1 Kings 22

Achab intending to make war against the Syrians verse 1&c. is advised by Josphat first to ask counsel of God by his prophests 5 Achabs prophet advise him to it 6 especially Zedekiah 11 Micah a prophet of the Lord dissuaded it 13 is smitten for it by Zedekia 24 and put in prison by Achab 26 Achab goeth forth to battle is shot and dieth 29 and the dogs lick his blood 38 Josphats reign over Judah 41 Ahazia the son of Achab reigneth in his fathers stead. 52.

1. And they [namely the Syrians and the Israelites between whom there had been war in time past see above chapter 20] sat still three years [these years are to be counted from the second overthrow which the Syrians received in the war against the Israelites of which see above chapter 20 on verse 29&c.] so that there was no war between Syria and between Israel.

2. But it came to pass in the third year when Josphat the king of Judah was come down to the king of Israel ?[Namely Achab with whom he not only was at peace below verse 45 but also had entered into the affirnity by the marriage of joram his son and Athalia the daughter of Achab 2Kings 8.18 & 2 Chronicles 8:1.]

3. That the king of Israel said unto his servants [see Genesis 20 on verse 8] know ye that Rammoth in Gilead [see of this city Deuteronomy 4.43and above chapter 4.13] is ours? [for the city belonged to the land of the Israelites had promised to restore the same above chapter 10.34] and we be still [Heb. are silent or hold our peace but the Hebrew word signifieth omission not only of speaking but also of doing anything as Exodus 14.14Judges 18.9 Isaiah 64:12] without taking the same out of the hand of king of Syria.

4. Then he said unto Josphat wilt thou go with me into the battle to Rammoth in Gilead? and Josphat said unto the king of Israel i will be so as thou art my people so as thy people my horses so as thy horses[Heb. as I so thou as my people so thou people as my horses so thy horses so 2Kings 3.7 and 2 Chronicles 8:3 that is I will march forth with thee into the battle and be so trusty that thou mayst rely upon my person as upon thine own upon my people as upon thy people &c.]

5. Moreover Josaphat saying unto the king of Israel inquire I pray as today after the word of the Lord [tat is inquire by some prophet of the Lord whether it be also his will that we should undertake this war and he will give us success and victory therein.

6. Then the king of Israel gathered the prophet together [it seemeth that these were the four hundred prophets of the idolatrous grove of whom mention is made above chapter 18.19 and who appeared not before Elia upon mount carmel with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal see in the same chapter the annotate on verse 22] about four hundred men and he said unto them shall I go against Rammoth in Gilead to battle or shall I for bear ? and they said go up for the Lord shall deliver it into the hands of the king.

7. But Josaphat said is there not here a prophet yet of the Lord [understand besides these four hundred prophets of whom king Josaphat began to have suspicion or besides many other prophets that formerly had been in Israel] that we might enquire of him.

8. Then said the king of Israel unto Josphat there is yet one men by whom to enquire of the Lord [observe that these idolators will yet to know the true the true God aright and to seek to obey him] but I hate him because he doth not prophesy good upon me [that is that which is pleasing and acceptable unto me see above chapter 1 on verse 42]but evil Micah surnamed the Marasthite being born in the city of Morasah Micah 1:1 which lived in the times of Jothaam, Ahaz, and Hizkia, Kings of Juda] the son of Jimla: and Josaphat said, Let not the King say so. [i.e. let him not hate the person for the words sake, nor despise the word for the persons sake.]

9. Then the King Israel called a Groom of the Chamber, [The Hebrew word signifieth generally a Courtier, Court-Gentleman, Court-Officers. See Genes.37.on vers.36.] and said; Fetch hastily Micha, the son of Jimla.

10. Now the King of Israel, and Josaphat the King of Juda, sat each on his throne clothed with (their) robes [To wit, with special Royal Robes, in which they shewed their majesty, state, and glory. Oth. having on (their) armour] on the plain, [understand an even, unbuilt, and empty void place: see Gen.50.on ver.10. Such are conceived to have been in former times before the gates of the City for Market-places, or wide spacious places, there to put a number of souldiers in battle-aray, when they feared the in rode of enemies] at the door of the gate of Samaria: and all the Prophets [understand of whom is spoken above ver.6.as also below ver.12.] prophesied in their presence.

