1 Kings 13:28

KJV

And he went and found his carcase cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase: the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went {H3212} and found {H4672} his carcase {H5038} cast {H7993} in the way {H1870}, and the ass {H2543} and the lion {H738} standing {H5975} by {H681} the carcase {H5038}: the lion {H738} had not eaten {H398} the carcase {H5038}, nor torn {H7665} the ass {H2543}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He went and found his corpse lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing next to the corpse; the lion had neither eaten the corpse nor attacked the donkey.

Berean Standard Bible

and he went and found the body lying in the road, with the donkey and the lion standing beside it. The lion had not eaten the body or mauled the donkey.

American Standard Version

And he went and found his body cast in the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the body: the lion had not eaten the body, nor torn the ass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 13:28 presents a stark and miraculous scene: the body of the disobedient prophet from Judah, slain by a lion for violating God's direct command, lies unconsumed on the road, with the lion and the prophet's ass standing peacefully beside it. This extraordinary tableau serves as an undeniable divine witness, highlighting God's absolute sovereignty over creation, the severe consequences of disobedience, and the unmistakable nature of His judgment, even when executed through seemingly natural means.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the tragic narrative of the "man of God from Judah" in [1 Kings chapter 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Disobedient Prophet"). The chapter begins with this unnamed prophet delivering a powerful, divinely commissioned prophecy against King Jeroboam's idolatrous altar at Bethel. Crucially, God gives him a strict command: he must not eat, drink, or return by the same way while on this mission. After successfully delivering the message and witnessing a sign (the altar splitting), he is deceived by an old prophet who falsely claims to have received a new divine word permitting him to eat and drink ([1 Kings 13:18](/1_kings/13-18 "1 Kings 13:18 - The Old Prophet's Deception")). For this act of disobedience, God sends a lion to kill him on his return journey ([1 Kings 13:24](/1_kings/13-24 "1 Kings 13:24 - The Lion's Judgment")). Verse 28 describes the discovery of the prophet's body by the old prophet, emphasizing the supernatural elements of the scene that confirm it was a divine act, not a random predatory attack.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Disobedient Prophet") unfold shortly after the division of the united monarchy into the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah, during the reign of Jeroboam I (Israel) and Rehoboam (Judah). Jeroboam, fearing that pilgrimages to Jerusalem would draw his people back to Judah, established alternative worship sites at Dan and Bethel, complete with golden calves, thereby instituting state-sponsored idolatry ([1 Kings 12:26-33](/1_kings/12-26 "1 Kings 12:26-33 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). Bethel, a historically significant site (where Jacob had a vision of a ladder, [Genesis 28:10-22](/genesis/28-10 "Genesis 28:10-22 - Jacob's Dream at Bethel")), was now a center of apostasy. Prophets played a crucial role in this era as God's direct messengers, often confronting kings and speaking truth to power. The strictness of the command given to the prophet from Judah, and the severity of its consequence, underscore the gravity of prophetic obedience and the sacredness of God's word in a time of widespread spiritual compromise.

