1 Kings 20:37

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he found {H4672} another {H312} man {H376}, and said {H559}, Smite {H5221} me, I pray thee. And the man {H376} smote {H5221} him, so that in smiting {H5221} he wounded {H6481} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

The prophet went to another man and said, "Hit me!" The man struck him a blow and wounded him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the prophet found another man and said, “Strike me, please!” So the man struck him and wounded him,

American Standard Version

Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, smiting and wounding him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 20:37 describes a pivotal moment in a prophetic encounter where a prophet, sent by God to King Ahab, secures a self-inflicted wound from a compliant man. This unusual act of physical harm was a divinely ordained sign, essential for the prophet's subsequent confrontation with Ahab, where the wound would serve as a powerful visual metaphor for the judgment awaiting the king due to his disobedience in sparing Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, against God's explicit command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of [1 Kings 20](/1_kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Ahab's Victory and Disobedience"), specifically following King Ahab's unexpected victory over Ben-Hadad of Aram. God had explicitly delivered Ben-Hadad into Ahab's hand, expecting his utter destruction, a command Ahab notoriously failed to obey, instead making a covenant with the defeated king. The prophet's dramatic appearance and the self-inflicted wound serve as a divinely orchestrated prophetic sign, designed to confront Ahab with the consequences of his actions. Immediately preceding this verse, the prophet had sought a first man to strike him, who refused and was consequently struck down by a lion, demonstrating the gravity of obeying a prophetic word from God ([1 Kings 20:35-36](/1_kings/20-35 "1 Kings 20:35-36 - The First Man's Disobedience")). The compliance of the second man in 1 Kings 20:37 highlights the stark contrast in obedience and sets the stage for the prophet's direct confrontation with Ahab, where the wound would be revealed as a sign of judgment ([1 Kings 20:38-42](/1_kings/20-38 "1 Kings 20:38-42 - The Prophet Confronts Ahab")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Prophetic actions, often dramatic and symbolic, were a common feature of Old Testament prophecy, serving as visual sermons to convey God's messages to a largely pre-literate audience. Prophets like Isaiah ([Isaiah 20:2-4](/isaiah/20-2 "Isaiah 20:2-4 - Isaiah's Nakedness as a Sign")), Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 13:1-11](/jeremiah/13-1 "Jeremiah 13:1-11 - The Linen Loincloth")), and Ezekiel ([Ezekiel 4:1-17](/ezekiel/4-1 "Ezekiel 4:1-17 - Ezekiel's Symbolic Actions")) frequently employed such theatrical displays to underscore the seriousness of divine pronouncements. In the context of ancient Near Eastern kingship, a king's actions, particularly concerning war and peace, were often seen as reflecting the will or displeasure of their gods. Ahab's decision to spare Ben-Hadad was not merely a political miscalculation but a direct affront to Yahweh's explicit command, which had decreed the Aramean king's destruction. The prophet's wound, therefore, served as a tangible, culturally recognizable sign of divine judgment against the king's defiance.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it underscores the **absolute necessity of obedience to divine command**, contrasting the dire consequences of disobedience (the first man's death, Ahab's future judgment) with the prophet's own obedience in seeking the wound and the second man's compliance. Secondly, it exemplifies **prophetic symbolism**, where a physical act or condition serves as a potent visual metaphor for spiritual realities or future events. The prophet's wound is not random but a deliberate, divinely ordained sign representing the "wound" of judgment that will befall Ahab and his kingdom. Finally, the passage highlights the **inevitable consequences of disobedience to God's explicit word**, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Ahab's failure to "utterly destroy" Ben-Hadad, as commanded by God, directly leads to the pronouncement of his own destruction, foreshadowed by the prophet's self-inflicted injury ([1 Kings 20:42](/1_kings/20-42 "1 Kings 20:42 - Ahab's Judgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Smite (Hebrew, _nakah'_):** The Hebrew verb נָכָה (_nakah_) is a strong, versatile verb meaning "to strike, smite, beat, or wound." It often implies a forceful and effective blow, frequently used in contexts of battle or judgment. Here, it denotes a deliberate, intentional act of striking that results in injury. The prophet's request for this action emphasizes the necessity of a visible, physical mark for the prophetic sign to be effective. The repetition of the root in "smote him, so that in smiting he wounded [him]" underscores the direct cause-and-effect: the act of striking directly produced the wound.
* **Wounded (Hebrew, _petza'_):** The Hebrew noun פֶּצַע (_petza_) refers to a "wound" or "blow." It denotes a physical injury, often one that breaks the skin or causes significant damage. In this context, it confirms that the "smiting" was not merely a light tap but a blow severe enough to leave a visible, undeniable mark. The presence of a clear wound was critical for the prophet's disguise and subsequent revelation to King Ahab, serving as the tangible evidence of his prophetic commission and the symbolic representation of Ahab's impending judgment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he found another man,"**: This clause highlights the prophet's persistence in fulfilling God's command, even after the first man's fatal refusal. It underscores the urgency and divine imperative behind the prophetic act. The "another man" signifies God's provision for His will to be accomplished, regardless of human resistance.
* **"and said, Smite me, I pray thee."**: The prophet's direct request is unusual and startling, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of the divine command he is enacting. The phrase "I pray thee" (נָא, _na_) can add a sense of urgency or entreaty, indicating the prophet's earnest desire for the man to comply with this strange, yet divinely mandated, request.
* **"And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded [him]."**: This describes the successful execution of the prophet's request. The repetition of "smote" and "smiting" emphasizes the action, while "wounded [him]" confirms the desired outcome: a visible, physical injury. This wound was not accidental but the precise, intended result, crucial for the prophet's disguise and the subsequent delivery of God's message to King Ahab, making the symbolic nature of the act clear.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in 1 Kings 20:37 is rich with **Symbolism**. The prophet's self-inflicted wound is not merely a physical injury but a powerful visual metaphor. It symbolizes the spiritual wound and judgment that will befall King Ahab and his kingdom for his disobedience in sparing Ben-Hadad. This act also serves as potent **Foreshadowing**, directly predicting the future consequences of Ahab's actions. Just as the prophet is "wounded," so too will Ahab be "wounded" by divine judgment, ultimately leading to his death in battle. Furthermore, there is an element of **Dramatic Irony** at play. The prophet's disguise and the seemingly random act of being wounded are understood by the audience as part of a divine plan, while Ahab remains oblivious to the true significance of the prophet's state until the dramatic reveal, heightening the tension and impact of the subsequent confrontation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The peculiar event in 1 Kings 20:37 underscores the profound seriousness with which God views obedience to His commands, especially when those commands are delivered through His chosen messengers. The prophet's willingness to endure physical harm, and the second man's compliance, highlight a divine economy where even seemingly bizarre acts are integral to conveying God's righteous judgment and unwavering sovereignty. This incident serves as a stark reminder that God's word, whether in promise or warning, carries ultimate authority and consequence, demanding a response of faithful submission from His people and their leaders.

