Why did the prophet command his companion to strike him in 1 Kings 20:35? The scene in 1 Kings 20:35–38 • “Then a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his companion by the word of the LORD, ‘Strike me, please.’ But the man refused to strike him.” (v. 35) • The command came “by the word of the LORD.” It was not a personal whim; it was God’s instruction delivered through His prophet. • When the first man disobeyed, the prophet announced immediate judgment: a lion killed him (v. 36). A second man obeyed and struck the prophet, wounding him (v. 37). The prophet then disguised himself with a bandage, positioning himself beside the road to intercept King Ahab (v. 38). A divinely mandated object lesson • The self-inflicted wound allowed the prophet to pose as a battered soldier. • Like Nathan’s story before David (2 Samuel 12:1–7), the disguise set up a parable Ahab would judge with his own lips. • In the parable, the prophet claimed he had been entrusted with an enemy prisoner but let him escape; by law he deserved death or a heavy fine (v. 39–40). • Ahab condemned the imaginary offender—thereby condemning himself for releasing Ben-hadad, king of Aram (v. 42). • The wound made the scenario believable. Without it, the king would never have stopped or listened. Why striking was necessary 1. Authenticity—A real injury gave credibility to the prophet’s story, ensuring Ahab’s attention. 2. Prophetic symbolism—The bruise pictured the seriousness of Israel’s recent battle and the gravity of Ahab’s failure. 3. Divine authority—God’s word demanded obedience in detail; even the method (a physical blow) mattered. 4. Warning through example—The first man’s death underscored how seriously God views partial obedience (cf. 1 Samuel 15:22–23). Ahab’s greater issue • God had granted Israel victory over Ben-hadad twice (1 Kings 20:13, 28). • Instead of finishing God’s judgment, Ahab made a treaty and let him go (v. 34), valuing political alliances over God’s command. • The prophet declared, “Because you have let go out of your hand the man I had devoted to destruction, your life shall be for his life” (v. 42). • The wound, the disguise, and the parable all served one purpose: expose Ahab’s disobedience and pronounce judgment. Obedience matters—then and now • God’s commands, whether grand or minute, carry His authority (Deuteronomy 12:32; Matthew 5:18). • Partial or selective obedience invites discipline (Luke 6:46). • The episode reminds believers that outward success (military victory) cannot excuse inward compromise. Take-home truths • God may use unusual means to communicate, but His purpose is always clear and purposeful. • Refusing a clear word from God—even one that seems minor—has consequences. • True servants obey promptly, completely, and humbly, trusting that God’s instructions, however strange, serve His righteous ends. |
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