[[Prov-17]] Prev: [[Prophecies in Prov-16]] | Next: [[Prophecies in Prov-18]] --- ### A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: Predicts that merit and wisdom will elevate a servant to a position of authority and inheritance over a biological heir who behaves shamefully. *Historical context*: Theologians identify the historical fulfillment of this principle in the rise of Jeroboam, a servant of Solomon, who was granted rule over the ten tribes of Israel because Solomon's son, Rehoboam, acted shamefully by rejecting wise counsel ([[1 Kings-11#v26|1 Kings 11:26]]-28; 12:1-20). It is also seen in the narrative of Ziba, who gained a portion of the inheritance of Saul's grandson Mephibosheth ([[2 Sam-16#v1|2 Samuel 16:1]]-4). *Related to*: ### Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: Declares that those who find pleasure in the misfortune of others, particularly the vulnerable, will inevitably face divine retribution. *Historical context*: This is often cited by biblical scholars in relation to the destruction of the nation of Edom. As prophesied in the Book of Obadiah, Edom rejoiced at the 'calamity' and 'destruction' of Jerusalem; consequently, they were 'not unpunished,' ultimately facing total extermination ([[Obad-01#v12|Obadiah 1:12]]-18). *Related to*: ### An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: Predicts that those dedicated to rebellion will be met with a harsh, relentless agent of judgment or execution. *Historical context*: Biblical history provides examples of this 'cruel messenger' in the fate of rebels such as Absalom, who was executed by Joab ([[2 Sam-18#v14|2 Samuel 18:14]]), and King Herod Agrippa I, who was struck down by a divine messenger for his prideful rebellion against God ([[Acts-12#v23|Acts 12:23]]). It is also interpreted as the Babylonian army sent to judge the rebellion of Judah ([[2 Kings|2 Kings 25]]). *Related to*: ### Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: A prophetic warning that betraying a benefactor results in a lasting curse of strife and calamity upon the perpetrator's lineage. *Historical context*: Commentators (such as Matthew Henry and John Gill) view this as specifically fulfilled in the life of King David. After David repaid the 'good' (loyalty) of Uriah the Hittite with 'evil' (arranging his death), the prophet Nathan pronounced that 'the sword shall never depart from your house' ([[2 Sam-12#v10|2 Samuel 12:10]]). This resulted in a cycle of domestic violence and rebellion involving David's children, including Amnon, Absalom, and Adonijah. *Related to*: --- #ai_prophecy