1 Kings 20:35
1 Kings 20:35 in Multiple Translations
Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him.
¶ And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his fellow by the word of Jehovah, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbour by the word of the Lord, Give me a wound. But the man would not.
Following a message he received from the Lord, one of the sons of the prophets said to his colleague, “Please hit me.” But the man refused to hit him.
Then a certaine man of the children of the Prophets sayd vnto his neighbour by the comandement of the Lord, Smite me, I pray thee. But the man refused to smite him.
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour by the word of Jehovah, 'Smite me, I pray thee;' and the man refuseth to smite him,
A certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his fellow by the LORD’s word, “Please strike me!” The man refused to strike him.
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.
Then a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his companion in the word of the Lord: Strike me. But he would not strike.
Then Yahweh spoke to a member of a group of prophets and said to him, “Ask one of your fellow prophets to strike and wound you.” So he did what Yahweh told him to do. He said to one of his fellow prophets, ‘Strike me and wound me.’ But that man refused to do it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:35
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 20:35 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֨ישׁ
אֶחָ֜ד
מִ/בְּנֵ֣י
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֗ים
אָמַ֧ר
אֶל
רֵעֵ֛/הוּ
בִּ/דְבַ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
הַכֵּ֣י/נִי
נָ֑א
וַ/יְמָאֵ֥ן
הָ/אִ֖ישׁ
לְ/הַכֹּתֽ/וֹ
וְ/אִ֨ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֶחָ֜ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
מִ/בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֗ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
prophet
Art | N-mp
אָמַ֧ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
רֵעֵ֛/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-ms | Suff
בִּ/דְבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
הַכֵּ֣י/נִי
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
נָ֑א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
וַ/יְמָאֵ֥ן
mâʼên
H3985
to refuse
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Art | N-ms
לְ/הַכֹּתֽ/וֹ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:35
וְ/אִ֨ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֶחָ֜ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
מִ/בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
הַ/נְּבִיאִ֗ים
nâbîyʼ
H5030
"prophet"
Art | N-mp
A prophet is someone who speaks for God, like a spokesperson. This word is used in the Bible to describe true and false prophets, like those in 1 and 2 Kings.
Definition: 1) spokesman, speaker, prophet 1a) prophet 1b) false prophet 1c) heathen prophet Aramaic equivalent: ne.vi (נְבִיא "prophet" H5029)
Usage: Occurs in 288 OT verses. KJV: prophecy, that prophesy, prophet. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Kings 24:2; Psalms 51:2.
אָמַ֧ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
רֵעֵ֛/הוּ
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-ms | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
בִּ/דְבַ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
הַכֵּ֣י/נִי
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
נָ֑א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
וַ/יְמָאֵ֥ן
mâʼên
H3985
"to refuse"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to say no or reject something. It is used in Exodus 23:5 to describe refusing to help someone in need. God commands people to not refuse help.
Definition: (Piel) to refuse
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: refuse, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 37:35; Nehemiah 9:17; Psalms 77:3.
הָ/אִ֖ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
לְ/הַכֹּתֽ/וֹ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:35
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:35 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:35
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:35
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:35
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:35
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:35
Context — A Prophet Reproves Ahab
33Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot.
34Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” “By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.
35Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD, one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, “Strike me, please!” But the man refused to strike him.
