FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
1 Kings 22:11
KJVAnd Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word.
- 22:1 And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.
- 22:2 And it came to pass in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel.
- 22:3 And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we be still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?
- 22:4 And he said unto Jehoshaphat, Wilt thou go with me to battle to Ramothgilead? And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, I am as thou art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy horses.
- 22:5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the LORD to day.
- 22:6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king.
- 22:7 And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?
- 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.
- 22:9 Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah.
- 22:10 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.
- 22:11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them.
- 22:12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king's hand.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Jeremiah is the traditional Jewish attribution. The history draws on earlier records, and its final compiler is not independently identifiable with certainty. Biblical references: 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Kings 14:19. Historical source: Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 14b–15a (record of Jewish attribution, not contemporary proof). traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Kings 22:1–22:53): Ahab and Jehoshaphat consult prophets, including Micaiah, before the battle at Ramoth-gilead. The later notices concern the succeeding reigns. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? Israel and Judah's later community, especially readers confronting the history that led to exile. First and Second Kings originally form one continuous work. Biblical references: 1 Kings 9:6; 1 Kings 9:7; 2 Kings 25:27. book background
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Ahab and the False Prophets. Read 1 Kings 22:1 through 1 Kings 22:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? This opening unit introduces the chapter’s movement. The later reigns are framed by prophetic encounters that expose idolatry and demonstrate the consequences of responding to God's word. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The account begins in David's last days, follows Solomon's reign, and continues into the divided kingdoms and the ministries associated with Elijah. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Jerusalem and the temple are central early; later events move through Judah, the northern kingdom, and neighboring regions. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Ahab and the False Prophets (1 Kings 22:1 to 1 Kings 22:12). Start reading at 1 Kings 22:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus refers to Solomon's wisdom while declaring that a greater than Solomon is present. The comparison directs attention to Jesus without endorsing Solomon's later unfaithfulness. See 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Distinguish outward prosperity and impressive religious buildings from covenant faithfulness. Attend to the reasons the narrative gives for its evaluations of kings and prophets. interpretation
Cited: 1 Kings 22:1, 1 Kings 22:12, 1 Kings 11:4, Matthew 12:42
Who wrote it, and how we know
Other accounts of this event
Micaiah, Ahab, and the battle at Ramoth-gilead
Parallel accounts
Related passages
- horns of iron Jer 27:2 Jer 28:10-14 Zech 1:18-21 Acts 19:13-16 2 Cor 11:13-15 2 Tim 3:8
- Thus saith Jer 23:17,25,31 Jer 28:2-3 Jer 29:21 Ezek 13:6-9 Ezek 22:27-28 Mic 3:11
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings 22
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
Micaiah Prophesies against Ahab
1 Kings 22:13–28FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Ahab’s Defeat and Death
1 Kings 22:29–40FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Jehoshaphat Reigns in Judah
1 Kings 22:41–50FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Ahaziah Reigns in Israel
1 Kings 22:51–53FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Macro-Structure of 1 Kings
1 Kings 2:3 1 Kings 11:9 1 Kings 12:20
Succession to David
1 Kings 1:1–2:46FocusSolomon's throne secured
Solomon's kingdom and temple
1 Kings 3:1–10:29FocusWisdom, worship, and wealth
The kingdom divided
1 Kings 11:1–16:34FocusUnfaithfulness and rival kingdoms
FocusElijah, Ahab, and the word of the LORD
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.