1 Kings 20:37

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

Study Bible

Then the prophet
The term "prophet" in Hebrew is "navi," which signifies a spokesperson for God. Prophets in the Old Testament were often called to deliver messages that were not only divine but also challenging to the status quo. This particular prophet is unnamed, emphasizing that the message and the act are more significant than the messenger. The role of a prophet was to convey God's will, often through symbolic actions, as seen in this passage.

found another man
The act of finding another man suggests a deliberate search. This indicates the prophet's determination to fulfill God's command, even if it required persistence. In the historical context, prophets often used others to enact symbolic gestures that would convey a deeper spiritual truth. The anonymity of the man also highlights that God can use anyone to fulfill His purposes.

and said, 'Strike me, please!'
The request to be struck is unusual and seems counterintuitive. However, in the prophetic tradition, actions often carried symbolic meanings. The Hebrew word for "strike" is "nakah," which can mean to smite or wound. This act was a prophetic symbol, possibly representing the impending judgment or the seriousness of the message to be delivered. The addition of "please" indicates a polite request, showing the prophet's respect for the man's free will.

So the man struck him
The man's compliance with the prophet's request demonstrates obedience, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. This act of striking was not out of malice but was a necessary part of the prophetic message. It reflects the willingness to participate in God's plan, even when the action seems harsh or incomprehensible.

and wounded him
The wounding of the prophet serves as a physical manifestation of the message he was to deliver. In the Hebrew context, wounds often symbolize suffering or the consequences of disobedience. This act of wounding could be seen as a foreshadowing of the consequences that would befall those who disobey God's commands. It underscores the seriousness of the prophetic message and the lengths to which God will go to communicate with His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Prophet
A man of God who is delivering a message through a symbolic act. His identity is not specified in this verse, but he plays a crucial role in conveying God's message to King Ahab.

2. Another Man
An unnamed individual who obeys the prophet's unusual request to strike him. His compliance contrasts with the previous man's refusal, highlighting obedience to God's messengers.

3. King Ahab
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is the central figure in the surrounding account. The prophet's actions are part of a larger message intended for Ahab, the king of Israel.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom over which Ahab reigns. The events in this chapter are set against the backdrop of Israel's conflicts with neighboring nations.

5. Symbolic Act
The act of striking the prophet is symbolic, serving as a visual and physical representation of a prophetic message intended for King Ahab.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Commands
The account underscores the importance of obeying God's instructions, even when they seem unusual or difficult. Obedience is a key theme throughout Scripture and is essential for fulfilling God's purposes.

The Role of Prophets
Prophets often used symbolic acts to convey God's messages. Understanding these acts requires discernment and a willingness to see beyond the physical to the spiritual truths they represent.

Consequences of Disobedience
The contrast between the man who refused to strike the prophet and the one who obeyed highlights the consequences of disobedience. It serves as a reminder that God's commands are not to be taken lightly.

Courage in Following God's Will
The man who struck the prophet demonstrated courage and faith in following a difficult command. Believers are called to act with similar courage when God directs them.

God's Sovereignty in Unusual Circumstances
God's ways are often beyond human understanding, and He may use unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. Trusting in His sovereignty is crucial for believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the prophet's request to be struck reveal about the nature of prophetic ministry in the Old Testament?

2. How does the obedience of the second man contrast with the disobedience of the first, and what can we learn from this about our own responses to God's commands?

3. In what ways does this passage challenge our understanding of obedience and faith, especially when God's instructions seem unusual or difficult?

4. How can we apply the lesson of courage in following God's will to our own lives, particularly in situations where obedience may be challenging?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced an unusual or difficult command from God. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How does this passage encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 20:35-36
These verses provide context for the prophet's actions, showing the consequences of disobedience to God's commands.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
This passage emphasizes the importance of obedience over sacrifice, paralleling the theme of obedience in 1 Kings 20:37.

Isaiah 6:8
The willingness to serve and obey God's call is echoed in the prophet's actions, similar to Isaiah's response to God's call.