36Then the prophet said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, as soon as you depart from me a lion will kill you.” And when he left, a lion found him and killed him. 37Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 2:15 | When the sons of the prophets who were facing him from Jericho saw what had happened, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed down to the ground before him. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 13:17–18 | For I have been told by the word of the LORD: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” Then the prophet replied, “I too am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the LORD, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” The old prophet was lying to him, |
| 3 | 2 Kings 4:1 | Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” |
| 4 | Isaiah 8:18 | Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me as signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD of Hosts, who dwells on Mount Zion. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 10:12 | Then a man who lived there replied, “And who is their father?” So the saying became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” |
| 6 | 1 Kings 20:37–38 | Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him, and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes. |
| 7 | Matthew 16:24 | Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 4:38 | When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. As the sons of the prophets were sitting at his feet, he said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and boil some stew for the sons of the prophets.” |
| 9 | Jeremiah 27:2–3 | This is what the LORD said to me: “Make for yourself a yoke out of leather straps and put it on your neck. Send word to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, and Sidon through the envoys who have come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah king of Judah. |
| 10 | Amos 7:14 | “I was not a prophet,” Amos replied, “nor was I the son of a prophet; rather, I was a herdsman and a tender of sycamore-fig trees. |
1 Kings 20:35 Summary
[This verse shows us that God sometimes gives us commands that might seem strange or difficult to understand, but it's essential to trust and obey Him, as seen in 1 Kings 20:35 and Jeremiah 29:11. The son of the prophet asked his companion to strike him, and when he refused, it led to severe consequences, 1 Kings 20:36. This teaches us that obedience to God's commands is crucial, even if we don't fully understand the reasons behind them, as seen in Romans 11:33-34. By trusting and obeying God, we can avoid the negative consequences of disobedience and experience His blessings, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the son of the prophet ask his companion to strike him?
The son of the prophet asked his companion to strike him in order to fulfill a command from the Lord, as stated in 1 Kings 20:35, and to demonstrate the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the subsequent verses, 1 Kings 20:36-37.
What is the significance of the prophet's request in relation to the surrounding context?
The prophet's request serves as a dramatic illustration of the consequences of disobedience, which is a theme that is also present in the preceding verses, where Ahab spares the life of Ben-hadad, despite the Lord's command to destroy him, as seen in 1 Kings 20:33-34 and 1 Samuel 15:23.
How does this verse relate to the concept of obedience to God's commands?
This verse highlights the importance of obeying God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-2, and demonstrates the consequences of disobedience, as seen in the fate of the companion who refused to strike the prophet, 1 Kings 20:36.
What can we learn from the companion's refusal to strike the prophet?
The companion's refusal to strike the prophet serves as a warning against questioning or disobeying God's commands, as seen in 1 Samuel 15:23, and highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am being called to obey God's commands, even if they seem difficult or unclear?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with challenging circumstances?
- What are some potential consequences of disobedience in my own life, and how can I avoid them?
- How can I apply the lesson of the prophet's request to my own relationships and interactions with others?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:35
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets,.... Which the Jews take to be Micaiah, and so Josephus (u), which is probable; the same that had been with Ahab more than once; and, whoever he was, it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:35
And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him. Smite me. This prophet is supposed (1 Kings 20:8) to have been Micaiah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
Unto his neighbour, or brother; another son of the prophets. In the word of the Lord; in the name and by the command of God, whereof doubtless he had informed him. Smite me, so as to wound me, . He speaks what God commanded him, though it was to his own hurt; by which obedience to God he secretly reproacheth Ahab’ s disobedience in a far easier matter. And this the prophet by God’ s appointment desires, that looking like a wounded soldier, he might have the more free access to the king, and discourse with him; which it was very hard for a prophet to obtain, that sort of men being hateful to Ahab, , and to his courtiers. The man refused to smite him; not out of contempt of God’ s command, but most probably in tenderness and compassion to his brother.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
1 Kings 20:35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said unto his neighbour in the word of the LORD, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him.Ver. 35. And a certain man of the sons of the prophets.] This was Michaiah, saith Josephus, and other Jewish doctors, whom Ahab therefore had cast into prison, and therefore so readily knew where to have him, and whither to resend him. Smite me, I pray thee.] (1.) That hereby I may show Ahab how he hath wounded his own soul by sparing Benhadad; (2.) What a wound both he and his people shall hereafter receive hereby; (3.) That I may seem a wounded soldier, and so may have the easier access to Ahab.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
