Bible Commentaries
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
1 Kings 22
three years. Probably reckoned from the peace of 1 Kings 20:34. During this time Jehoshaphat "strengthened himself against Israel" (2 Chronicles 17:1): not mentioned here because esoteric. See book comments for 1 Kings.
came down. In every sense of the word; and this after 2 Chronicles 17:1. First was the matrimonial alliance (2 Chronicles 18:1), compare 2 Kings 8:18; and then the military alliance (1 Kings 22:4 and 2 Chronicles 18:3). No mention here of the former, which was the secret cause that led up to it. Both fatal. Compare the commercial alliance of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:35-37, and the experience gained by Jehoshaphat in Ch. 1 Kings 22:48, 1 Kings 22:49.
And the king of Israel. Note the Figure of speech Anadiplosis (App-6) with 1 Kings 22:2.
Ramoth. One of the Cities of Refuge.
ours. Given by Jehovah. Therefore presumably a "good work" to take it. But "good works" are "prepared works" (Ephesians 2:10), and this was not so prepared. See 2 Chronicles 19:1, 2 Chronicles 19:2.
Syria. Probably taken in former war (1 Kings 16:34, 1 Kings 16:20, 1 Kings 16:43,) by Benhadad I from Omri, which his son Ben-hadad II agreed to restore.
prophets: i.e. Ahab's false prophets.
for = and.
the Lord*. This is one of the 134 places where "Jehovah" was changed to "Adonai" by the Sopherim. See App-32.
besides. Jehoshaphat uneasy, well knowing that Ahab's prophets were not the prophets of Jehovah.
word. So to be read; but written "words". In some codices, with three early printed editions, Syriac, and Vulgate, it is both written and read "word". Compare 2 Chronicles 18:12.
Go, and prosper. Figure of speech Eironeia. App-6. Doubtless repeating the words he had heard in verses: 1 Kings 22:6, 1 Kings 22:13.
Thou shalt, &c. Illustrating 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12. Compare Ezekiel 14:9, "I have deceived" = I have permitted it. This is quite in harmony with Proverbs 12:22. That refers to the sphere of God's grace; this to the sphere of His judgment. We are governed by His Word, not by His ways. Proverbs 12:22 refers to the world of men. This to the world of spirits,
Put this fellow, &c. One of the eleven rulers offended with God's servants for speaking the truth. See note on Exodus 10:28.
at a venture = in his innocence, or to its full stretch.
harness = coat of mail.
Turn thine hand. This is Ahab's history; 2Chronicles 18 is Jehoshaphat"s. Hence nothing about Jehovah's help.
was stayed up = stayed himself up, as in 2 Chronicles 18:34. Difference caused by pointing of the word ma"amid (here), and ma"amid in Chronicles. The only occurrence of this participle, compare 2 Chronicles 18:34.
Every man. Supply Figure of speech Ellipsis (App-6), "Let every man go".
every man. Omitted in some codices, with two early printed editions, Septuagint, and Vulgate.
And he walked. The 19th Seder begins here, and ends with 2 Kings 2:14. See note on p. 866.
offered = sacrificed. See App-43.
made ships, &c. This was subsequent to 2 Chronicles 20:36-37. Here Jehoshaphat made "Tharshish ships" to go to Ophir, and, profiting by the experience and warning of 2 Chronicles 20:37, refused the request of Aha-ziah, king of Israel. In 2 Chronicles 20:35 he had joined himself with Ahaziah to make (ordinary) ships to go to Tharshish, which was quite a different thing.
ships of Tharshish = Tharshish ships: i. e, large ocean-going ships.
Tharshish. See note on 1 Kings 10:22.
buried: in further explanation of preceding clause.
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