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 Kings 13:26 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Book of 1 Kings in the Bible illustrates a powerful message about the consequences of disobedience to the word of the Lord. In this particular instance, a prophet disobeys God's command and is delivered by the Lord to be torn and slain by a lion. The prophet who initially brought him back from the wrong path recognizes the punishment as a direct result of the man's disobedience. This story serves as a warning to all believers about the importance of following God's word and the consequences that can follow when one strays from it. It reminds us of the severity of God's judgment and the importance of obedience in our faith. It also serves as a reminder that even those who appear to be close to God can face severe consequences when they intentionally disobey His commands. This verse ultimately teaches us about the importance of staying faithful and obedient to God in all aspects of our lives.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the theological interpretation reveals the consequences of disobedience to the word of the Lord. The prophet recognizes the disobedient man as the man of God who was warned by the Lord but chose to go against His command. This disobedience led to his demise, as the Lord delivered him to the lion who tore and killed him, fulfilling the word of the Lord spoken to the man. This story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of heeding the word of God and the gravity of the consequences that follow when one chooses to disobey. It also highlights the concept of divine judgment, where God metes out punishment according to His will. Through this passage, readers are reminded of the significance of obedience and the severe outcome of turning away from God’s commands.
1 Kings 13:26 in other translations
American Standard Version
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 mouth of Jehovah: therefore Jehovah hath delivered him unto the lion, which hath torn him, and slain him, according to the word of Jehovah, which he spake unto him.
World English Bible
When the prophet who brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, “It is the man of God who was disobedient to the mouth of Yahweh. Therefore Yahweh has delivered him to the lion, which has mauled him and slain him, according to the word of Yahweh, which he spoke to him.”
Douay-Rheims
And when that prophet, who had brought him back out of the way, heard of it, he said: It is the man of God, that was disobedient to the mouth of the Lord, and the Lord hath delivered him to the lion, and he hath torn him, and killed him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke to him.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when the Prophet that brought him backe againe from the waye, hearde thereof, hee sayde, It is the man of God, who hath bene disobedient vnto the commandement of the Lord: therefore the Lord hath deliuered him vnto the lion, which hath rent him and slayne him, according to the worde of the Lord, which hee spake vnto him.