1 Kings 13:24

1 Kings 13:24 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And he went on his way; but on the road a lion came rushing at him and put him to death; and his dead body was stretched in the road with the ass by its side, and the lion was there by the body.

Free Bible Version FBV

But as he went on his way a lion came across him on the road and killed him. His body was left lying in the road, with both the donkey and the lion standing beside it.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when hee was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slewe him, and his body was cast in the way, and the asse stoode thereby: the lion stood by the corps also.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he goeth, and a lion findeth him in the way, and putteth him to death, and his carcase is cast in the way, and the ass is standing near it, and the lion is standing near the carcase.

World English Bible WEB

When he had gone, a lion met him by the way and killed him. His body was thrown on the path, and the donkey stood by it. The lion also stood by the body.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when he was gone, a lion found him in the way, and killed him, and his body was cast in the way: and the ass stood by him, and the lion stood by the dead body.

Translation for Translators T4T

But as he was going, a lion met him and killed him. The prophet’s corpse was lying on the road, and the donkey was standing beside it, and the lion was also standing beside the corpse.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 13:24

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Kings 13:24 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֵּ֕לֶךְ וַ/יִּמְצָאֵ֧/הוּ אַרְיֵ֛ה בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ וַ/יְמִיתֵ֑/הוּ וַ/תְּהִ֤י נִבְלָת/וֹ֙ מֻשְׁלֶ֣כֶת בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ וְ/הַ/חֲמוֹר֙ עֹמֵ֣ד אֶצְלָ֔/הּ וְ/הָ֣/אַרְיֵ֔ה עֹמֵ֖ד אֵ֥צֶל הַ/נְּבֵלָֽה

וַ/יֵּ֕לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

וַ/יִּמְצָאֵ֧/הוּ mâtsâʼ H4672 to find Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

אַרְיֵ֛ה ʼărîy H738 lion N-ms

בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

וַ/יְמִיתֵ֑/הוּ mûwth H4191 to die Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

וַ/תְּהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

נִבְלָת/וֹ֙ nᵉbêlâh H5038 carcass N-fs | Suff

מֻשְׁלֶ֣כֶת shâlak H7993 to throw V-Hophal-Inf-c

בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 way Prep | N-cs

וְ/הַ/חֲמוֹר֙ chămôwr H2543 donkey Conj | Art | N-cs

עֹמֵ֣ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal

אֶצְלָ֔/הּ ʼêtsel H681 beside Prep | Suff

וְ/הָ֣/אַרְיֵ֔ה ʼărîy H738 lion Conj | Art | N-ms

עֹמֵ֖ד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal

אֵ֥צֶל ʼêtsel H681 beside Prep

הַ/נְּבֵלָֽה nᵉbêlâh H5038 carcass Art | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 13:24

וַ/יֵּ֕לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

וַ/יִּמְצָאֵ֧/הוּ mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

אַרְיֵ֛ה ʼărîy H738 "lion" N-ms

In biblical times, a lion was a symbol of strength and power, and is often mentioned in stories like Daniel in the lions' den. The word for lion appears in various forms, including pictures or images of lions, and is used in books like 1 Kings and 2 Kings.

Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.

בַּ/דֶּ֖רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.

וַ/יְמִיתֵ֑/הוּ mûwth H4191 "to die" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.

Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely

Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.

וַ/תְּהִ֤י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

נִבְלָת/וֹ֙ nᵉbêlâh H5038 "carcass" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word refers to a dead body or carcass, whether human or animal, often translated as 'dead body' or 'carcass'. It can also symbolize an idol.

Definition: 1) carcass, corpse 1a) of humans, idols, animals

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, (dead) carcase, dead of itself, which died, (beast) that (which) dieth of itself. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Joshua 8:29; Psalms 79:2.

מֻשְׁלֶ֣כֶת shâlak H7993 "to throw" V-Hophal-Inf-c

To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.

Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.