(35) A certain man—according to Josephus, Micaiah, the son of Imlah. This tradition, or conjecture, agrees well with the subsequent narrative in 1 Kings 22. The sons of the prophets.—This phrase, constantly recurring in the history of Elijah and Elisha, first appears here. But the thing designated is apparently as old as the days of Samuel who is evidently surrounded by “a company” of disciples. (See 1 Samuel 10:5; 1 Samuel 10:10; 1 Samuel 19:20.) The prophetic office seems never to have been, like the priesthood or kingship, hereditary. “Sonship,” therefore, no doubt means simply discipleship; and it is likely enough that the schools of the sons of the prophets were places of higher religious education, including many who did not look for the prophetic vocation; although the well-known words of Amos (Amos 7:14), “I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son,” clearly indicate that from their ranks, generally though not invariably, the prophets were called. Probably the institution had fallen into disuse, and had been revived to seal and to secure the prophetic victory over Baal-worship. To Elijah the “sons of the prophets” look up with awe and some terror; to Elisha, with affectionate respect and trust.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
Verse 35. In the word of the Lord] By the word or command of the Lord; that is, God has commanded thee to smite me. Refusing to do it, this man forfeited his life, as we are informed in the next verse. By this emblematical action he intended to inform Ahab that, as the man forfeited his life who refused to smite him when he had the Lord's command to do it; so he (Ahab) had forfeited his life, because he did not smite Ben-hadad when he had him in his power.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:35
35–43. A prophetic message rebuking Ahab because he had let Ben-hadad go (Not in Chronicles) 35. a certain man of the sons of the prophets] It is clear from what follows in the history (2 Kings 2) about the taking of Elijah into heaven, that in spite of Jezebel’s persecution, the prophets and their schools were not put down, but still flourished in various places. Josephus represents this ‘son of the prophets’ as Micaiah, spoken of in 1 Kings 22:8, and says that it was in consequence of this message about Ben-hadad’s deliverance that Ahab put him in prison. (Ant. viii. 14. 5.) said unto his neighbour in [R.V. fellow by] the word of the Lord] The man to whom he made the request was probably one who like himself dwelt in one of the prophetic societies, and he ought therefore to have understood that there was some purpose in his companion’s request. Hence his sin in refusing to comply with it. ‘Fellow’ gives the idea of men of the same guild better than ‘neighbour’. The expression ‘by the word of the Lord’ is found in a similar passage (1 Kings 13:17), and is the more usual form. Smite me] He wished to personate a man who had been engaged in the battle and had suffered something from the enemy. the man refused] Such a refusal was utterly at variance with the character of a prophet, who was to be prepared to obey at all costs a message which came as the word of the Lord. His companion puts the case very strongly in the next verse when he calls his own request ‘the voice of the Lord’.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:35
The sons of the prophets - The expression occurs here for the first time.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:35
AHAB’S REPROOF, 1 Kings 20:35-43. 35. A certain man of the sons of the prophets — A member of one of the schools of the prophets. The head of one of these schools was a spiritual father. See note on 1 Samuel 10:5.
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:35
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Living a Life of Double Portion Pt. 1 by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life in Christ and understanding the ways of God. He highlights the dichotomy between those who walk in faith and |
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Spiritual Enlargement Unto the Maintaining of the Testimony of Jesus by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of spiritual enlargement through the biblical account of Elisha succeeding Elijah, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Holy S |
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Young People Who Walk in the Will of God Make History by Joshua Daniel | Joshua Daniel preaches about the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His plans through individuals who obediently follow His Word, like Mary, Elisabeth, Joseph, and Zacharias. These |
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Law of Spiritual Increase by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the symbolism of the widow in the Bible and how it represents the church. He explains that the church is often oppressed and looked down upon |
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Burdens & Gifts by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a story from the book of Kings about a mother bird teaching her baby bird to fly. He uses this story as a parable to illustrate the co |
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Koronis Conference 1970-06 2 Kings 4;1 by Neil Fraser | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing 2 Kings 4 and Romans 5 to illustrate the concept of debt and provision. He highlights the story of a woman who was in debt and so |
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A Pot of Oil by Joshua Daniel | This sermon delves into the story of a widow in 2 Kings 4 who faced debt and the threat of losing her sons to slavery, highlighting the importance of faith, prayer, and seeking God |