Translations
Modern
Then the prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.
Traditional
And he hasted, and took the ashes away from his face; and the king of Israel discerned him that he was of the prophets.
Literal
And he hurried and turned aside the covering from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him, that he was one of the prophets.
Latin
At ille statim abstersit pulverem de facie sua, et cognovit eum rex Israël, quod esset de prophetis.
Original
Hebrew
English
Then the prophet quickly removed the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.
Notes
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
People
Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes
Glossary
Ahab (King) Ben-Hadad Gilead (Place) Kings, Books of First and Second Samaria Sons of the Prophets
Topics
Ashes: Disguises In Parables of the Prisoner of War Self-Condemnation: Ahab Syria: The Israelites: Craftily Drawn Into a League With