* [Jeremiah 1:9-10](/jeremiah/1-9 "Jeremiah 1:9-10 - God's Word in the Prophet's Mouth")
* [Ezekiel 24:15-27](/ezekiel/24-15 "Ezekiel 24:15-27 - Ezekiel's Wife Dies as a Sign")
* [Hebrews 10:26-27](/hebrews/10-26 "Hebrews 10:26-27 - Consequences of Deliberate Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Kings 20:37, though set in a distant historical context with unique prophetic practices, offers enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It challenges us to consider the depth of our own obedience to God's revealed will, particularly when His commands seem counter-intuitive, costly, or demand a departure from our comfort zones. The prophet's willingness to be wounded for the sake of delivering God's message, and the second man's immediate compliance, stand in stark contrast to the first man's refusal and Ahab's ultimate disobedience. This narrative compels us to recognize that true faith is demonstrated not merely by intellectual assent but by active, sometimes sacrificial, submission to God's authority. It also reminds us that God often uses unconventional means to communicate His truth, urging us to remain spiritually attuned and open to His voice, whether through Scripture, the prompting of the Holy Spirit, or the challenging circumstances of life. Our response to God's word, whether in obedience or defiance, inevitably shapes our destiny and reflects the measure of our trust in His perfect wisdom and sovereign plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to an act of obedience that seems counter-intuitive or personally costly?**
* **How does the prophet's willingness to suffer for God's message challenge your own commitment to sharing divine truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular?**
* **What are some modern "disguises" or unconventional ways God might be communicating His will or warnings to you today, and how can you be more attentive to them?**

### FAQ
**Why did the prophet specifically need to be wounded for this prophetic act?**

Answer: The prophet needed to be wounded for several crucial reasons, primarily related to the symbolic nature of his message and his subsequent confrontation with King Ahab. First, the wound served as a **visual aid** and a **prophetic sign**. Old Testament prophets often used dramatic, physical actions to embody and communicate God's message more powerfully than words alone. The visible wound on the prophet's face or head ([1 Kings 20:38](/1_kings/20-38 "1 Kings 20:38 - The Prophet's Disguise")) was a tangible representation of the "wound" or judgment that would befall Ahab for his disobedience in sparing Ben-Hadad. Second, it was essential for the prophet's **disguise**. By covering his face with a bandage, the prophet could approach Ahab unrecognized, only to reveal his identity and the significance of his wound at the climactic moment of confrontation. This element of surprise and revelation added dramatic impact to the divine pronouncement. Finally, the wound underscored the **seriousness of God's command and the consequences of disobedience**. Just as the prophet willingly endured a wound to fulfill God's will, so too would Ahab face a "wound" of divine judgment for failing to execute God's command to utterly destroy Ben-Hadad ([1 Kings 20:42](/1_kings/20-42 "1 Kings 20:42 - Ahab's Judgment")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 20:37 describes a prophet's symbolic suffering to convey a message of judgment, it ultimately points forward to the ultimate fulfillment of prophetic suffering in Jesus Christ. The prophet's wound, self-imposed yet divinely ordained, served as a tangible sign of impending judgment for disobedience. In a far deeper and redemptive sense, Jesus, the ultimate Prophet and Son of God, willingly submitted to suffering and wounding, not for a symbolic message of judgment against others, but to bear the judgment for humanity's disobedience. He was "wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by his stripes we are healed" ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant")). The prophet's wound in 1 Kings 20:37 was a temporary, external mark for a specific historical warning; Christ's wounds, however, were the very means of our eternal salvation, demonstrating God's perfect justice and boundless love. Through His willing sacrifice on the cross, Jesus became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering reconciliation and healing where disobedience once brought condemnation. Thus, the Old Testament prophetic act, though distinct, echoes the divine principle of suffering for a greater purpose, a principle perfectly embodied and infinitely surpassed in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 20:35

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.

Exodus 21:12

¶ He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death.