1 Kings 20:36

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then said {H559} he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the LORD {H3068}, behold, as soon as thou art departed {H1980} from me, a lion {H738} shall slay {H5221} thee. And as soon as he was departed {H3212} from him {H681}, a lion {H738} found {H4672} him, and slew {H5221} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he said to him, "Because you didn't listen to the voice of ADONAI, the moment you leave me, a lion will kill you." No sooner had he left him than a lion found him and killed him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the prophet said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, as soon as you depart from me a lion will kill you.” And when he left, a lion found him and killed him.

American Standard Version

Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of Jehovah, 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 20:36 vividly portrays the immediate and severe divine judgment meted out to a prophet who directly disobeys a command from the LORD, delivered through a fellow prophet. This stark incident serves as a profound demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty, the non-negotiable imperative of obedience to His revealed will, even when commands appear unusual or difficult, and sets a crucial precedent for the impending judgment upon King Ahab for his own similar act of disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the broader narrative of [1 Kings 20](/1_kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Ahab's Wars and Disobedience"), which primarily details King Ahab's military engagements with Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, and the significant role of divine intervention in these conflicts. Preceding this specific incident, God had miraculously granted Ahab two decisive victories over Ben-hadad, despite Israel's numerical inferiority, demonstrating His power and desire for Ahab to acknowledge Him. Following these victories, a prophet of the LORD, acting under explicit divine instruction, sought to convey a crucial message to Ahab. To prepare for this, the prophet first tested the obedience of a fellow "son of the prophets" by commanding him to strike him. This seemingly bizarre request was not arbitrary but a divinely ordained test designed to create a visual object lesson for the king. The refusal of the second prophet to obey this explicit divine instruction, despite its unusual nature and its transmission through a human agent, immediately triggers the pronouncement of judgment found in [1 Kings 20:36](/1_kings/20-36 "1 Kings 20:36 - The Disobedient Prophet's Fate"). This swift and severe consequence for disobedience serves as a powerful thematic parallel and direct foreshadowing of Ahab's own profound disobedience in [1 Kings 20:42](/1_kings/20-42 "1 Kings 20:42 - Ahab's Judgment for Sparing Ben-hadad"), where he spares Ben-hadad against God's explicit command, thereby incurring divine wrath and sealing his own tragic fate.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop of this passage is ancient Israel during the tumultuous reign of King Ahab (c. 874-853 BC), a period deeply marked by spiritual apostasy. Under the influence of his Phoenician wife, Jezebel, the worship of Baal and Asherah had become rampant, challenging the exclusive worship of Yahweh. Prophets of the LORD, though often marginalized, persecuted, or even killed, still functioned as God's direct spokespersons, delivering His messages to the monarchy and the populace. The term "sons of the prophets" refers to a recognized guild or community of prophets, likely disciples or apprentices, who lived and served together, indicating a structured prophetic ministry. Lions were indigenous to the geographical region of ancient Israel and were a well-known threat, frequently appearing in biblical narratives as instruments of divine judgment, symbols of power, or agents of destruction. While the act of striking another person, especially a fellow prophet, might have been culturally sensitive or personally uncomfortable, the narrative explicitly emphasizes that the command originated from "the voice of the LORD," thereby elevating it beyond mere human social norms or personal preferences and imbuing it with divine authority.

