1 Kings 13:24

KJV

And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when he was gone {H3212}, a lion {H738} met {H4672} him by the way {H1870}, and slew {H4191} him: and his carcase {H5038} was cast {H7993} in the way {H1870}, and the ass {H2543} stood {H5975} by {H681} it, the lion {H738} also stood {H5975} by the carcase {H5038}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But after he had gone, a lion encountered the man of God on the road and killed him. His corpse lay there in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing next to it.

Berean Standard Bible

As he went on his way, a lion met him on the road and killed him, and his body was left lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it.

American Standard Version

And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his body was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it; the lion also stood by the body.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The verse 1 Kings 13:24 vividly depicts the swift and unsparing divine judgment upon the unnamed man of God from Judah, who, despite his initial faithfulness and prophetic commission, tragically succumbed to deception and disobeyed the Lord's explicit command. This stark incident serves as a powerful testament to the absolute seriousness with which God regards obedience to His revealed word, underscoring that even those specially chosen for His service are not exempt from the consequences of direct transgression, particularly when it involves a clear violation of divine instruction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks the climactic and tragic conclusion of a dramatic narrative in [1 Kings chapter 13](/1-kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Man of God from Judah"). The chapter opens with the man of God, sent by the Lord, boldly prophesying against King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar at Bethel, a prophecy immediately validated by a miraculous sign. Crucially, God gave him a strict, explicit command: he was not to eat bread or drink water in Bethel, nor was he to return by the same way ([1 Kings 13:9](/1-kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Man of God")). He initially obeyed, refusing Jeroboam's hospitality and gifts. However, he was later deceived by an old prophet living in Bethel, who falsely claimed an angel had given him a contrary message, inviting him to eat and drink ([1 Kings 13:18](/1-kings/13-18 "1 Kings 13:18 - The Old Prophet's Deception")). The man of God, despite God's clear prior instruction, succumbed to this lie. As he journeyed home, the judgment prophesied by the very old prophet who deceived him (now speaking God's true word) was executed, culminating in the scene described in [1 Kings 13:24](/1-kings/13-24 "1 Kings 13:24 - The Man of God's Death").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Kings 13 unfold shortly after the division of the united kingdom of Israel into two separate entities: Judah in the south and Israel in the north, following the reign of Solomon ([1 Kings 12](/1-kings/12 "1 Kings 12 - The Division of the Kingdom")). King Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel, established golden calves at Bethel and Dan, creating alternative worship centers to prevent his people from returning to Jerusalem to worship the Lord, fearing it would lead to their defection back to the house of David ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1-kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). This act was a profound breach of the Mosaic covenant and a direct affront to Yahweh. Bethel, a historically significant site where Jacob encountered God ([Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Ladder at Bethel")), was now a center of idolatry. The man of God's mission was a direct challenge to this apostasy, and his subsequent disobedience, even if induced by deception, undermined the very authority of the divine word he was commissioned to deliver, making the swift and public judgment a necessary demonstration of God's holiness and unwavering opposition to sin.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the man of God from Judah, culminating in his death in this verse, powerfully underscores several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **The Gravity of Disobedience**, emphasizing that God takes His commands with utmost seriousness. Even a prophet, divinely commissioned and initially faithful, is not exempt from the severe consequences of direct disobedience to a clear, specific divine instruction. This demonstrates the absolute nature of God's word and the non-negotiable requirement of obedience from His servants. Secondly, the incident reveals **God's Unwavering Justice**. Despite the man of God's initial faithfulness and the deception he faced, God's word concerning the judgment for disobedience was fulfilled precisely as foretold. The unusual method of his death—by a lion, yet with the ass and the lion standing peaceably by the carcass—underscores that this was not a random attack but a specific, divinely orchestrated judgment, leaving no doubt of its supernatural origin and judicial purpose. Thirdly, the story serves as a profound warning about **The Danger of Deception**. The man of God failed to discern the truth, prioritizing a seemingly divine message from another human over God's clear, direct instruction given to him personally. This illustrates the critical need for spiritual discernment and adherence to God's established word, even when faced with persuasive or seemingly authoritative counter-claims.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Slew (Hebrew, _hemît_):** This verb, derived from the root מוּת (mût), simply means "to kill" or "to put to death." In this context, it denotes the direct and decisive action of the lion in taking the man of God's life. The passive voice ("was slain") would emphasize the man of God's fate, but the active "slew him" highlights the lion as the direct instrument of God's judgment, acting with divine authorization rather than mere predatory instinct.
* **Carcase (Hebrew, _nevelah_):** This noun refers specifically to a dead body, often one that has died naturally or violently but has not been properly buried. Its use here emphasizes the man of God's ignominious end, his body left unburied and exposed in the road. The repeated mention of the "carcase" underscores the finality and public nature of his judgment.
* **Stood (Hebrew, _'amad_):** This verb means "to stand," "to remain," or "to endure." The repeated use of "stood" (for both the ass and the lion) is highly significant. It describes their static, unnatural posture alongside the dead body. This detail is crucial for conveying the supernatural nature of the event; the lion, a natural predator, does not devour the body or attack the ass, but rather "stands" guard, indicating that its actions are controlled by a higher power, fulfilling a divine purpose rather than its own instinct.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him:"** This clause immediately follows the man of God's departure from the old prophet's house, indicating the swiftness of the divine judgment. The lion is introduced as the agent of this judgment, "meeting him by the way," implying a divinely appointed encounter rather than a random animal attack. The verb "slew him" is direct and unambiguous, signifying the immediate execution of the consequence for his disobedience.
* **"and his carcase was cast in the way,"** This phrase describes the immediate aftermath of the slaying. The man of God's dead body is left in the open road, a public display of his fate. The passive voice ("was cast") subtly implies that it was not merely the lion's action but the consequence of the divine act, leaving the body exposed and unburied, a sign of disgrace and judgment.
* **"and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase."** This final, highly unusual detail is the most striking and crucial for understanding the nature of the event. The ass, which the man of God was riding, remains unharmed and stands passively beside the dead body. More remarkably, the lion, a predator, also stands peacefully by the "carcase" instead of devouring it or attacking the ass. This unnatural scene unequivocally points to a supernatural intervention, confirming that the lion was not acting on its own predatory instincts but was an instrument of God's precise and controlled judgment, ensuring the public display of the consequences without further destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The account in 1 Kings 13:24 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its theological message. **Irony** is prominent, as the very prophet who deceived the man of God later delivers the true word of judgment, and the man of God, who refused hospitality from a king, is ultimately killed by a lion after accepting hospitality based on a lie. **Symbolism** is also heavily at play, particularly with the lion. While a real animal, its behavior is entirely symbolic: it acts not as a wild beast but as a controlled agent of divine judgment, representing God's swift and unyielding justice against disobedience. The undisturbed presence of the ass and the lion standing together by the body creates a stark visual symbol of **Divine Intervention** and control, emphasizing that this was no accident but a divinely orchestrated execution of judgment. The scene is a powerful **tableau**, frozen in time, designed to leave an indelible impression of God's holiness and the gravity of His commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The death of the man of God in 1 Kings 13:24 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of God's holiness, His absolute authority, and the non-negotiable demand for obedience from those who represent Him. It underscores that God's word is paramount and cannot be trifled with, even under duress or deception. The severity of the judgment, despite the man of God's initial faithfulness and the mitigating factor of deception, highlights that God's commands are not arbitrary suggestions but divine decrees, and their violation carries serious consequences. This narrative reinforces the concept that God's justice is unwavering, and His standards are not lowered for convenience or external pressure. It also implicitly teaches the importance of discerning spiritual truth and holding fast to direct revelation from God, rather than being swayed by external voices, even those claiming divine authority, if they contradict a clear prior command.

