The Prophet from Judah (also referred to as "a man of God from Judah" or simply "the prophet") was killed by a lion.
Details of the Incident
The biblical account of this incident is found in 1 Kings 13. In summary:
- The Prophet's Task: A prophet from Judah was sent by God to Bethel to prophesy against the altar that Jeroboam (the king of Israel) had built. He accurately predicted the altar's destruction by a future King Josiah.
- Jeroboam's Reaction: Jeroboam was angered by the prophecy and attempted to seize the prophet, but his hand withered. The prophet then healed Jeroboam at the king's request, demonstrating his divine power.
- Disobedience: God commanded the prophet not to eat or drink in Bethel, nor return by the same way he came.
- The Old Prophet's Deception: An old prophet living in Bethel heard of the events and went after the prophet from Judah. He lied, claiming an angel told him to bring the prophet back to his house for food and drink. The prophet from Judah disobeyed God's initial command and returned with the old prophet.
- The Prophet's Doom: While eating at the old prophet's house, the word of the Lord came to the old prophet, who then prophesied against the prophet from Judah, declaring that because of his disobedience, he would not be buried in the tomb of his fathers.
- The Lion's Attack: As the prophet from Judah traveled back, a lion attacked and killed him. The lion did not devour the body or attack the donkey.
Significance
This account serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of obedience to God's direct commands, even when faced with seemingly authoritative or persuasive counter-arguments. The lion's attack was a direct consequence of the prophet's disobedience.
