1 kings 22:27 - Say, ‘Thus says the king, “Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.”’”

Generated Verse: 1 kings 22:27

What does "1 kings 22:27" mean?


This verse is from a passage in 1 Kings 22 where King Ahab of Israel is preparing to go to war against the Arameans to reclaim Ramoth-gilead. Ahab consults his prophets, who unanimously tell him he will be victorious. However, King Jehoshaphat of Judah suggests consulting a true prophet of the Lord, Micaiah.

Micaiah initially gives the same affirmative answer as the other prophets, but when pressed by Ahab, he reveals a different vision: he saw the Lord sitting on his throne, and a lying spirit went forth to entice Ahab to go to war, where he would be killed.

Therefore, 1 Kings 22:27 represents Ahab's angry reaction to Micaiah's unwelcome prophecy.

Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:

"Say, ‘Thus says the king...": This introduces the message that Ahab is sending to someone.
"...Put this fellow in the prison...": Ahab orders Micaiah to be imprisoned for delivering a negative prophecy. "This fellow" is a dismissive way of referring to Micaiah.
"...and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction...": Ahab commands that Micaiah be given minimal food and water, enough to barely survive. This is a form of punishment and hardship. "Bread of affliction" and "water of affliction" are metaphors for meager and unpleasant sustenance, indicating a deliberate attempt to make Micaiah suffer.
"...until I come in peace.’”: Ahab states that Micaiah will remain imprisoned under these harsh conditions until Ahab returns from the battle victoriously and in peace. This is Ahab's way of challenging Micaiah's prophecy. If Ahab returns alive and victorious, he will see Micaiah proven wrong. If Ahab doesn't return, or returns defeated, then Micaiah's prophecy would be vindicated.

In summary, the verse highlights:

Ahab's anger and rejection of a prophecy he doesn't want to hear. He'd rather punish the messenger than heed the warning.
The harsh treatment inflicted upon a prophet who speaks truth to power. Micaiah is being punished for his faithfulness to God, even though his message is unwelcome.
Ahab's hubris and confidence in his own plans. He believes he can control the outcome and prove Micaiah wrong.

The verse foreshadows the tragic events that follow, as Ahab, against Micaiah's warning, goes into battle and is killed, thus fulfilling Micaiah's prophecy. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring warnings and the importance of listening to truthful, even if unpleasant, counsel.

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