Walt Disney’s Lion King is a movie that has many key scenes which remind us of Bible verses. The entire plot is designed to give the impression of a king returning to his kingdom with the sole aim to improve the lives of his people. There are obstacles along the way that must be overcome in order to achieve the desired goal. This paper’s foundation will be based on a few verses. These verses are Genesis 4:8 which is centered on Cain, Abel and Joseph. Genesis 37: 12 to 36 focuses primarily on Joseph’s brothers. Mathew 3:17 is a baptismal account of Jesus Christ. This author has used historical focus in order to make a comparison between the events discussed.
In Lion King, Mufasa, the leader of Pride lands has a jealous older brother Scar. Scar wants to take over the leadership of Pride lands but the hierarchy forbids it. Mufasa on the other hand is a good-hearted leader. Mufasa is the father of Simba, who is the next-in-line to succeed the throne. This means that Scar cannot be the heir. Simba, despite being the only child of his father, is considered to be his best son. Scar, Musafa’s brother, plans to kill the King and take his throne. The plan is executed by him killing the King and ascending to power. This story is similar to Cain’s and Abel’s (Genesis, 4:8). Abel is loved by his brother so much, he hatches an evil plan to murder him in order to get the blessing of God and his father. Both cases involve jealousy between the murderers, leading them to kill in order to reach their goals. This movie portrays the biblical event with great accuracy, giving a clear understanding of the relationship between Abel and his younger brother. Both of them kill their brothers to achieve their selfish goals.
One of the many similarities between the Lion King Movie’s events and those in the Bible includes the period immediately following Simba’s death by Scar. Scar orders the three hyenas that were sent to kill Simba after Mufasa’s death to remove any rivals for the throne. Simba flees to far-off lands in fear of his life. It is believed that he died in the Pride Lands. In exile, he hears that the animal Kingdom and Scar are in dire straits due to rules introduced by his rule that restricted the rights and liberties enjoyed earlier under King Musafa. Simba returns after many years to claim what is rightfully his. This includes overthrowing Scar’s leadership.
This story has many similarities to the biblical story of Joseph (Genesis, 37:12-36). Joseph, Jacobs youngest child is the most loved. However, his older brothers are not always pleased with this position and have tried to punish or kill him. Joseph was left in the field by his brothers, even though they intended to kill him so that their father would bless them. When Joseph learns that his brothers intend to kill him he flees and seeks exile. He is sold as a slave to Pharaoh palace officials. He overcomes significant obstacles and rises to the top of Pharaohs administration. This allows him to assist his brothers that had come to find food. Both are symbols of unity, helping their people in times of need.
Simba’s introduction to the animal kingdom is similar to Jesus Christ’s baptism when a voice from the heavens told him that he was God’s son and to respect and obey him. As samba is introduced to his animal kingdom, a light appears on him just as it did when Jesus claimed that he had been the promised messiah. Simba’s role as a savior is evident in this instance, because he saved the animals from a bad and difficult period under Scar.
ConclusionThe number of bible-like events in the lion king film shows that its writers paid special attention to the biblical storyline while creating the movie.
