Keraia
1 Kings 20

1 Kings 20:38

A Prophet Reproves Ahab · 1 Kings 20:35–43
Read 1 Kings 20

Translations

Modern
…and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.
Traditional
So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.
Literal
And the prophet departed and waited for the king by the road, and he disguised himself with the covering over his eyes.
Latin
Abiit ergo propheta, et occurrit regi in via, et mutavit aspersione pulveris os et oculos suos.

Original

Hebrew
English
…and the prophet went and waited on the road for the king, disguising himself with a bandage over his eyes.

Notes

1 Kings 20:35–43

Ahab showed mercy to Ben-hadad, which displeased God. An unnamed prophet used symbolic actions to show this disapproval. God's prophets often used symbols to deliver his messages (Isaiah 20; Jeremiah 27:1–7; Ezekiel 4:1–3, 9–17; 5:1–4). By sparing an untrustworthy enemy, Ahab brought judgment on himself and his people instead of relying more on the Lord.

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Jezebel Prophets in 1 Kings

Glossary

Ahab (King) Ben-Hadad Gilead (Place) Kings, Books of First and Second Samaria Sons of the Prophets

Topics

Ashes: Disguises In Symbols and Similitudes: Wounding Syria: The Israelites: Craftily Drawn Into a League With