11. And Zedekia [One of the fore-mentioned Prophets, who is to be distinguished from another false prophet of this name, the son of Maaseja, Jerem 29 21.] the son of Canaan had made himself iron horn; [To set, forth, or shew forth his prophecy by it, as by a token, and then to explain it by word of mouth, as Prophets frequently used to do] and he said; Thus saith the LORD; [he pretendeth the Name Jehovah, to wit, the Name of the onely true God, and not the names of his Idols; as also below ver.12,24 not onely to make his Prophecy the more acceptable before King Josaphat, but also to testify before every one, that their whole Religion, Worship, and prophesying, was as it were directed thither, and aimed threat, viz. to perform honour and service to the God of that name. Compare Exod.32.4 5. Judg.17.3. 1 Kings 12:28.] with these thou shalt push the Syrians, until thou shalt have utterly consumed them. [the meaning is, that he should easily vanquish, and destroy them. For as the horned beast easily shall overthrow the others that have no horns; so it would not be difficult for him to vanquish and subdue the Syrians, that were much weaker then he.]

12. And all the Prophesied so, saying: Go up to Ramoth in Gilead, and thou shalt be prosperous; [Heb. Be prosperous: so below v.15. Compare Psal.37.on vers.3. and Prov.3.on ver.25.] for the LORD shall deliver it into the Kings hand.

13. Now the messenger that was gone to call Micha, spake unto him saying; Behold now, the words of the Prophets are out of one mouth [Heb. one mouth, or, with one mouth] good unto the King; Let thy word, I pray, he according as the word of one of them, and speak (that which is) good. [i.e. the Victory over the Syrians, and the subduing of Ramoth in Gilead. Compare above v.8.and the annotate. and below v.18.]

14. But Micha said; (As true as) the LORD liveth, that which the LORD shall say unto me, that will I speak.

15. When he was come to the King, then the King said unto him; Micha, shall we go to Ramoth in Gilead to battle, or shall we for bear (it)? And he said unto him; deliver it into the Kings hand. [The Prophet doth not speak this in good earnest, but as it were mocking at the answer, and foretelling of the false prophets, whose words he therefore likewise useth, as they are related above verse 12. (for the Lord had revealed them unto him). ThereforeAchab perceiving by his phrase, countenance, and gestures, that he meant not in earnest what he said chargeth him in the following verse, to give a serious answer: it was therefore a command or counsel ironically. Compare Judg.10.14. Eccles.11.9. Ezek.20.39. Amos 4 4,5. Matth.23.32.]

16. And the King said unto him; for how many times shall I adjure thee, that thou tell me nothing, but onely the truth, in the Name of the LORD? [i.e. By the command and inspiration of the LORD. See 2 King.2. on verse 24.]

17. And he said; I saw [To wit, in a Prophetical Vision, which happened to my spirit. See of these Visions, Gen.15.on v.1.] all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no sherperd: and the LORD said; These have no Lord; [oth. these shall have no Lord] every man return to his house in peace. [in this Vision three things were revealed to him: First, That the Israelites should get no Victory, but should flee before the Syrians. Secondly, that Achab should perish and die. Thirdly, that the people should not perish at this time in battle, but should return home to their houses]

18. Then said the King of Israel unto Josaphar; Did I not tell thee (that) he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil? [See above v.8.]

19. Furthermore, he [Namely the Prophet Micha] said; Therefore hear ye the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD [viz. not in his essence, but in the tokens of his manifestation, which were shewed unto the Prophets, sometimes corporally to the eyes of the body, sometimes onely spiritually to the understand: see Genes.32.on v.30. and Numb.12.on v.3.] sitting on his throne, and all the heavenly host [understand the Angels, or heavenly spirits: see Gen.2. on v.1. and above chap.18.on v.15. and compare Psal.103.21. and 148.2. Isaiah 45:12.] standing by him at his right hand, and at his left. [God is thus represented to us by resemblance of an Earthly Monarch, who being compassed about with many Ministers and Attendants, sitteth down to judge. The end is, to instruct us concerning the glory of his Majesty, the wisdom of his Government, and the righteousness of his judgement, and the omnipotency of his Works.]

20. And the LORD said; Who shall persuade Achab, that he may go up, and fall at Ramoth in Gilead? Now the one said, thus; and the other said, so. [Heb. This said in, or, with, so; and this said in, or, with so; that is, the one said, on this manner, and the other said, on that manner.]

21. Then a spirit came forth, and stood before the face of the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. [This was one evil spirits, which God, according to his infinite wisdom, knoweth to use, without being defiled by their evil practise, not onely to try his children, Job 1:12. and 2.6. and to humble them, 2 Cor.12.7. but also to punish, and destroy the wicked , as appeareth here, and 1 Sam.16.14. & 2 Thes.2.9,10,11.] and the LORD said unto him, Wherewith?

