1 Kings 20:36

1 Kings 20:36 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then he said to him, Because you have not given ear to the voice of the Lord, straight away when you have gone from me a lion will put you to death. And when he had gone, straight away a lion came rushing at him and put him to death.

Free Bible Version FBV

So the prophet told him, “Since you have not done what the Lord said, once you leave me a lion is going to kill you.” When the man left, a lion came and killed him.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then sayd he vnto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voyce of the Lord, beholde, as soone as thou art departed from me, a lyon shall slay thee. So when he was departed from him, a lyon found him and slew him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and he saith to him, 'Because that thou hast not hearkened to the voice of Jehovah, lo, thou art going from me, and the lion hath smitten thee;' and he goeth from him, and the lion findeth him, and smiteth him.

World English Bible WEB

Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the LORD’s voice, behold, as soon as you have departed from me, a lion will kill you.” As soon as he had departed from him, a lion found him and killed him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Then he said to him: Because thou wouldst not hearken to the word of the Lord, behold then shalt depart from me, and a lion shall slay thee. And when he was gone a little from him, a lion found him, and slew him.

Translation for Translators T4T

So the prophet said to him, “Because you refused to obey what Yahweh told you to do, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me.” And as soon as he left that prophet, a lion suddenly pounced on him and killed him.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:36

BAB

Word Study

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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 20:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗/וֹ יַ֚עַן אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא שָׁמַ֨עְתָּ֙ בְּ/ק֣וֹל יְהוָ֔ה הִנְּ/ךָ֤ הוֹלֵךְ֙ מֵֽ/אִתִּ֔/י וְ/הִכְּ/ךָ֖ הָ/אַרְיֵ֑ה וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙ מֵֽ/אֶצְל֔/וֹ וַ/יִּמְצָאֵ֥/הוּ הָ/אַרְיֵ֖ה וַ/יַּכֵּֽ/הוּ

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

ל֗/וֹ Prep | Suff

יַ֚עַן yaʻan H3282 because Conj

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 not Part

שָׁמַ֨עְתָּ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-2ms

בְּ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

הִנְּ/ךָ֤ hên H2005 look! Part | Suff

הוֹלֵךְ֙ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal

מֵֽ/אִתִּ֔/י ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep | Suff

וְ/הִכְּ/ךָ֖ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff

הָ/אַרְיֵ֑ה ʼărîy H738 lion Art | N-ms

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

מֵֽ/אֶצְל֔/וֹ ʼêtsel H681 beside Prep | Prep | Suff

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

הָ/אַרְיֵ֖ה ʼărîy H738 lion Art | N-ms

וַ/יַּכֵּֽ/הוּ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:36

וַ/יֹּ֣אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

ל֗/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

יַ֚עַן yaʻan H3282 "because" Conj

This Hebrew word means because or therefore, and is used to show the reason or cause of something, like in a sentence explaining why something happened. It is often translated as because or for in the KJV Bible. This word helps us understand the motivations behind actions.

Definition: conj 1) because, therefore, because that, on account of prep 2) because of, on account of 3) why (with interrogative pron)

Usage: Occurs in 94 OT verses. KJV: because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why. See also: Genesis 22:16; Jeremiah 25:8; Psalms 109:16.

אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

לֹֽא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

שָׁמַ֨עְתָּ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-2ms

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

בְּ/ק֣וֹל qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms

A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.

Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)

Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

הִנְּ/ךָ֤ hên H2005 "look!" Part | Suff

An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.

Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)

Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.

הוֹלֵךְ֙ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal

Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.

Definition: : walk/move 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) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.

מֵֽ/אִתִּ֔/י ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

וְ/הִכְּ/ךָ֖ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.

Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)

Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.

הָ/אַרְיֵ֑ה ʼărîy H738 "lion" Art | 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.

וַ/יֵּ֨לֶךְ֙ 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.

מֵֽ/אֶצְל֔/וֹ ʼêtsel H681 "beside" Prep | 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.

וַ/יִּמְצָאֵ֥/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.

הָ/אַרְיֵ֖ה ʼărîy H738 "lion" 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.

וַ/יַּכֵּֽ/הוּ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:36

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Kings 20:36 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:36
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:36
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:36
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:36

Context — A Prophet Reproves Ahab

34Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. 35Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him.

36Then 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.

37Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, 38and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Kings 13:21–24	and the prophet cried out to the man of God who had come from Judah, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because you have defied the word of the LORD and have not kept the commandment that the LORD your God gave you, but 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.’” And after the man of God had finished eating and drinking, the old prophet who had brought him back saddled the donkey for him. 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.
2	1 Kings 13:26	When 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.”
3	1 Samuel 15:22–23	But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”

1 Kings 20:36 Summary

This verse teaches us that obeying God's voice is very important, and that not listening to Him can have serious consequences, as seen in the story of the man who was killed by a lion. The prophet's words to the man remind us that God is serious about our obedience, and that we should strive to follow His commands, just like we are taught in Deuteronomy 11:26-28 and Matthew 7:21-23. By choosing to obey God, we can avoid the negative consequences that come with disobedience and instead experience the blessings that come from following Him, as promised in Psalm 37:3-6.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the prophet tell the man that a lion would kill him?

