1 Kings 20:36 — Meaning and Application

And {Benhadad} said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then {said Ahab}, I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away. {streets: or, market places}

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.

Then said he unto him, Because thou hast not obeyed the voice of the LORD, behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, a lion found him, and slew him.

Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded {him}. {so that...: Heb. smiting and wounding}

So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.