* **Key Themes:** This narrative powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty** is paramount; God demonstrates His absolute control over creation, even over wild animals, to execute His will and judgment. The unnatural behavior of the lion and the ass is a clear sign of His direct intervention. Secondly, the passage highlights the **Seriousness of Obedience** to God's explicit commands. Even a prophet, chosen by God for a significant mission, faces immediate and fatal consequences for disobedience, emphasizing that God's word is not to be trifled with, regardless of the perceived source of contradictory information. Thirdly, the scene serves as an **Unmistakable Divine Witness**. The unconsumed body, the unharmed donkey, and the lion standing guard proclaim that this was no ordinary accident, but a direct, divinely orchestrated act of justice, serving as a visible sign to all who passed by and to the old prophet himself, confirming the truth of God's word and judgment against disobedience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Carcase (Hebrew, _nevelah'_):** This word (נְבֵלָה) refers specifically to a dead body, often one that has fallen or is abandoned, particularly one that is unburied or left exposed. In the context of the Law, it often denotes an unclean corpse (e.g., [Leviticus 11:8](/leviticus/11-8 "Leviticus 11:8 - Unclean Animals")). Here, its use emphasizes not merely the prophet's death, but the ignominious state of his body as a direct result of divine judgment, left exposed as a public spectacle and a testimony.
* **Lion (Hebrew, _'aryeh'_):** The term (אַרְיֵה) for lion is used here to denote a powerful predator, yet its natural predatory instinct is supernaturally restrained. The lion's role is not to consume but to execute judgment and then to guard the "carcase," thereby serving as an agent of God's will rather than merely acting on its own nature. This highlights God's dominion over the animal kingdom.
* **Torn (Hebrew, _shabar'_):** The verb (שָׁבַר) means "to break" or "to shatter," and in this context, "to tear apart" or "to maul." The explicit statement that the lion "had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass" (וְלֹא־אָכַל אֶת־הַנְּבֵלָה וְלֹא שִׁבַּר אֶת־הַחֲמוֹר) underscores the miraculous nature of the scene. It's not just that the lion didn't eat, but that it didn't even damage the body or the ass, further emphasizing the divine control over its every action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went and found his carcase cast in the way":** This clause describes the discovery made by the old prophet, who, after hearing of the incident, went to retrieve the body of the man he had deceived. The phrase "cast in the way" (literally, "fallen in the way") emphasizes the public and exposed nature of the prophet's death, making it a visible sign to anyone passing by. It signifies the ignominy of his end, a direct consequence of his disobedience.
* **"and the ass and the lion standing by the carcase":** This is the most striking element of the verse, portraying an utterly unnatural and miraculous scene. The ass, typically a prey animal, and the lion, its natural predator, are not in conflict but are standing together peacefully beside the dead prophet. This defies natural law and immediately signals divine intervention, indicating that this was no ordinary predatory kill.
* **"the lion had not eaten the carcase, nor torn the ass":** This final clause explicitly confirms the miraculous restraint of the lion. It directly negates the expected actions of a predator. The lion, having fulfilled its role as an instrument of divine judgment by killing the prophet, then ceases its predatory behavior. This supernatural control over the lion's instincts serves as undeniable proof that the event was orchestrated by God, a powerful and public testimony to His sovereignty and the certainty of His word.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Kings 13](/1_kings/13 "1 Kings 13 - The Disobedient Prophet"), culminating in verse 28, employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as a prophet, a messenger of God, is himself judged and killed by God for disobedience, highlighting the impartiality and severity of divine justice. The lion, typically a symbol of strength and danger, here becomes a **Symbol** of God's controlled judgment, acting not out of instinct but as a precise instrument of divine will. The ass, normally a symbol of humble service, also plays a symbolic role, standing unharmed as a silent **Witness** to the miraculous nature of the judgment. The entire scene is an act of **Divine Intervention**, where the laws of nature are suspended to underscore the supernatural origin of the event. This suspension of natural order creates a profound sense of **Awe** and **Fear of the Lord**, emphasizing God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, even the most ferocious beasts, to accomplish His purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The scene in 1 Kings 13:28 is profoundly theological, serving as a stark reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His word and the gravity of obedience. It underscores the principle that divine judgment, while severe, is always just and purposeful, even when it falls upon those who serve Him. The miraculous restraint of the lion and the preservation of the ass testify to God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that He is not merely a distant observer but an active, controlling force in the world, capable of overriding natural laws to achieve His ends. This event also highlights the danger of spiritual deception, even from those who claim to speak for God, stressing the need for discernment and unwavering adherence to God's clear, established commands over any new, contradictory "revelation."

* [Numbers 22:21-35](/numbers/22-21 "Numbers 22:21-35 - Balaam's Donkey") - An ass speaks, another instance of God using an animal to convey His will or judgment.
* [Proverbs 28:13](/proverbs/28-13 "Proverbs 28:13 - Confession and Mercy") - "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (While the prophet did not confess, the verse highlights the consequence of unaddressed sin).
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire") - "For our God is a consuming fire," emphasizing the holy and just nature of God.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic narrative culminating in 1 Kings 13:28 offers enduring lessons for believers today. It serves as a potent reminder that obedience to God's explicit commands is paramount, regardless of the source of contradictory advice or the perceived minor nature of the transgression. In a world full of competing voices and spiritual claims, this story implores us to exercise rigorous discernment, grounding our faith firmly in the established Word of God rather than being swayed by deceptive "new revelations," even if they come from seemingly credible spiritual authorities. It also calls us to a deeper reverence for God's holiness and justice, understanding that His decrees are not arbitrary but reflect His perfect character. The divine control over creation, evident in the lion's restraint, should inspire both awe at God's power and a sober understanding that He holds all things, including our very lives, in His sovereign hand. Our walk with God demands unwavering fidelity and a humble submission to His revealed will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unusual scene in 1 Kings 13:28 challenge our assumptions about God's methods of judgment and His control over creation?**
* **What specific "commands" or "words" from God do you find yourself tempted to reinterpret or disregard in your own life, and what can you learn from the prophet's fate?**
* **How can believers today cultivate greater discernment to distinguish between genuine divine guidance and deceptive voices, particularly when they come from within the faith community?**
* **In what ways does this passage affirm God's absolute sovereignty, and how should that understanding impact our trust and submission to Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did God use a lion to kill the prophet, and why did the lion not eat the body or harm the ass?**

Answer: God used a lion as an instrument of judgment to demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and the severity of disobedience to His explicit command. The lion's natural predatory instincts were supernaturally restrained; it killed the prophet but did not consume the body or harm the ass. This miraculous restraint was crucial. It served as an undeniable, public sign that this was not a random animal attack but a direct, divinely orchestrated act of judgment. The unconsumed body and the peaceful coexistence of predator and prey clearly indicated God's hand, leaving no doubt about the cause of the prophet's death and the truth of the old prophet's subsequent prophecy concerning the divine judgment ([1 Kings 13:26](/1_kings/13-26 "1 Kings 13:26 - The Old Prophet's Realization")).

**What was the prophet's specific sin that led to his death?**

Answer: The prophet's sin was direct disobedience to God's explicit command. When sent to Bethel to prophesy against Jeroboam's altar, God strictly commanded him: "Eat no bread, nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that thou camest" ([1 Kings 13:9](/1_kings/13-9 "1 Kings 13:9 - God's Command to the Prophet")). After fulfilling his mission, he was deceived by an older prophet who lied, claiming an angel had given him a new word from God, permitting the younger prophet to eat and drink ([1 Kings 13:18](/1_kings/13-18 "1 Kings 13:18 - The Old Prophet's Lie")). The younger prophet chose to believe the "new" word over God's clear, original instruction, leading to his immediate death as a consequence of his disobedience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 13:28 vividly portrays divine judgment for disobedience, its Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the ultimate resolution of God's righteous demands through the person and work of Jesus Christ. The prophet's death underscores the severity of breaking God's law, demonstrating that "the wages of sin is death" ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). Yet, in Christ, we see God's perfect justice met with His boundless mercy. Jesus, the true Prophet, perfectly obeyed every command of God, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He became the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bearing the curse and judgment that disobedience deserves, so that those who believe in Him might receive forgiveness and eternal life, not judgment ([John 3:16-18](/john/3-16-18 "John 3:16-18 - God So Loved the World")). The lion's supernatural restraint in 1 Kings 13:28 hints at God's absolute control over life and death, a control fully manifested in Christ's resurrection, where death itself was conquered ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Thus, the stark warning of judgment in the Old Testament finds its ultimate and merciful fulfillment in the perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice of Jesus, who redeems us from the consequences of our own disobedience.

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

Daniel 6:22

My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

Daniel 6:24

And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast [them] into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

Jeremiah 5:22

Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

Jeremiah 5:23

But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

Acts 16:26

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

Hebrews 11:33

Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

Hebrews 11:34

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.