1 Kings 20:41

Listen to 1 Kings 20:41
41 Then he hurried to take the bandage away from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.

1 Kings 20:41 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 20:41

And he hasted, and took away the ashes from his face
Took off the linen cloth from his eyes, unveiled or unmasked himself:

and the king of Israel discerned him, that he was of the prophets;
he knew him again, having seen him once or twice before; otherwise there could be nothing in his face that could discover him to be a prophet, rather he was to be known by his habit.

Unlock Deeper Insights: Get Over 20 Commentaries with Plus! Subscribe Now

1 Kings 20:41 In-Context

39 And as the king passed, he cried to the king and said, ā€œYour servant went out into the midst of the battle, and behold, a soldier turned and brought a man to me and said, ā€˜Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver. ’
40 And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone. ā€ The king of Israel said to him, ā€œSo shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it. ā€
41 Then he hurried to take the bandage away from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.
42 And he said to him, ā€œThus says the Lord, ā€˜Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people. ā€™ā€
43 And the king of Israel went to his house vexed and sullen and came to Samaria.
The Holy Bible, English Standard VersionĀ® (ESVĀ®) Ā© 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025