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1 Kings 20:40

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 20:40 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.
1 Kings 20:40 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
37Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, smiting and wounding him.
38So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with his headband over his eyes.
39And as the king passed by, he cried unto the king; and he said, Thy servant went out into the midst of the battle; and, behold, a man turned aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, Keep this man: if by any means he be missing, then shall thy life be for his life, or else thou shalt pay a talent of silver.
40And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it.
41And he hasted, and took the headband away from his eyes; and the king of israel discerned him that he was of the prophets.
42And he said unto him, Thus saith Jehovah, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.
43And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone, etc.] Employed in one thing or another relative to the battle, his prisoner committed to his care made his escape: and the king of Israel said unto him, so shall thy judgment be, thyself hast decided it; the sentence was plain and open against him, that either he must die or pay the money, for he himself had agreed to it.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thy judgment - Thy sentence; thou must perform the condition. Either suffer the one, or do the other. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:42”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“he was gone: Heb. he was not So shall thy judgment be: Sa2 12:5-7; Job 15:6; Mat 21:41-43, Mat 25:24-27; Luk 19:22 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:41”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification