1 Kings 20:35
And a certaine man of the sonnes of the Prophets, saide vnto his neighbour in the word of the Lord, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man refused to smite him. 1 Kings 20:35 (KJV)
(Note: This quotation does not appear in the biblical book of 1 Kings.)
Context: Although some descriptions present this passage as part of the narrative in 1 Kings that deals with the conflicts between the kingdoms of Israel and Aram (also known as Syria), the actual text of 1 Kings—particularly the chapters recounting King Ahab’s battles with Ben‑Hadad—contains no such dialogue. The battles between Ahab and Ben‑Hadad are recorded in 1 Kings 20, where God indeed sends a prophet to inform Ahab that he will again deliver the Arameans into his hands, but the quoted request to be struck is not part of that account.
Identify the Characters:
- A certain man of the sons of the prophets: This figure is mentioned only in the quoted sentence, which is not found in Scripture, so his identity remains unspecified.
- His neighbour: Likewise, the neighbour’s identity is not provided in any biblical source.
Examine the Action:
- The prophet’s request: In the quoted line, the man asks his neighbour to strike him, but because the passage is not scriptural, its purpose cannot be confirmed.
- The neighbour’s refusal: The neighbour declines, yet without a biblical context the meaning of this refusal is uncertain.
Reflect on the Meaning:
- Symbolic act: If taken as a literary motif, the request could be interpreted symbolically, though this is speculative.
- Obedience and refusal: The neighbour’s refusal might suggest a lack of understanding, but this interpretation is not grounded in the biblical text.
- Unspecified purpose: The specific purpose behind the request and refusal is not explained in any recognized scripture.
Consider the Application:
- Obedience to divine instruction: While the Bible emphasizes obedience to God’s messages, this particular quotation cannot be used as a direct illustration of that principle.
- Seek understanding: Readers are encouraged to study the surrounding biblical passages—such as those in 1 Kings 20—to gain clearer insight into the historical conflict between Israel and Aram.
- Trust in messengers: The broader biblical narrative does highlight the role of prophets as God’s messengers, underscoring the importance of discerning and respecting their words.
Please note that this passage is relatively brief and, because it does not appear in the canonical text of 1 Kings, its broader significance would require careful examination of authentic scriptural sources and the surrounding context.
