Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 20:35. It's a really interesting and dramatic story about a king and a prophet. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: King Solomon is having a terrible time. He’s facing huge problems – his kingdom is crumbling, his people are restless, and he’s feeling incredibly alone. A Prophet speaks up against him. A prophet named Tiresias, who had been watching the king for a long time, says to Solomon that he should “smite” (punish) the king. This word "smite" means to harshly rebuke or punish someone. The King refuses. Instead of obeying the prophet, the king refuses to be punished. He doesn’t want anyone to try and harm him. What it Means – A Bit More Deeply: This verse is a bit mysterious, but here's what we can infer: A Test of Faith: It suggests that the king was facing a serious test of his faith. He was choosing to resist temptation or evil. The Power of God: The fact that God intervened and prevented the prophet from punishing the king speaks to God’s sovereignty – His power over events. It's saying, "God is watching over you, even when you're resisting." A Reminder of Judgment: It’s a reminder that even those in positions of power can be susceptible to temptation and evil. In essence, this verse highlights the importance of standing firm in faith and refusing to yield to negative influences. It’s a story about choosing to resist temptation and trusting in God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss the meaning of a specific word within this verse? Give you some context for this story?