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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 20:22 Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, "Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/11_1Ki_20_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:22 - Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/20-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/20-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm" title="1 Kings 20:21">◄</a> 1 Kings 20:22 <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm" title="1 Kings 20:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_kings/20.htm">New International Version</a> Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, &#8220Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Afterward the prophet said to King Ahab, “Get ready for another attack. Begin making plans now, for the king of Aram will come back next spring.” <a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, “Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do, for in the spring the king of Syria will come up against you.” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, “Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And the prophet came to the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself; take note, and see what you should do, for in the spring of the year the king of Syria will come up against you.” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then the prophet approached the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, show yourself courageous and be aware and see what you have to do; for at the turn of the year the king of Aram will march against you.” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, &#8220Go, strengthen yourself and observe and see what you have to do; for at the turn of the year the king of Aram will come up against you.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel, and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself and observe and see what you have to do; for at the turn of the year the king of Aram will come up against you.” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then the prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself and know and see what you have to do; for at the turn of the year the king of Aram will come up against you.” <a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then the prophet approached the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself and observe and see what you have to do; for at the first of next year the king of Aram (Syria) will come up against you.” <a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The prophet approached the king of Israel and said to him, “Go and strengthen yourself, then consider carefully what you should do, for in the spring the king of Aram will attack you.” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The prophet approached the king of Israel and said to him, &#8220Go and strengthen yourself, then consider what you should do, for in the spring the king of Aram will march against you.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the prophet came near to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest; for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee. <a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Later, the prophet went back and warned Ahab, "Benhadad will attack you again next spring. Build up your troops and make sure you have some good plans." <a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the prophet came near to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, "Reinforce your army. Consider what you have to do. When spring comes, the king of Aram will attack [again]." <a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then the prophet went to King Ahab and said, "Go back and build up your forces and make careful plans, because the king of Syria will attack again next spring." <a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> The prophet approached the king of Israel and told him, "Go replenish your forces and prepare for the future, because early this next year the king of Aram will attack you again." <a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, ?Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.? <a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> The prophet visited the king of Israel and instructed him, "Go, fortify your defenses. Determine what you must do, for in the spring the king of Syria will attack you." <a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The prophet came near to the king of Israel, and said to him, "Go, strengthen yourself, and mark, and see what you do; for at the return of the year the king of Aram will come up against you." <a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said to him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee. <a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> The prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself, and plan what you must do, for at the return of the year, the king of Syria will come up against you.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the prophet comes near to the king of Israel and says to him, “Go, strengthen yourself, and know and see that which you do, for at the turn of the year the king of Aram is coming up against you.” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the prophet cometh nigh unto the king of Israel, and saith to him, 'Go, strengthen thyself, and know and see that which thou dost, for at the turn of the year the king of Aram is coming up against thee.' <a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the prophet will draw near to the king of Israel, and say to him, Go, be strengthened, and know, and see what thou wilt do: for at the return of the year the king of Aram will come up against thee.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> (And a prophet coming to the king of Israel, said to him: Go, and strengthen thyself, and know, and see what thou dost: for the next year the king of Syria will come up against thee.) <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then a prophet, drawing near to the king of Israel, said to him: “Go and be strengthened. And know and see what you are doing. For in the following year, the king of Syria will rise up against you.” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Then the prophet approached the king of Israel and said to him: “Go, regroup your forces. Understand clearly what you must do, for at the turning of the year the king of Aram will attack you.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then the prophet approached the king of Israel and said to him, “Come, strengthen yourself, and consider well what you have to do; for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And, behold, the prophet of God came near to Ahab king of Israel, and said to him, Go, strengthen yourself, and know, and see what you have to do; for at the beginning of the year the king of Aram will come up against you. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And behold, the Prophet of God came to Akhab King of Israel, and said to him: “Go! Be strong and know, see what you do, because at the return of the year the King of Edom comes up against you!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the prophet came near to the king of Israel, and said unto him: 'Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest; for at the return of the year the king of Aram will come up against thee.' <a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said, Strengthen thyself, and observe, and see what thou shalt do; for at the return of the year the son of Ader king of Syria comes up against thee. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=8023" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad</a> …21Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans. 22<a href="/hebrew/5030.htm" title="5030: han·nā·ḇî (Art:: N-ms) -- A spokesman, speaker, prophet. From naba'; a prophet or inspired man.">Afterward, the prophet</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: way·yig·gaš (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">approached</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lêḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Go</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: hiṯ·ḥaz·zaq (V-Hitpael-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">and strengthen your position,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: wə·ḏa‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">and take note</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: ū·rə·’êh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively."></a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">you must do,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">for</a> <a href="/hebrew/8666.htm" title="8666: liṯ·šū·ḇaṯ (Prep-l:: N-fsc) -- A return, answer. Or tshubah; from shuwb; a recurrence; a reply.">in the spring</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: haš·šā·nāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/758.htm" title="758: ’ă·rām (N-proper-fs) -- Syria and its inhab., also the names of a son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and an Isr. ">of Aram</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: ‘ō·leh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">will come up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against you.”</a> 23Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they prevailed over us. Instead, we should fight them on the plains; surely then we will prevail.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_chronicles/16-9.htm">2 Chronicles 16:9</a> For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter. From now on, therefore, you will be at war.” <a href="/proverbs/21-31.htm">Proverbs 21:31</a> A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a> Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. <a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a> Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. <a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16-17</a> No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save. <a href="/psalms/46-1.htm">Psalm 46:1</a> For the choirmaster. Of the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. <a href="/psalms/118-8.htm">Psalm 118:8-9</a> It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. <a href="/jeremiah/17-5.htm">Jeremiah 17:5</a> This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes mere flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. <a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a> So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. <a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a> What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a> The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-11</a> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a> I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. <a href="/1_timothy/6-12.htm">1 Timothy 6:12</a> Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses. <a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">2 Timothy 2:3-4</a> Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said to him, Go, strengthen yourself, and mark, and see what you do: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against you.Take the<a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">1 Kings 20:1,16</a> And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it… <a href="/1_kings/22-31.htm">1 Kings 22:31</a> But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.<a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30</a> There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/17-13.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">Aram</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-27.htm">Care</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-21.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-8.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-14.htm">Go</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-5.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">Syria</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-1.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">Understand</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/4-5.htm">Afterward</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Aram</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-13.htm">Care</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-7.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-34.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/21-2.htm">Go</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-25.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-28.htm">Mark</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-19.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-36.htm">Prophet</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Spring</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-5.htm">Strengthen</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Syria</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-40.htm">Thyself</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-24.