* **Key Themes:** The central and most prominent theme permeating [1 Kings 20](/1_kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Divine Commands and Consequences") and particularly highlighted by this incident is the **absolute necessity of unreserved obedience to God's explicit commands**. The narrative unequivocally underscores that God's word, whether conveyed directly or through His chosen human instruments, carries supreme authority and demands immediate, unquestioning compliance, regardless of the perceived difficulty or strangeness of the command. Another critical theme is the **immediacy and certainty of divine judgment for disobedience**. The swift execution of the prophecy by the lion highlights that God takes His commands with utmost seriousness and that the consequences for rebellion are real, severe, and often unavoidable. Furthermore, the incident powerfully reveals **God's sovereignty over all creation**, demonstrating His ability to employ any means, even wild animals, to accomplish His purposes and enforce His will. Finally, it profoundly touches upon the **integrity and inherent authority of the prophetic word**, emphasizing that a divine message, once delivered, must be heeded without equivocation, irrespective of the human messenger. This sets the crucial theological stage for understanding the profound gravity of King Ahab's later, more significant transgression in [1 Kings 20:42](/1_kings/20-42 "1 Kings 20:42 - Ahab's Judgment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Obeyed (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** (H8085) This primitive root means "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." In this context, the prophet's failure was not merely a lack of auditory perception but a profound spiritual failure to actively heed and comply with the divine command. It signifies a deliberate choice not to act in accordance with what he heard, indicating a profound spiritual failure to submit to divine authority and will.
* **Voice (Hebrew, _qôwl'_):** (H6963) This word, meaning "a voice or sound," is critically important here as it is specifically "the voice of the LORD" (_qôwl Yᵉhôvâh_). This theological phrase denotes a direct, authoritative utterance or instruction originating from God Himself, distinguishing it from a human suggestion, personal opinion, or mere sound. The command, though relayed through a human prophet, carried the full, non-negotiable weight of a divine imperative.
* **Slay (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** (H5221) This primitive root means "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively); beat, kill, smite." Its use in this verse is stark and unambiguous, emphasizing the finality and severity of the judgment. The lion does not merely wound or incapacitate the prophet; it kills him, underscoring the irreversible and ultimate consequence of his profound disobedience to the divine command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the direct causal link between the prophet's specific action (or, more precisely, his inaction and refusal) and the impending, severe judgment. The phrase "the voice of the LORD" is paramount, unequivocally indicating that the command to strike was not a personal request from one prophet to another, but a direct and authoritative divine mandate. The prophet's disobedience is explicitly identified as the sole and sufficient cause for the dire consequence that follows.
* **"behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee.":** This is the precise prophetic pronouncement of judgment. The phrase "as soon as thou art departed" powerfully highlights the immediacy and certainty of divine reckoning; there would be no delay. The agent of judgment, a lion, is specifically named, demonstrating God's sovereign control over all creation and His ability to use any means to execute His righteous will. The judgment itself is death ("shall slay thee"), underscoring the extreme gravity of the prophet's offense against God's direct command.
* **"And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.":** This final clause records the immediate, literal, and undeniable fulfillment of the prophecy. The repetition of "as soon as" emphatically reinforces the rapid, precise, and undeniable execution of God's word. The detail that "a lion found him, and slew him" confirms the certainty, accuracy, and absolute precision of the divine judgment. This swift and public fulfillment powerfully validates the authority of the prophet who delivered the original message and, more importantly, the absolute power and faithfulness of God to execute His word.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message with maximum impact. **Foreshadowing** is a prominent element, as the immediate and severe judgment on the disobedient prophet directly anticipates and underscores the gravity of King Ahab's later, greater act of disobedience in sparing Ben-hadad, which ultimately leads to Ahab's own tragic demise. The narrative also skillfully utilizes **irony**, as a prophet, who is by definition a messenger of God's word and one called to embody obedience, paradoxically becomes the direct recipient of God's judgment for failing to obey that very word. The **symbolism** of the lion is highly significant; often depicted in the Bible as a powerful and fearsome creature, and frequently as an agent of divine judgment or wrath, here it acts as a direct, undeniable, and divinely appointed instrument of God's justice, powerfully demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over the natural world to enforce His commands. Finally, the stark **parallelism** between the pronouncement of judgment ("as soon as thou art departed... a lion shall slay thee") and its immediate, literal fulfillment ("And as soon as he was departed... a lion found him, and slew him") creates an overwhelming sense of inevitability and underscores the absolute certainty and faithfulness of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This incident profoundly illustrates the foundational biblical principle that unreserved obedience to God's revealed will is paramount, and that deliberate disobedience carries serious, often immediate, consequences. It highlights God's absolute authority as the sovereign Lord and His unwavering expectation that His commands, even when delivered through human instruments or appearing counter-intuitive to human reason, are to be obeyed without question, rationalization, or delay. The severity of the judgment on a prophet, a consecrated servant of God, underscores that no one, regardless of their spiritual calling or position, is exempt from divine accountability. God's holiness demands a response of humble and immediate submission from all His creatures. This serves as a sober and timeless reminder that God's word is not to be trifled with, and His character is one of both boundless grace and unyielding righteous judgment.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Blessed are those who hear and obey")
* [Hebrews 3:18-19](/hebrews/3-18-19 "Hebrews 3:18-19 - Disobedience and Unbelief")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of the disobedient prophet in 1 Kings 20:36 stands as a powerful and deeply sobering call to radical, unwavering obedience in the life of every believer. It compels us to undertake a rigorous examination of our own hearts: do we selectively obey God's commands only when they are convenient, comfortable, align with our personal preferences, or make logical sense to our finite minds? Or do we cultivate a spirit of profound submission to His word even when it demands significant personal sacrifice, defies our immediate understanding, or goes directly against our natural inclinations and desires? This passage serves as a stark reminder that God's authority is absolute and supreme, and His commands are not mere suggestions but divine imperatives that demand immediate and complete compliance. While believers living under the New Covenant may not face immediate physical death for every act of disobedience, the spiritual consequences of rebellion are nonetheless profound, leading to a diminished walk with God, a forfeiture of spiritual blessings, a fracturing of our intimate relationship with Him, and a hindrance to the Spirit's work in our lives. True, living faith is demonstrated not merely by intellectual assent or emotional belief, but by active, trusting, and immediate obedience to the "voice of the LORD" in all areas of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "voice of the LORD"—a clear biblical command or a Spirit-prompted conviction—might I be rationalizing away or delaying obedience to in my own life right now?**
* **How does my understanding of God's absolute sovereignty and infinite wisdom influence my willingness to obey commands that seem difficult, illogical, or personally costly?**
* **In what practical ways might I be prioritizing my own comfort, convenience, or limited understanding over God's clear and unambiguous directives found in His Word?**
* **What concrete, actionable steps can I take today to cultivate a more immediate, unwavering, and joyful spirit of obedience to God's revealed will?**

### FAQ
**Why was the judgment so severe for what seems like a minor disobedience, especially for a prophet?**

Answer: The severity of the judgment underscores the absolute authority of "the voice of the LORD" and the non-negotiable nature of obedience, particularly for those who are called to represent Him and communicate His will. From God's perspective, the prophet's disobedience was not a "minor" infraction, but a direct and deliberate rejection of His explicit command. It demonstrated a profound lack of trust and submission to God's wisdom and sovereign purpose, even when the command seemed unusual or personally inconvenient. Furthermore, as a prophet, he was held to a higher standard of accountability, as he was entrusted with delivering God's very word to others. His public failure to obey set a dangerous precedent, undermined the authority of the divine message, and could have led others astray. This incident also served as a stark and immediate warning to King Ahab, who would soon face judgment for his own more significant act of disobedience in [1 Kings 20:42](/1_kings/20-42 "1 Kings 20:42 - Ahab's Disobedience and Judgment"), demonstrating God's consistent standard of justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While the immediate context of [1 Kings 20:36](/1_kings/20-36 "1 Kings 20:36 - The Disobedient Prophet's Fate") highlights the grave consequences of disobedience under the Old Covenant, it ultimately serves as a profound backdrop against which the perfect, unwavering obedience of Jesus Christ shines forth. Unlike the disobedient prophet, who failed to heed the "voice of the LORD," Jesus consistently and perfectly demonstrated absolute submission to His Father's will, even to the ultimate point of death on a cross. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death") powerfully declares that He "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Where humanity, from Adam in the garden to this unnamed prophet, repeatedly failed in obedience, Christ triumphantly succeeded, becoming the ultimate obedient Son. His perfect, sinless obedience not only fully satisfied the righteous demands of God's holy law but also provides the sole basis for our salvation. Through faith in Him, believers are graciously clothed in His righteousness and perfect obedience, allowing us to stand before a holy God forgiven and accepted, not on the basis of our own flawed and inconsistent obedience, but solely on the infinite merits of Christ's flawless submission. The severe judgment for disobedience, so vividly displayed in this Old Testament account, was fully and completely borne by Christ on the cross, allowing those who believe in Him to receive grace, new life, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to walk in a new and Spirit-enabled obedience ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). He is the one who truly and perfectly "obeyed the voice of the LORD" in every respect, thereby securing our eternal hope and demonstrating the path of true discipleship ([Hebrews 5:8-9](/hebrews/5-8-9 "Hebrews 5:8-9 - Christ Learned Obedience")).

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 13:21

And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,

1 Kings 13:24

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.

1 Kings 13:26

And when the prophet that brought him back from the way heard [thereof], he said, It [is] the man of God, who was disobedient unto the word of the LORD: therefore the LORD hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake unto him.

1 Samuel 15:22

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD [as great] delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey [is] better than sacrifice, [and] to hearken than the fat of rams.

1 Samuel 15:23

For rebellion [is as] the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness [is as] iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from [being] king.