* [Deuteronomy 13:1-5](/deuteronomy/13-1 "Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Warning Against False Prophets")
* [Jeremiah 23:28](/jeremiah/23-28 "Jeremiah 23:28 - The Difference Between Dreams and God's Word")
* [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - The Danger of Deliberate Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic account of the man of God from Judah in 1 Kings 13:24 offers a sobering and timeless lesson for all believers. It challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment to God's clear word and to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment that prioritizes divine truth above all else. In a world filled with competing voices, both secular and religious, this narrative calls us to anchor ourselves firmly in the revealed Scriptures, recognizing that God's commands are for our good and His glory. It reminds us that while God is merciful and gracious, He is also holy and just, and He expects faithful obedience from His children, especially those called to ministry. We must be vigilant against deception, testing every spirit and every message against the unchanging standard of God's written word, rather than relying on subjective experiences or the words of others, no matter how seemingly spiritual. Our obedience is not merely a legalistic duty but an act of worship and trust in the One who knows what is best for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I discern between God's clear commands and potentially deceptive voices in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise on God's clear word, perhaps due to external pressure or perceived "spiritual" advice?**
* **What steps can I take to strengthen my commitment to absolute obedience to God, even when the path is difficult or unpopular?**
* **How does this story shape my understanding of God's justice and His expectations for those He calls to serve Him?**

### FAQ

**Why was the judgment so severe for seemingly one act of disobedience, especially since he was deceived?**

Answer: The severity of the judgment underscores several critical truths. Firstly, the man of God was a prophet, a direct messenger of God, and thus held to a higher standard of accountability ([Luke 12:48](/luke/12-48 "Luke 12:48 - To Whom Much Is Given")). His disobedience was not merely a personal failing but a public undermining of the very authority of God's word he was sent to proclaim, particularly in a context where Jeroboam's idolatry was already challenging divine authority. Secondly, God had given him an *explicit* and *personal* command not to eat or drink in Bethel ([1 Kings 13:9](/1-kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Specific Command")). While he was deceived, his failure lay in prioritizing a secondary, unverified "word from an angel" over the direct, clear word he had personally received from God. This highlights the danger of spiritual gullibility and the necessity of testing all supposed revelations against established divine truth. The public and dramatic nature of his death served as a powerful object lesson for Israel, demonstrating God's unwavering holiness and the serious consequences of disobedience, even for His chosen servants.

**What is the significance of the lion not devouring the body and the ass standing peacefully by?**

Answer: This unusual detail is crucial for demonstrating that the event was not a random act of nature but a divinely orchestrated judgment. Lions are predators, and their natural instinct would be to devour their prey and potentially attack the ass. The fact that the lion "stood by" the carcass without consuming it, and the ass remained unharmed beside both the lion and the body, points to a supernatural control over the animals. This miraculous restraint served as an undeniable sign to anyone passing by that this was an act of God, not an accident. It prevented the man of God's body from being desecrated or consumed, ensuring it remained a visible testimony to God's judgment and leaving no doubt about the divine hand in his death. This preserved the integrity of the message, confirming that the man of God died because of his disobedience to the Lord, not from a mere wild animal attack.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The tragic account of the man of God from Judah, marked by his fatal disobedience, stands in stark contrast to the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophet failed to uphold God's direct command, even under the guise of deception, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every aspect of the Father's will, even unto death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience Unto Death")). The severe judgment meted out in 1 Kings 13:24 underscores the gravity of sin and the holiness of God, foreshadowing the ultimate judgment against sin that would be borne by the sinless Son of God. Jesus, the true [Man of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), did not succumb to temptation or deception, even when faced with the ultimate test in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). His life of perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death, offers the grace that the Old Covenant system, with its strict demands and severe penalties, could not fully provide. Through Christ, the consequences of our disobedience are not met with immediate, physical judgment but with an invitation to repentance and forgiveness, because the ultimate penalty was paid by the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Thus, the story of the disobedient prophet serves as a powerful backdrop, highlighting the profound need for, and the glorious provision of, Christ's perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice for humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 20:36

Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.

1 Peter 4:17

For the time [is come] that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if [it] first [begin] at us, what shall the end [be] of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1 Peter 4:18

And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

2 Kings 2:24

And he turned back, and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the LORD. And there came forth two she bears out of the wood, and tare forty and two children of them.

Proverbs 26:13

¶ The slothful [man] saith, [There is] a lion in the way; a lion [is] in the streets.

Amos 5:19

As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

1 Corinthians 11:31

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.