And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria.
Read it in contextA Prophet Reproves Ahab
Start reading at 1 Kings 20:35 (1 Kings 20:35 to 1 Kings 20:43).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
20:35And 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.
20:36Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.
20:37Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him.
20:38So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.
20:39And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king: and he said, Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver.
20:40And 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.
20:41And he hasted, and took the ashes away from his face; and the king of Israel discerned him that he was of the prophets.
20:42And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.
20:43And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 20:1–20:43): Ahab, Benhadad, their officials and armies, and the unnamed prophets are involved in the Syrian wars and the judgment on Ahab's conduct. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? A Prophet Reproves Ahab. Read 1 Kings 20:35 through 1 Kings 20:43 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? This unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The account begins in David's last days, follows Solomon's reign, and continues into the divided kingdoms and the ministries associated with Elijah. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and the temple are central early; later events move through Judah, the northern kingdom, and neighboring regions. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in A Prophet Reproves Ahab (1 Kings 20:35 to 1 Kings 20:43).
Start reading at 1 Kings 20:35. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus refers to Solomon's wisdom while declaring that a greater than Solomon is present. The comparison directs attention to Jesus without endorsing Solomon's later unfaithfulness. See 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Distinguish outward prosperity and impressive religious buildings from covenant faithfulness. Attend to the reasons the narrative gives for its evaluations of kings and prophets. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 20
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author. Local headings and stanza divisions are editorial reading aids adapted from public-domain BSB headings; verse boundaries and Scripture links use the KJV. Connections describe the surrounding book movement.
Connection to the wholeThis opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
Connection to the wholeThis unit closes the chapter’s selected reading divisions. The later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
First Kings traces Solomon's reign and the divided kingdoms. Its evaluation of kings centers on faithfulness to the LORD. The book does not name its author.
Connection to the wholeThe later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.