בַּ/דֶּ֔רֶךְ derek H1870 "way" Prep | N-cs

Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)

וְ/הַ/חֲמוֹר֙ chămôwr H2543 "donkey" Conj | Art | N-cs

The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.

Definition: (he) ass

Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.

עֹמֵ֣ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

אֶצְלָ֔/הּ ʼêtsel H681 "beside" Prep | Suff

Beside or near, this preposition indicates proximity or closeness to something or someone. It is often translated as at, by, or near in the King James Version, and is used to describe physical or spatial relationships in the Bible.

Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: at, (hard) by, (from) (beside), near (unto), toward, with. See also H1018 (בֵּית הָאֵצֶל). See also: Genesis 39:10; 2 Chronicles 9:18; Proverbs 7:8.

וְ/הָ֣/אַרְיֵ֔ה ʼărîy H738 "lion" Conj | Art | N-ms

Definition: 1) lion 1a) pictures or images of lions

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: (young) lion, [phrase] pierce (from the margin). See also: Genesis 49:9; Proverbs 22:13; Psalms 7:3.

עֹמֵ֖ד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

אֵ֥צֶל ʼêtsel H681 "beside" Prep

Definition: 1) beside, by, near, nearness, joining, proximity subst 2) (BDB) 2a) conjunction, proximity 2b) beside, in proximity, contiguous to, from beside

הַ/נְּבֵלָֽה nᵉbêlâh H5038 "carcass" Art | N-fs

This Hebrew word refers to a dead body or carcass, whether human or animal, often translated as 'dead body' or 'carcass'. It can also symbolize an idol.

Definition: 1) carcass, corpse 1a) of humans, idols, animals

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (dead) body, (dead) carcase, dead of itself, which died, (beast) that (which) dieth of itself. See also: Leviticus 5:2; Joshua 8:29; Psalms 79:2.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 13:24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 13:24 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 13:24
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 13:24
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:24
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:24
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:24
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:24
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 13:24
Sermons on 1 Kings 13:24

Context — The Old Prophet and the Man of God

22but you went back and ate bread and drank water in the place where He told you not to do so, your body shall never reach the tomb of your fathers.’” 23And after the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the old prophet who had brought him back saddled the donkey for him.

24As 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.

25And there were men passing by who saw the body lying in the road with the lion standing beside it, and they went and reported this in the city where the old prophet lived. 26When the prophet who had brought him back from his journey heard this, he said, “It is the man of God who disobeyed the command of the LORD. Therefore the LORD has delivered him to the lion, and it has mauled him and killed him, according to the word that the LORD had spoken to him.”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 20:36	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.
2	2 Kings 2:24	Then he turned around, looked at them, and called down a curse on them in the name of the LORD. Suddenly two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the boys.
3	Proverbs 26:13	The slacker says, “A lion is in the road! A fierce lion roams the public square!”
4	1 Peter 4:17–18	For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
5	Proverbs 22:13	The slacker says, “There is a lion outside! I will be slain in the streets!”
6	Amos 5:19	It will be like a man who flees from a lion, only to encounter a bear, or who enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to be bitten by a snake.
7	1 Corinthians 11:31–32	Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

1 Kings 13:24 Summary

The verse 1 Kings 13:24 shows that disobeying God's commands can have serious consequences, as the man of God was killed by a lion after eating and drinking in a place where he was told not to, similar to the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3:1-7. This event emphasizes the importance of heeding God's warnings and instructions, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, and trusting in His mercy and forgiveness, as expressed in Psalm 103:8-12. By submitting to God's will and commands, we can avoid unnecessary pain and suffering, and instead, experience His love and blessing, as promised in Deuteronomy 11:26-28.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the lion kill the man of God in 1 Kings 13:24?

The lion killed the man of God because he disobeyed the command of the Lord, as stated in 1 Kings 13:22, which said that if he ate or drank in the place where he was told not to, his body would not reach the tomb of his fathers, demonstrating the severity of disobedience to God's commands, similar to the consequences seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

What is the significance of the lion and the donkey standing beside the body in 1 Kings 13:24?

