What can we learn about God's sovereignty from 1 Kings 20:35? Setting the Scene “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.” (1 Kings 20:35) Key Observations on Sovereignty • “By the word of the LORD” – A reminder that God initiates; the prophet speaks only what God decrees. • A seemingly odd command (“Strike me”) underlines that God is free to require anything He chooses, whether or not it makes sense to human reason (cf. Isaiah 55:8-9). • Immediate resistance reveals how human reluctance collides with divine authority; yet God’s word stands even when challenged (cf. Proverbs 21:30). • The verse sits in a narrative where God has already arranged victories, negotiations, and judgments. Every detail—including this private exchange—is woven into His larger plan (1 Kings 20:13-28, 36-42). What the Verse Teaches about God’s Sovereignty • God governs the small and the great. An international conflict and a one-on-one conversation both unfold “by the word of the LORD.” • He speaks with non-negotiable authority. The prophet’s request is not a suggestion but a divine directive. • Human choice is real, yet God’s purpose prevails. The companion’s refusal will not derail the Lord’s design (see vv. 36-37); it merely brings personal consequences. • God uses unexpected means. A prophetic object lesson requiring a wound foreshadows Ahab’s impending judgment—showing that divine plans may involve surprising or uncomfortable steps (cf. Jeremiah 18:6). • Obeying God’s word is a matter of life and death. Disobedience in this minor episode leads to swift judgment, echoing Deuteronomy 28:15-20 and reinforcing that God’s sovereign rule demands wholehearted submission. Supporting Passages • Psalm 115:3 – “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” • Job 42:2 – “I know that You can do all things; no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” • Isaiah 46:10 – “My purpose will stand, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.” • Romans 9:20 – “But who are you, O man, to talk back to God?” Take-Home Applications • Trust God’s directives even when they defy logic. If His word is clear, His sovereignty guarantees He knows what He’s doing. • Revere the authority of Scripture; delayed or partial obedience is still disobedience. • Recognize that God’s sovereign hand is as active in daily, ordinary moments as in headline events. • Rest confidently: no human refusal, no unforeseen twist, can overturn what God has decreed for His people (Romans 8:28). |
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