience, the man of God faces divine judgment. The Berean Standard Bible recounts the aftermath: "As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him. And his body was thrown down on the road, with both the donkey and the lion standing beside it" (1 Kings 13:24). This scene is remarkable for its supernatural elements. The lion, a natural predator, does not harm the donkey nor devour the prophet's body, which defies the expected behavior of such a beast.

The presence of the donkey, unharmed and standing beside the lion, serves as a testament to God's control over creation. In this narrative, the donkey symbolizes innocence and obedience, contrasting with the prophet's failure to adhere to God's command. The miraculous preservation of the donkey amidst danger highlights the theme of divine protection and the fulfillment of God's purposes, even in judgment.

This account also underscores the broader biblical motif of God using animals to accomplish His will and convey His messages. The donkey, often seen as a lowly and unassuming animal, becomes an instrument through which God's power and authority are demonstrated. The coexistence of the lion and the donkey in this account invites reflection on the peace and order that God can establish, even in the natural world.

In the broader biblical context, donkeys are frequently associated with key figures and events, such as Balaam's donkey, which speaks to warn the prophet (Numbers 22:21-33), and the donkey that carries Jesus into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's humble arrival (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-7). These instances, along with the miracle of the donkey not being torn by the lion, illustrate the significant role that these creatures play in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.1 Kings 13:28
And he went and found his carcass cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcass: the lion had not eaten the carcass, nor torn the ass.
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