Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

758.0. "I Kings 20.35-43" by CSC32::J_CHRISTIE (Pacifist Hellcat) Mon Nov 15 1993 13:36

An editorialized paraphrase of I Kings 20.35-43

An unnamed prophet gives the order to a member of his group to strike
him (at the Lord's command).  He is refused.  The one who refused to
punch the prophet is penalized for this most despicable of misdeeds
by being killed by a lion upon exiting the scene.

The prophet finds somebody else to deck him.  The prophet bandages his
face, stands by the road and waits for King Ahab to mosey along.  As
Ahab passes by, the prophet calls out to him with an outright lie:
"Your Majesty!  I was fighting in a battle when a soldier brought a
captured enemy to me and said, 'Guard this man; if he escapes, you
will pay with your life or else pay a fine of 3000 pieces of silver.'
But I got busy with other things, and the man escaped." [I seem to recall
a commandment against lying, but it must be okay if you're fabricating a
false story for the Lord.  The prophet goes unpunished for this sin.]

Ahab answers back, "You have pronounced your own sentence, and you will
have to pay the penalty."

Then the prophet ripped the bandage from his face and the king recognizes
this man as a prophet.  The prophet prophesies: "This is the word of the
Lord.  Because you allowed a man to escape I ordered killed [Doesn't parallel
prophet's story], you will pay for it with your life [so where is the cash
option?], and your army will be destroyed for letting his army escape."

The king proceeds to Samaria, worried and depressed.

This story has something of the flavor of when Nathan confronted David.

Comments??

Shalom,
Richard

Perhaps we should act this out instead of our normal
Christmas cantata?

    Or how about acting out the 137th Psalm?
    
    Shalom,
    Richard
    
    (Really, Collis, you're much too young to be this bitter.  I, on the
    other hand, am sufficiently old enough. ;-})