Thy servant went out: this following relation is not an untruth, but a parable; a usual way of instruction in the eastern parts, and ancient times, and most fit for this occasion, wherein an obscure prophet was to speak to a great king; whose ears were tender, and impatient of a downright reproof, and exceeding partial in his own cause; who by this artifice is made to condemn himself before he was aware of it, and so forced to receive the prophet's just sentence with more patience and moderation: compare 1Sa 12 1Sa 14. A man turned aside; my commander or superior, as the manner of his expression here following showeth. Then shall thy life be for his life; thou shalt die in his stead; as below, 1 Kings 20:42: compare Exodus 21:23.
Related Commentaries of 1 Kings 20:39
1 Kings 20:39
39 And 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 payg a talent of silver.