The prophet told the man that a lion would kill him because he had not obeyed the voice of the Lord, as stated in 1 Kings 20:36, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.

Is this story meant to be taken literally or is it a metaphor?

This story is meant to be taken literally, as it is a historical account of a prophet's interaction with a man, and it highlights the consequences of disobedience to God's voice, as seen in 1 Kings 20:35-36.

What can we learn from the man's refusal to obey the prophet?

We can learn that disobedience to God's voice can have severe consequences, as seen in the man's death by a lion, and it emphasizes the importance of obedience, as taught in Proverbs 28:13 and 1 Samuel 15:22-23.

How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?

This verse reminds us that obedience to God's voice is crucial in our daily lives, and that disobedience can have consequences, as seen in 1 Kings 20:36, and it encourages us to seek God's guidance and obey His commands, as taught in Psalm 119:105 and Jeremiah 7:23.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am not obeying God's voice, and what are the potential consequences of my disobedience?
How can I cultivate a deeper desire to obey God's commands, and what role does faith play in my obedience?
What can I learn from the prophet's boldness in speaking God's truth, and how can I apply that to my own life?
In what ways can I prioritize obedience to God's voice in my daily decisions and actions, and what support systems can I put in place to help me stay on track?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:36

Then said he unto him, because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the Lord,.... In not smiting him; which, if he was a prophet, he must know how great an evil it was to disregard or disobey what was

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:36

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36

If the punishment seem too severe for so small a fault, let it be considered. 1. That disobedience to God’ s express command, especially when it is delivered by a prophet, is a great sin, and no less than capital, . 2. This fault was much worse in a prophet, who very well knew the authority of God’ s commands, and this way or manner of publishing them. 3. We cannot judge of the case, because this man might be guilty of many other heinous sins unknown to us, but known to God; for which God might justly cut him off; which God chose to do upon this occasion, that by the severity of this punishment of a prophet’ s disobedience, proceeding from pity to his brother, he might teach Ahab the greatness of his sin, in sparing him through foolish pity, whom by the laws of religion, and justice, and prudence, and common safety, he should have cut off, and what punishment he might expect for it.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36

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.Ver. 36. A lion found him, and slew him.] So dangerous a thing it is for a man to prefer his own reason before God’ s command. There is not a more noble proof of our faith, than to captivate all the powers of our understanding and will to our Creator: and without all questioning to go blind folded whither he will lead us.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36

(36) A lion shall slay thee.—It is obvious to compare the example of 1 Kings 13:24.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36

Verse 36. A lion found him, and slew him.] This seems a hard measure, but there was ample reason for it. This person was also one of the sons of the prophets, and he knew that God frequently delivered his counsels in this way, and should have immediately obeyed; for the smiting could have had no evil in it when God commanded it, and it could be no outrage or injury to his fellow when he himself required him to do it.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:36

36. a lion] On the frequency of wild beasts in the Holy Land at this time, see above on 1 Kings 13:24. The incident here recorded is not without its importance as a comment on disobedience to God’s command, for which a punishment was just to be pronounced against Ahab.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:36

36. A lion shall slay thee — As in the case of the disobedient prophet of Judah. 1 Kings 13:24.

Sermons on 1 Kings 20:36

	Sermon	Description
	Forasmuch as Thou Hast Been Disobedient, . . . by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's direct commands, warning against being swayed by the opinions of others, even those who may seem to speak for God. He ref
	Gifts of the Spirit - Part 1 (Rora 2003) by Les Wheeldon	In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man named Colin who attends a meeting but feels unhappy and goes to a bar instead. Despite not drinking alcohol, Colin stays at th
	Witchcraft in the Church by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of seeking power and position in the work of God without paying the right price. He uses the story of Simon in the book of Acts a
	Ark Error by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher expresses concern about the mechanical and superficial nature of preaching the gospel. He criticizes the reliance on books and conferences, emphasizing
	The Greatest Sin in the Church by Stephen Olford	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the greatest sin in the Church and aims to uncover what it is. The sermon begins by referencing 1 Samuel 15:22, where Samuel questions the i
	A Look at Authority 1: Spiritual & False by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of authority in serving. He refers to Mark 10:45, where Jesus states that he came not to be served, but to serve and give his li
	Prevailing Prayer by Gerhard Du Toit	In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of evangelism in Africa and Scotland, where they would spend several weeks before making any invitations to allow people to be con