22. And he said; I will go forth, and he a Lying Spirit [Heb. a spirit of falsehood, or, of lies: so in the following verse; that is, that produceth untruths, and lies, and maketh others to believe the same. Compare Joh.8.44. Rev.12.9.] in the mouth of all his Prophets: [to wit, Achabs Prophets: meaning of those that were addicted to, & soothed him up in his Idolatry] And he said; Thou shalt persuade, and shalt prevail also: [that is, thy Lies shall have power to deceive the false Prophets, and by them Achab. Compare 2 Thes.2.11.] go forth, and do so. [God is said to command the reasonable creatures to do evil, when he useth them to execute his holy intent by it; which he doth not by infusing any sin into them, or commanding it them by the word, but by not onely not hindering their own wickedness, but also by ordering, ruling, and directing the same, without their knowledge and will, according to his infinite wisdom, to an holy end, agreeing with his goosness and mercy to those that are saved, and justice toward that perish. Compare 1 Sam.16.10.]

23. Now then, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy Prophets: and the LORD hath spoken evil [Meaning the evil of punishment. See Gen.19.on v.19.] over thee.

24. Then step forth Zedekia [See above on vers.11.] the son of Onaana, and smote Micha on the Cheek: [a clear proof of hatred and contempt: see Job 16:10. Psal. 3.8. Jer.20.2. Mark 14 65. Acts 23:2. 2 Cor.12.7.] and said; Which (way) went the spirit of the LORD from me to speak unto thee?

25. And Micha said; Behold, thou shalt see it [i.e. Find, and perceive that the Spirit of God hath not spoken by thee, but by me. Seeing, is often taken for finding, or perceiving; as Gen.26.28. Mat.2.16. Rom.7.23.] in that day, when thou shalt go (from) chamber into chamber, [see above chap.20.on ver.30.] to hide thy self.[viz. fearing to be taken prisoner, and to be punished, because thou shalt by thy false prophecy have been the cause of the Kings death.]

26. Now the King of Israel said [Namely to one of his servants;] Take Micha, and carry him back unto Amon, the Governor of the City, and to Joas the Kings son.

27. And thou shalt say, thus saith the King: Put this (fellow) in the prison, [Heb. the house of compulsion, or restraint, shatting up: so 2 King.17.4. & 25.27. Isa.42.7. Jer.37.15.] and feed him with bread of affliction, [i.e. which they are wont to give the afflicted and captives: or, that which being given very sparingly, not for delight, but onely for necessary sustentation of the body, and is eaten in trouble, grief, and anguish of spirit. Hence also, the bread and drink of tears of sorrow, and of affliction, or, adversity, is taken for the estate and condition of misery and distress it self, Psal.80.6. and 127.2. Isa.30.20.] and with the water of affliction, [add withal, drench him] until I come (again) [this word is here inserted out of the following verse; and out of 2 Chron.18.v.26.] in peace. [i.e. with Victory over my Enemies, with subduing of the City, and with prosperity of mine own person.]

28. And Micha said, If thou return at all [Heb. returning return] in peace, then the LORD hath not spoken by me: [Compare Numb.16.29.] moreover, he said; Hearken ye people all together. [Heb. hearken ye people they all. So Mich.1.2, etc. or, hear, (O) people all these things. He calleth them all to bear witness, as well to his prophecy, as to that which he now at last had answered the King.]

29. So the King of Israel, and Josaphat the King of Juda, went up to Ramoth in Gilead.

30. And the King of Israel said unto Josaphat, When I have disguised my self, [i.e. Changed mine apparel, that I may not shew who I am, to the end I may not be known: see above Chap.20.on v.38. for he was afraid of death, which was foretold him by Micha, although he would seem to dispise his words] I will enter into the battle, but thou put on thy clothes: [see above on ver.10.] So the King of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.

31. Now the Kings of Syria had commanded the charets, of which he had thirty and two [viz. Chief Commanders] saying; Ye shall fight neither with small, nor with great, [that is, neither with the meanest, nor with chiesfest among the souldiers. Thus by the words of Great and small, are meant in Scripture all sorts of men, both old and young, high and low, rich and poor, &c. Gen.19.11. Esth.1.5. Jer.16.6.] but onely with the King of Israel.

32. It came to pass then, when the Commanders of the Charets saw Josaphat, that they said, Surely that man is the King of Israel: and they turned themselves toward him, [To wit, so dividing themselves one from another, and spreading themselves abroad, that they compassed King Josaphat round about: see 2 Chron.18.31.] to fight: but Josaphat came out. [to wit, unto the Lord, praying for his present assistance, the which he also obtained: see 2 Chron.18.31.]

33. And it came to pass when the Commanders of the Charets saw that he was not the King of Israel, that they turned away from after him. [i.e. From pursuing him.]

