1 Kings 20:41

And he hasted, and took away the ashes from his face,.... Took off the linen cloth from his eyes, unveiled or unmasked himself:

and the king of Israel discerned him, that he was of the prophets; he…

He was of the prophets - Josephus and others conjecture that this prophet was Micaiah, the son of Imlah (but compare 1Ki 20:13 note).

Took the ashes away - He took the bandage from off his eyes: see on Kg1 20:38 (note). It was no doubt of thin cloth, through which he could see, while it served for a sufficient disguise.

Here is an account of what followed upon the victory which Israel obtained over the Syrians.

I. Ben-hadad's tame and mean submission. Even in his inner chamber he feared, and would, if he could, flee…

the ashes away from his face Here R.V. (as in 38) the head band from his eyes.

that he was of the prophets It is clear that the prophets were distinguished by dress, or in some evident manner, so that…