[[Prov-21]] Prev: [[Prophecies in Prov-20]] | Next: [[Prophecies in Prov-22]] --- ### The wicked is a ransom for the righteous, the treacherous for the upright. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: This verse predicts a divine substitutionary principle where the wicked are subjected to the punishment or calamity intended for the righteous, effectively serving as a 'ransom' (Hebrew: kofer) to deliver the innocent. *Historical context*: Theologians identify the Book of Esther as a primary historical fulfillment of this principle, specifically when Haman was executed on the gallows he had constructed for the righteous Mordecai ([[Esth-07#v9|Esther 7:9]]-10). Additionally, [[Isa-43#v3|Isaiah 43:3]] records a direct historical application where God gave Egypt and Ethiopia as a ransom for the preservation of Israel. *Related to*: ### The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh. *Type*: prophecy *Summary*: This is a prediction that human military preparation and superior technology do not govern the outcome of future conflicts; instead, victory is determined solely by divine decree. *Historical context*: Historical fulfillments include the victory of Gideon over the Midianite army with only 300 men ([[Judg|Judges 7]]) and the miraculous defeat of the Assyrian army during Hezekiah's reign, where 185,000 soldiers died without a physical battle, demonstrating that victory rested with Yahweh despite the Assyrian military's preparation ([[2 Kings-19#v35|2 Kings 19:35]]). *Related to*: --- #ai_prophecy