1 Kings 20:35 Explained in Context

Verse 35. 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.

Verse 36. ³⁶ Then 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.

Verse 37. ³⁷ Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him.

Verse 38. ³⁸ So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.

Verse 39. ³⁹ And 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.

Verse 40. ⁴⁰ 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.

Verse 41. ⁴¹ And he hasted, and took the ashes away from his face; and the king of Israel discerned him that he was of the prophets.

Verse 42. ⁴² And 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.

Verse 43. ⁴³ And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria.