And he said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.
And he said to him, 'This is what the LORD says: Because you have released from your hand a man whom I had marked for complete destruction, your life will be taken in place of his life, and your people will suffer in place of his people.'
God is declaring judgment on King Ahab because he spared the life of an enemy king whom God had commanded to be destroyed.
📚 Historical Context
This prophecy was delivered to King Ahab of Israel after he had defeated Ben-hadad, king of Syria, in battle but then made a treaty with him and let him live. God had intended for Ben-hadad to be completely destroyed as judgment for his wickedness and threats against Israel. A prophet disguised himself to deliver this message of divine displeasure to Ahab.
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