Definition: And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told [it] in the city where the old prophet dwelt.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 13:25. It’s a really important part of understanding how God intends to handle wealth and distribution in the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse describes a situation where someone has amassed a large amount of wealth and is distributing it fairly amongst their people. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And, behold…” : This is a dramatic way to introduce the story. It’s like saying “And now, let me tell you about this.” “…men passed by…” : This means ordinary people were observing what was happening. “…saw the carcase cast in the way…” : This is the key part. "Carcase" refers to a dead animal – likely a lion or other large predator. It’s being placed in a place where it's visible. The word "cast" suggests it's deliberately placed there, maybe as a warning or a symbol of something. “…and the lion standing by the carcase:” : This is a powerful image. A lion is a symbol of strength, power, and often, judgment. Seeing a lion standing by a dead animal is incredibly unsettling – it's a stark reminder that wealth isn’t just about having things; it can also be a source of danger and potential harm. “…and they came and told [it] in the city where the old prophet dwelt.” : This tells us who witnessed this. The “old prophet” is a leader – often a king or priest – who was known for wisdom and justice. So, these people were witnessing this event in the presence of the prophet. So, what’s the overall message? The verse is essentially saying that God's plan for distributing wealth is to let it be distributed fairly amongst his people, even if they are not rich. The placement of the lion serves as a reminder that wealth can attract attention and potential trouble. It's about ensuring fairness and preventing corruption. In essence, it’s a warning against greed and the importance of being just in how we handle our resources. Important Note: This is a complex passage with layers of meaning. It's often interpreted as relating to the establishment of the Kingdom of Israel under God’s rule. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the symbolism behind the lion? Connect it to a specific biblical story (like the story of David and Goliath)?