Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 22 - Verse 27

The verse "And say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace." carries a significant meaning in the context of the biblical narrative. This verse portrays a scene where a king, in his authority, orders for a punishment to be carried out against an individual by placing him in prison and feeding him with sustenance that signifies hardship and suffering. The bread and water of affliction symbolize the harsh conditions that the individual will face during his time of imprisonment. The king's command reflects his power and ability to exert punishment upon those who have crossed him. Additionally, the phrase "until I come in peace" indicates that the individual will remain in prison until the king's return. This verse serves as a reminder of the consequences of defying authority and the severity of punishment that may follow. The use of such imagery and language emphasizes the importance of obedience and respect towards those in positions of power.

The theological interpretation of this verse from 1 Kings 22:27 reveals the cruel and oppressive nature of King Ahab's command towards Micaiah, a prophet of the Lord. The use of the phrase "bread of affliction and water of affliction" signifies the harsh treatment Micaiah was to endure while imprisoned, highlighting the king's desire to punish him severely for speaking the truth. This verse serves as a reminder of the persecution that prophets often faced for delivering God's message, even when it went against the desires of those in power. It showcases the theme of injustice and the struggle between following the will of God versus the will of man.