The lion and the donkey standing beside the body signify that the lion did not attack the donkey, showing that the lion's action was a deliberate act of judgment from God, as the old prophet later confirms in 1 Kings 13:26, highlighting the distinction between the man's punishment and the innocent creature's safety, much like the sparing of the animals in Noah's Ark in Genesis 6:19-20.

Does 1 Kings 13:24 teach that God causes harm to those who disobey Him?

While 1 Kings 13:24 does show that disobedience can lead to severe consequences, it also emphasizes the importance of heeding God's commands, as seen in Proverbs 28:13, and trusting in His mercy and forgiveness, as expressed in Psalm 32:1-2, demonstrating that God's ultimate desire is for our obedience and well-being.

How does the event in 1 Kings 13:24 relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?

The event in 1 Kings 13:24 illustrates God's sovereignty over all creation, including animals, as seen in Psalm 104:31, and His ability to use any means to accomplish His purposes, including judgment, as stated in Romans 11:22, highlighting the importance of submitting to God's will and commands, as encouraged in Jeremiah 29:11-12.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be disobeying God's commands, and what are the potential consequences of such actions?
How can I apply the lesson from 1 Kings 13:24 to my own life, ensuring that I heed God's warnings and instructions?
In what ways can I demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even in difficult or uncertain circumstances?
What role does obedience play in my relationship with God, and how can I cultivate a deeper commitment to following His commands, as seen in John 14:15?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 13:24

And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him,.... Perhaps not far from Bethel; and this lion might come out of the same wood the she bears did, that devoured the children that mocked

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. A lion met him by the way, and slew him.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:24

A lion met him; for there were many lions in Judea, and this was brought hither by God’ s special providence. Why doth God punish a good man so severely for so small an offence? Answ. First, His sin was not small, for it was a gross disobedience to a positive command. Object. But he supposed, and was told by another prophet, that God had repealed his command, and so was deceived. Answ. First, He had no sufficient discharge from the former command; for he neither was assured that the old man was a prophet, nor that the message he delivered was from God; but had reason to suspect the contrary, or at least to inquire the mind of God in this doubtful point, which he grossly neglected to do, and willingly believed the message, because it suited with his own inclination and necessity. Add to this, that he being a prophet was obliged to the greater exactness in obedience to all God’ s precepts; and therefore this sin was much greater in him than in another, because hereby God was dishonoured, and the authority and success of his message blasted, and Jeroboam and the idolatrous Israelites hardened in their wicked courses, for the prevention whereof it was necessary that God should exercise severity towards him. Answ. Secondly, As his sin was not so small, so his punishment was not so great, as may be imagined. For as to his outward man, his bodily death (which was a debt that he owed to God and nature) in this way was not so painful and terrible as many other kinds of death; and as to his soul, God, by giving him a gracious admonition both of his sin and danger, ,22, awakened him to true repentance, which doubtless he practised, and so was prepared for his death, and by this sudden death freed from all the miseries of an evil time and world, and speedily let into eternal glory. Answ. Thirdly, As the world and all men in it were made for God’ s glory, and all their lives and deaths ought to be laid out in his service; so it cannot seem strange nor harsh if God should bring his deserved death upon him in this manner, for the accomplishment of his own glorious designs, as to vindicate his own honour and justice from the imputation of partiality; to assure the truth of his predictions, and thereby provoke Jeroboam and his idolatrous followers to repentance; to justify himself in all his dreadful judgments which he intended to inflict upon Jeroboam’ s house, and the whole kingdom of Israel, for their cursed apostacy; and to warn all succeeding sinners not rashly to venture upon small sins, and especially to take heed of greater sins, for which they might expect far sorer punishments. His carcass was cast in the way; his life and soul being gone, his dead body falls to the ground, and lies there. The lion also stood by the carcass: See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:24

