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. Meanwhile, by the word of the LORD,God directed the action that followed, giving it the authority of a prophetic sign. In the aftermath of Israel’s victory over Ben-Hadad, the Lord prepared a rebuke for Ahab through a visible and memorable enacted parable. 1Ki 13:1 Suddenly, as Jeroboam was standing beside the altar… one of the sons of the prophets A member of a prophetic company spoke under God’s command. Such groups preserved and proclaimed the word of the Lord in Israel, often ministering alongside leading prophets such as Elijah and Elisha. 2Ki 2:3 Then the sons of the prophets at Bethel came out to Elisha… said to his companion, The command was given to a fellow prophet who was expected to recognize the authority of God’s word. The incident shows that obedience was required even when the command seemed unusual or its purpose was not yet revealed. Mal 3:16 At that time those who feared the LORD spoke… “Strike me, please!” The requested wound would enable the prophet to appear as a soldier who had failed in a military assignment. His later encounter with Ahab would expose the king’s greater failure: Ahab had released Ben-Hadad, whom God had delivered into his hand for judgment. Lam 3:30 Let him offer his cheek to the one who would strike him;… But the man refused to strike him. The refusal rejected a command given by the word of the Lord. The severe judgment that follows demonstrates that God’s servants may not set aside His instructions merely because they seem difficult, unexpected, or unexplained. 1Sa 24:6 So he said to his men, “The LORD forbid… Persons / Places / Events 1. Sons of the ProphetsA group of prophets or prophetic disciples in Israel, often seen as a community dedicated to serving God and receiving His revelations. 2. The Prophet An unnamed prophet who receives a word from the LORD and acts upon it, demonstrating obedience to God's command. 3. The Companion The man who is asked to strike the prophet but refuses, leading to consequences for his disobedience. 4. The Word of the LORD The divine command given to the prophet, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's instructions. 5. Israel The northern kingdom where these events take place, during a time of conflict and divine intervention. Teaching Points Obedience to God's WordThe passage underscores the necessity of obeying God's commands, even when they seem unusual or difficult. Disobedience can lead to severe consequences. The Role of Prophets Prophets serve as God's messengers, and their words carry divine authority. Respecting and heeding their messages is crucial for spiritual well-being. Community and Accountability The sons of the prophets represent a community of faith where accountability and mutual support are vital. We should seek to build and be part of such communities today. The Cost of Disobedience The refusal to obey God's command through the prophet serves as a warning about the cost of disobedience. It reminds us to trust God's wisdom and timing. Faith in Action The prophet's request and the subsequent events challenge us to put our faith into action, trusting that God's plans are higher than our understanding. Bible Study Questions 1. What does this passage teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when they seem unusual or difficult?2. How can we apply the concept of prophetic authority in our lives today, especially in discerning God's will? 3. In what ways can we build a community of faith similar to the sons of the prophets, where accountability and support are emphasized? 4. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision to obey God. What were the outcomes, and how did it affect your faith journey? 5. How can we ensure that our actions align with God's word, and what steps can we take to avoid the pitfalls of disobedience? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 15The account of King Saul's disobedience to God's command through the prophet Samuel, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's word. 2 Kings 2 The account of Elisha and the sons of the prophets, showing the role and significance of prophetic communities in Israel. Acts 5 The account of Ananias and Sapphira, illustrating the severe consequences of disobedience to God's commands.
People Ahab, Aram, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Hadad, Israelites, SyriansPlaces Aphek, Damascus, Samaria, SyriaTopics Command, Companion, Fellow, Neighbor, Neighbour, Please, Prophets, Refused, Refuseth, Smite, Sons, Strike, Weapon, WoundDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 20:35Library The Lost OpportunityTEXT: "And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it."--1 Kings 20:40. There is a very striking incident connected with this text. The great battle is raging, a certain important prisoner has been taken, and if you read between the lines you seem to know that upon him depend many of the issues of war. His skill in leading the enemy had been marvelous, his courage in the thick of the fight striking; … J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot Putting on the Armour The Section Chap. I. -iii. The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress. Nature of the Renderings The Practice of Piety in Glorifying God in the Time of Sickness, and when Thou Art Called to Die in the Lord. The Twelve Minor Prophets. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Kings Links 1 Kings 20:35 NIV1 Kings 20:35 NLT 1 Kings 20:35 ESV 1 Kings 20:35 NASB 1 Kings 20:35 KJV 1 Kings 20:35 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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