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 KINGS 13:26KJVWhat does 1 Kings 13:26 mean?
1 Kings 13:26 explains that the prophet who had earlier convinced the "man of God" to disobey God's command recognizes that the man's death by a lion was a direct result of his disobedience to the word of the LORD. The verse makes clear that the tragic event happened just as God had warned.
In this verse, the older prophet is speaking after hearing about the death of the "man of God." The older prophet acknowledges that the man was punished for not following God's instruction, specifically using the word "disobedient" to describe his actions. This moment highlights the seriousness with which God's word (here, the Hebrew דָּבָר, davar, meaning "word" or "command") is to be taken, and it shows the prophet's recognition that God's warnings are not empty.
The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 13:26
- The word "disobedient" (מָרָה, marah) is used here to describe the "man of God." This word often carries the sense of rebellion or stubborn refusal, emphasizing that the man's action was not a minor mistake but a clear act against God's instruction.
- The phrase "word of the LORD" uses דָּבָר (davar) for "word" and יְהוָה (YHWH) for "LORD." This stresses that the command came directly from God, not just a general instruction.
- "Delivered" (נָתַן, natan) means to hand over or give into someone's power. The verse says God actively allowed the lion to attack as a consequence, underlining divine control over the situation.
- The word "lion" (אַרְיֵה, aryeh) is specific and concrete, showing that the danger and judgment were very real and not just symbolic.
Why 1 Kings 13:26 matters
- This verse clarifies that even someone called a "man of God" is not exempt from the consequences of disobeying God's direct command, showing the impartiality of God's justice.
- The verse connects back to the earlier warning given to the "man of God," reinforcing that God's words are trustworthy and will come to pass exactly as spoken.
- It highlights the responsibility of those who claim to speak for God, as the older prophet recognizes his own role in the tragedy, even though the focus remains on the disobedience itself.