And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived [in what way we are not told. But Ahab would be known to some of them, 1 Kings 20:1-43 :81] that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him read more
And a certain man [Heb. a man. It was natural for some of the Rabbins to identify this archer with Naaman—the tradition is found in Josephus. But it is directly contrary to the spirit of the narrative to attempt to identify him. As it was a chance arrow, so it was by an unknown archer] drew a bow at a venture [Heb. in his simplicity, i.e; with no intention of shooting Ahab: not knowing what he was doing. That this is the meaning is clear from the use of the words in 2 Samuel 15:11 ... read more
The Pierced Armour. This occurred during the third campaign of Ben-hadad against Israel. Micaiah had forewarned Ahab against the danger he incurred, and was cast into prison for his pains. The warning was, however, taken sufficiently to heart to induce the king to disguise himself. Describe the expedient adopted, and its remarkable failure. Ahab was in many respects a typical sinner. He was an idolater, a persecutor, impenitent, though sometimes touched; and in the plenitude of power he... read more
Commanded - “Had commanded.” Ben-hadad delivers his order in the hyperbolical style common in the East. His meaning is, “Make it your chief object to kill or take the king of Israel.” Apparently, his own defeat and captivity were still rankling in his mind, and he wished to retaliate on Ahab, the humiliation which he considered himself to have suffered. He shows small appreciation of the generosity which had spared his life and restored him to his kingdom. read more
Surely it is the king of Israel - This was a natural supposition, as Jehoshaphat alone wore royal robes.And Jehoshaphat cried out - Jehoshaphat called to his men for help, using perhaps his own special battle-cry, which would be distinct from that of Ahab, and would probably be known to the Syrians. read more
At a venture - literally, as in the margin, i. e. without intent to kill the king.Between the joints of the harness - literally, as in the margin. The “joints” were probably pieces of armor which attached the breast-plate to the helmet or to the greaves. The arrow entered between the breastplate and one of these “joints.” breastplates made of metal scales were common both in Egypt and Assyria.Turn thine hand - literally, “turn thy hands.” The driver of a chariot, both in Egypt and Assyria, held... read more
1 Kings 22:31. Fight only with the king of Israel This he ordered, truly supposing this to be the best way to put an end to the war; and by the providence of God, which disposeth the hearts of kings as he pleaseth, and which inclined them to this course, that they might, though ignorantly, accomplish his counsel. Perhaps Ben-hadad only designed to have taken him prisoner, that he might now give him as honourable a treatment as he had formerly received from him. read more
1 Kings 22:32-33. When the captains saw Jehoshaphat, they said, Surely, &c. They saw no other but him in a royal habit, and hence concluded he must be the king of Israel, whom they believed to be present in the battle, and to be the commander of the Israelitish army. They turned aside to fight against him They drew their forces from their several quarters toward him. And Jehoshaphat cried out By his danger God now let him know that he was displeased with him, for joining in... read more
1 Kings 22:34. A certain man drew a bow at a venture Shot at a venture among the army, without care, or choice, or any design of reaching Ahab, or any particular person; and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness Where the several parts of his armour were joined together; the only place about him where this arrow of death could find entrance. No armour is proof against the darts of divine vengeance. Case the criminal in steel, and it is all one; he that made him can... read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:32
And it came to pass when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely [ אַךְ , not only (Bähr, Keil), but certainly ; cf. Genesis 44:28 ; 3:24 ; 2 Kings 24:3 ] it [Heb. he ] is the king of Israel . And they turned aside [Cf. 1 Kings 20:39 , same word. The Hebrew inserts עָלָיו . The chronicler reads יָסֹבוּ they surrounded him, instead of יָסֻרוּ ; and the LXX . has ἐκύκλωσεν , in both places. But the Syrians can hardly... read more