34. Then a (certain) man bent a bow [Heb. drew with the bow] in his simplicity, [i.e. Without having any with the bow] in his simplicity, [i.e. Without having any intent or thought, to hit King Achab with his shot. The Hebrew word is likewise so taken, 2 Sam.15.11. 2 Chron.18.33.] and shot [Heb. smote: see Gen.18.on v.21.] between the bucklers of his Coat of Mail: then he [namely King Achab] said unto his Charet-diver; Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the Camp, for I am sore wounded. [Heb. grown sick, or, weakened.]

35. And the battle increased that day, and the King [Namely of Israel, 2 Chron.18.34.] was stayed up with the charet, [or, in the charet] over against the Syrians: [to wit, to keep the camp together by means of his presence, which seemed to be inclined to run away, and to hinder the discomfiture thereof, compare 2 Chron.18.34.] but he died at even, and the blood of the wound ran into the Charet-box. [Heb. into the box, or, bosom of the charets.]

36. And there went a proclamation [or, (the voice) of a Proclamation, or, (the man) of a Proclamation, that is, man that made Proclamation, who was wont to be called the Herauld] throughout the host, when the Sun went down, saying; Every man (turn) to his city, and every man to his (own) land.

37. SO the King died, and was carried [Hebr. came: to wit, being carried dead in his charet] to Samaria.

38. Now when they washed the charet in the pool of Samaria, the dogs licked his blood, where the harlots washed; [oth. when they washed the armour, or, and they washed the armour,] according to the word of the LORD which he had spoken. [see above 1 Kings 21:19.]

39. Now the rest of the acts of Achab, and all that he did, and the Ivory house [Heb. the house of the tooth, that is, of Elephants teeth, see above ch.10.on v.18.] that he built, and all the cities which he built, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the King of Israel? [see above chap.14.on v.19. Item, compare chap.16. the annotate. on v.20.]

40. So Achab fell asleep with his father; and Ahazia his son became King in his stead.

41. Now Josaphat the son of Asa became King over Juda, in the fourth year of Achab King of Israel. [See 2 Chron.20.31.]

42. Josaphat was five and thirty years old [Heb. a son of five and thirty years,] when he became King, and reigned five and twenty years at Jerusalem. [The years in which Joram his son had some government of the Kingdom being herein comprised, beginning in the seventh year of his Fathers reign: when his Father joined with Achab in the war against the Syrians. For the Kings going in danger, are wont to secure the stare of the land, by declaring who should be their Successour. Compare 2 Kings 1:17. & 8.16. and the annotations] and his mothers name was Azaba, the daughter of Silchi.

43. And he walked in all the way of Asa his father, [See above chap.15.on v.26.] he turned not aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of the LORD.

44. Nevertheless the high places [See Lev.26.on verse 30.] were not taken away: the people offered, and burnt incense yet on the high places.

45. And Josaphat made peace with the King of Israel. [Namely with Achab, and his son, above ver.4. and 2 King.3.7. for which he is reproved by the Prophet Je, 2 Chron.19.2.]

46. Now the rest of the acts of Josaphat, and his might, that he shewed, and how hw warred, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Juda? [See above chap.14.on v.29.]

47. Also the remnant of the buggerers, [Compare above chap.15.12. and the annotate. thereon] that remained in the days of his father Asa, he removed out of the land.

48. There was then no King in Edom, [Which had been so from Davids time. Compare 2 Sam.8.14.] (but) a Kings Deputy. [or, Commissioner. Understand one appointed by the King of Juda, to govern in his name.]

49. (And) Josaphat made ships [Or, had ten ships] of Teriffs, [see above chap.10.on ver.22. oth. ships (to go to) Tariffs. See 2 Chron.20.36,37.] to go to Ophir, [see above chap.9. on.ver.28.] for gold; but they went not: for the ships were broken at Ezim Geber. [see above chap.9.on v.26.]

50. Then said Ahazia, the son of Achab, was Josaphat; Let my servants sail with thy servants in the ships; but Josaphat would not. [To wit, after that he was reproved by the Prophet, and had suffered damage. See 2 Chron.20.35,36,37.]

51. And Josaphat fell asleep with his Fathers, and was buried by his Fathers in the city of David his Father, and Joram his son became King in his stead.

52. Aharzia the son of Achab became King over Israel at Samaria, in the seventh year of Josaphat the King of Juda, and reigned two years over Israel. [But not compleat: for the first year he reigned jointly with his Father Achab, and the second with his son Joram.]

53. And did that which was evil in the eyes of the LORD; for he walked in the way of his Father, [See above chap.15on v.26.] and in the way of his Mother, and in the way of Jerobeam the son of Nebat, that made Israel to sin.

54. And he served Baal, [See Judg.2.on ver.11.] and bowed himself before him, and provoked the LORD God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done.