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.Ver. 24. A lion met him by the way, and slew him.] Oh, the severity of God against sin in his very own! Neither can all their obedience bear out one disobedience, against a particular express command especially, as in our first parents, Moses, Jonas, &c., may be seen. Abhor therefore that which is evil, and fear Almighty God - as those mongrels did - if but for his lions. The Bethelites might well see in this dreadful execution how much God abhorred them, and easily forsee what heavy judgments would be inflicted upon them for their abominable idolatries. See 1 Peter 4:17 Ezekiel 24:24. And his carcass was cast in the way.] Not devoured by that ravenous beast, whose mouth was by God both opened to slay the prophet, and again shut, to show his power, dum praedae factus est praedae suae custos, while the lion becomes a guardian to the prophet whom he had slain, and a means to make the ass stay there in a readiness to bear his dead master to the burial. Who seeth not in all this an overruling command, and sweet providence of God, such as is still frequently seen in permitting and restraining the rage of unreasonable men? The lion also stood by the carcass.] His not meddling with the carcass, as his nature inclined him, showed that God sent him. So when men can deny themselves in doing God service, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:24

(24) A lion.—The lion is noticed in the Old Testament not unfrequently, especially in Southern Palestine: at Timnath (Judges 14:5); near Bethlehem (1 Samuel 17:34); at Kabzeel, in Judah (2 Samuel 23:20); near Aphek (1 Kings 20:36); in the thickets and forests of the Jordan valley (Jeremiah 4:7; Jeremiah 5:6), &c. The lion of Palestine is probably of the variety still constantly found in the neighbourhood of Babylon; and the prevalence of lions is shown by the occurrence of such names as Lebaoth, or Bethlebaoth, “the house of lions” (see Joshua 15:32), and by the many names for the lion used in Scripture, as, for example, in Job 4:10-11. Now that the forests have disappeared from Palestine the lions have disappeared with them.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 13:24

Verse 24. A lion met him - and slew him] By permitting himself to be seduced by the old prophet, when he should have acted only on the expressly declared counsel of God, he committed the sin unto death; that is, such a sin as God will punish with the death of the body, while he extends mercy to the soul. See my notes on 1 John 5:16-17. From the instance here related, we see, as in various other cases, that often judgment begins at the house of God. The true prophet, for receiving that as a revelation from God which was opposed to the revelation which himself had received, and which was confirmed by so many miracles, is slain by a lion, and his body deprived of the burial of his fathers; while the wicked king, and the old fallen prophet, are both permitted to live! If this was severity to the man of God, it was mercy to the others, neither of whom was prepared to meet his judge. Here we may well say, "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?"

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 13:24

24. a lion met him] That beasts of prey were common in the land at this time we may see from the history of the shepherd life of David, where he encountered both a lion and a bear (1 Samuel 17:34). The death of the prophet was caused by a stroke of the beast’s paw, but to shew that it was a visitation of the Lord, the natural instinct of the lion to devour what it has slain is checked, and instead of tearing the body, it stands by it as a guard.

Sermons on 1 Kings 13:24

	Sermon	Description
	There's a Lion in the Streets by Jack Hyles	In this sermon, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and encourages listeners to overcome obstacles in their spiritual journey. He emphasizes the importance of taking action and n
	Why Does the Holy Spirit Not Fill the Church by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of judgment and the need for it in order to save humanity. He explains that God saw the moral corruption that had spread througho
	The Overcoming Saint by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to rise up and be a representation of Christ in the world. He criticizes the idea of trying to produce something spi
	(The Word for Today) Isaiah 14:12 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He uses the example of Daniel, a young man who took a stand for God
	Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussion
	K-197 the Anatomy of Sin Part One by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of removing a television from their home due to the negative influence it had on their children. They emphasize the importa
	Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 2 by Alan Cairns	This sermon emphasizes the need for a visitation of the Spirit of God in the midst of corruption and wickedness, calling for prophetic voices to speak truth and uphold the gospel.