1 Kings 22:34 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 22:29-40

The matter in contest between God's prophet and Ahab's prophets is here soon determined, and it is made to appear which was in the right. Here, I. The two kings march with their forces to Ramoth-Gilead, 1 Kgs. 22:29. That the king of Israel, who hated God's prophet, should so far disbelieve his admonition as to persist in his resolution, notwithstanding, is not strange; but that Jehoshaphat, that pious prince, who had desired to enquire by a prophet of the Lord, as disrelishing and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 22:34

And a certain man drew a bow at a venture ,.... Not aiming at the king of Israel, or knowing whereabout he was. In the Targum on 2 Chronicles 18:33 , this man is said to be Naaman, the general of the army of the king of Syria, and so Jarchi here; but though he did this in his simplicity, as the word signifies, without any intention to smite any particular person; yet God directed the arrow to the man he had marked for destruction, and neither his disguise, nor coat of mail, could secure... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 22:34

Drew a bow at a venture - It is supposed that he shot, as the archers in general did, not aiming at any person in particular. The word לתמו lethummo , which we translate in his simplicity, has been variously understood; in his integrity, his uprightness; in his perfection; i.e., to the utmost of his skill and strength. This is most probably the meaning; and may imply both aim and power, having his butt full in view. In cases where the archers wished to do the greatest... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:1-40

The Death of Ahab and the Defeat of Israel. This chapter is almost entirely occupied with an account of the death of Ahab, and of the circumstances which preceded and attended it. The earlier portion of the chapter, which contains the prophesyings of the false prophets and the vision of Micaiah, is only recorded because of its bearing on the death of the king, and the dispersion of his army. And the prominence accorded to Ahab's end only corresponds with the space assigned to his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:29-40

The Certainty of God's Threatenings. I. AHAB 'S ATTEMPT TO ELUDE THE DIVINE VENGEANCE . 1 . His apprehension of coming evil . If Micaiah's words were not the words of God, why should he take precautions? His heart gives the lie to his own unbelief; the words cling to him. The bold refusal to listen to God's word is no assurance that the soul will not afterwards be shaken by a fearful looking for of judgment. 2 . His ungenerousness ( 1 Kings 22:30 ). "I will... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:30-38

Lessons of the Battle. After disposing of Micaiah by sending him to prison with hard fare as the reward of his faithfulness, Ahab and Jehoshaphat gathered their forces and set out together to fight for the recovery of Ramoth-Gilead. The events of the day show— I. THAT PROPHECY MAY TEND TO ITS OWN FULFILMENT . 1 . Micaiah ' s words influenced Ahab ' s conduct . (a) Note the subtlety of the wicked. Ahab's proposal to Jehoshaphat was ostensibly to give him... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:34

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:34

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 22:34

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 22:34

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

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 22:29-40

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 22:34

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 22:34

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:1-40

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:29-40

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:30-38

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:34

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 22:34

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 22:34

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 22:34

Group of Brands