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-26.htm">Understand</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 20</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria</a> 13. <a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain</a> 22. <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek</a> 28. <a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again</a> 31. <a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant</a> 35. <a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, </a> 39. <a href="/1_kings/20-39.htm">making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said This phrase indicates a divine message delivered through a prophet, a common occurrence in the Old Testament where prophets served as God's messengers. The king of Israel at this time is Ahab, who often found himself at odds with God's prophets due to his idolatrous practices. Prophets played a crucial role in guiding and warning the kings of Israel and Judah, often calling them back to covenant faithfulness.Go and strengthen your position The instruction to "strengthen your position" suggests a need for military and strategic preparation. This reflects the historical context of frequent warfare in the ancient Near East, where nations often engaged in battles for territorial control. Strengthening one's position could involve fortifying cities, training troops, and securing alliances.and take note what you must do This phrase implies careful planning and discernment. It suggests that the king must be vigilant and proactive in his preparations. The need for wisdom and discernment is a recurring theme in the Bible, as seen in Proverbs, which emphasizes the importance of seeking God's guidance in decision-making.for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you The mention of "spring" is significant as it was the typical season for kings to go to war, due to favorable weather conditions and the availability of food supplies. The king of Aram, likely Ben-Hadad, was a recurring adversary of Israel. This historical context highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram, which is documented in several biblical accounts. The prophetic warning serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, as well as His willingness to guide and protect His people if they heed His instructions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/prophet.htm">Prophet</a> A messenger of God who delivers divine instructions and warnings to the king of Israel. The identity of this prophet is not specified in the text, but he plays a crucial role in guiding the king. 2. <a href="/topical/k/king_of_israel.htm">King of Israel</a> At this time, the king is Ahab, who is known for his complex character and often disobedience to God. Despite his flaws, God continues to provide him with guidance through the prophet. 3. <a href="/topical/k/king_of_aram.htm">King of Aram</a> The adversary of Israel, planning to attack again in the spring. Aram, also known as Syria, was a neighboring kingdom often in conflict with Israel. 4. <a href="/topical/s/spring.htm">Spring</a> The season mentioned as the time when the king of Aram will renew his attack. In ancient times, spring was a common time for kings to go to war due to favorable weather conditions. 5. <a href="/topical/s/strengthen_your_position.htm">Strengthen your position</a> A directive given to the king of Israel to prepare and fortify his defenses in anticipation of the coming battle.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_guidance_in_preparation.htm">Divine Guidance in Preparation</a> God provides guidance and foresight through His prophets and His Word. We must be attentive to His instructions to prepare for future challenges. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_readiness.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Readiness</a> Just as the king of Israel was instructed to strengthen his position, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared for the battles they face, relying on God's strength and wisdom. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_obedience.htm">The Role of Obedience</a> Obedience to God's instructions is crucial. Ahab's response to the prophet's warning would determine the outcome of the impending conflict. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a> While human preparation is necessary, trust in God's sovereignty and His ultimate control over circumstances is paramount. <a href="/topical/s/seasonal_awareness_in_spiritual_life.htm">Seasonal Awareness in Spiritual Life</a> Recognizing the "seasons" in our spiritual journey helps us to prepare appropriately for times of trial and testing.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20</a> <a href="/q/is_there_non-biblical_proof_of_israel's_win.htm">Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 1 Kings 20?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_god_send_a_'lying_spirit'.htm">In 1 Kings 22:19-23, how can a just and holy God send a 'lying spirit' to deceive Ahab's prophets?</a> <a href="/q/why_the_discrepancy_on_jehoshaphat's_actions.htm">In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise?</a> <a href="/q/why_send_lying_spirits_(1_kings_22_22).htm">Why does God send lying spirits to deceive people (1 Kings 22:22)?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) The return of the year.--The early part of the next year, after the winter was over, "when kings go out to battle" (<a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm" title="And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.">2Samuel 11:1</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 22. - And the prophet [obviously the same prophet] came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself [both as to army and to city], and mark, and see what thou doest ["Take every precaution. Don't think that the danger is past"]: for at the return of the year [in the following spring. There was a favourite time for campaigns (<a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1</a>), viz., when the rainy season was past. Several late wars, notably those of our own armies in Africa and Afghanistan, have been considerably influenced by the seasons. And the wars of ancient times were almost universally summer raids. "Sustained invasions, lasting over the winter, are not found until the time of Shalmaneser" (<a href="/2_kings/17-5.htm">2 Kings 17:5</a>; <a href="/2_kings/18-9.htm">2 Kings 18:9</a> 10, Rawlinson)] the king of Syria will come [Heb. cometh] up against thee. <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Afterward, the prophet הַנָּבִיא֙ (han·nā·ḇî) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5030.htm">Strong's 5030: </a> A spokesman, speaker, prophet approached וַיִּגַּ֤שׁ (way·yig·gaš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> To draw near, approach the king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc and said, וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Go לֵ֣ךְ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk and strengthen [your position], הִתְחַזַּ֔ק (hiṯ·ḥaz·zaq) Verb - Hitpael - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer and take note וְדַ֥ע (wə·ḏa‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know what אֲשֶֽׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you must do, תַּעֲשֶׂ֑ה (ta·‘ă·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make for כִּ֚י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction in the spring לִתְשׁוּבַ֣ת (liṯ·šū·ḇaṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8666.htm">Strong's 8666: </a> A recurrence, a reply the king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Aram אֲרָ֖ם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_758.htm">Strong's 758: </a> Aram -- Syria will march עֹלֶ֥ה (‘ō·leh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively against you.” עָלֶֽיךָ׃ (‘ā·le·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-22.htm">1 Kings 20:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:22 The prophet came near to the king (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>