Definition: And he hasted, and took the ashes away from his face; and the king of Israel discerned him that he [was] of the prophets.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Kings 20:41. It's a really important passage about divine judgment and understanding. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment where God reveals himself to King Ahab, who was being arrogant and disrespectful. He’s essentially showing his power and revealing that he’s not just a human ruler but a powerful, divine figure. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And he hasted..." - This means "he rushed" or "he hurried." It suggests urgency. "...and took the ashes away from his face..." – This is key. The “ashes” symbolize something that was polluting or obstructing God’s presence and power. It could be a physical stain, but more importantly, it represents a spiritual blockage – perhaps Ahab's pride, his stubbornness, or his focus on earthly things instead of God. "...and the king of Israel discerned him that he [was] of the prophets." - This is where the real revelation happens. “King of Israel” refers to King David. The word "discerned" means to understand or realize something. The verse says that King David recognized that this person was indeed a prophet – someone who spoke for God and shared His message. What does it mean in a nutshell? It’s telling us that God is actively intervening in the world, and He's not just concerned with human rulers. He's showing himself through these events and revealing truth to those who are open to it. It’s a powerful message about divine judgment and the importance of recognizing God's authority. Why is this significant? This passage is often seen as a foreshadowing of the downfall of King David. It shows that even powerful kings could be challenged by God, and that true understanding – recognizing God’s role – was crucial to preventing disaster. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you more context about the story of the Book of Kings? Discuss what this verse might symbolize in a broader sense (like divine justice or the importance of humility)?