Killed by a lion for not striking a prophet
1 Kings 20:35-43 By the word of the LORD one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, "Strike me with your weapon," but the man refused.
So the prophet said, "Because you have not obeyed the LORD, as soon as you leave me a lion will kill you." And after the man went away, a lion found him and killed him.
PERSONAL COMMENTARY
I sympathise with the companion here. I would find it difficult to strike someone with a weapon for no other reason than their request for me to do so.
What would you do if someone you viewed as a man of God walked up to you and said "strike me with your weapon?"
Do you think this poor guy deserved to be killed here?
8 comments:
He was not killed for not striking the prophet with his weapon. He was killed for not obeying God. When God's prophet spoke, it's equal to God speaking. We need to be careful in disobeying God's servants. Many have died as a result.
We need to be careful in disobeying God's servants. Many have died as a result.
Anon, this is a very dangerous philosophy. Many preachers (especially in the Charismatic/WOF movement) abuse this power.
Earl Paulk is currently facing charges from several women who claim that he told them that God had appointed them to be sexual companions for them. How could they allow this? Because of verses like the above that these leaders use to control the flock.
Here's a couple links to news reports on the Earl Paulk issue from Atlanta Fox 5 I-Team.
Earl Paulk - Part I
Earl Paulk - Part II
Paul
roopster,
wow. that's some story.
In all fairness, the fact that people use certain Bible verses as a means of control shouldn't have any bearing on the discussion. Referencing people like Earl Paulk only serves to fuel anti-Bible sentiment on an emotional level. I don't see how this kind of information benefits the conversation...?
Anon has it right. The man was killed for not obeying God. There's nothing more or less to analyse about the account.
Hi Paul
You asked WHY this person was killed. The answer is that He didn't obey God Himself.
There is your answer.
On the other subject of abuse of power... we'd all agree that it's grotesque that people will use any position (eg the president) to abuse people.
This problem is not a Christian or biblical one... it's a human one.
But back to your question - God had spoken and the person didn't listen.
Mark,
I do agree that it's a human problem. However, with the added weapon of speaking on behalf of God, it's too much power for mere humans to handle. Absolute power corrupts absolutely and, sad as it is, the flock does give these leaders absolute power.
But whether you're talking about the flock or the leaders of such, it's still a human problem.
What if the prophet lied, as it happend in 1kings 13
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