1 Kings 22:31
New International Version
Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”

New Living Translation
Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued these orders to his thirty-two chariot commanders: “Attack only the king of Israel. Don’t bother with anyone else!”

English Standard Version
Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.”

Berean Standard Bible
Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.”

New American Standard Bible
Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two commanders of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with the small or great, but only with the king of Israel.”

NASB 1995
Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.”

NASB 1977
Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two commanders of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.”

Amplified Bible
Now the king of Aram (Syria) had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with [anyone, either] small or great, but with [Ahab] the king of Israel alone.”

Christian Standard Bible
Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone at all except the king of Israel.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now the king of Aram had ordered his 32 chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone at all except the king of Israel.”

American Standard Version
Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty and two captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
The king of Syria had ordered his 32 chariot commanders to attack only Ahab.

English Revised Version
Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty and two captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The king of Aram had given orders to the 32 chariot commanders. He said, "Don't fight anyone except the king of Israel."

Good News Translation
The king of Syria had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders to attack no one else except the king of Israel.

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued these orders to 32 of his chariot commanders: "Don't attack unimportant soldiers or ranking officers. Go after only the king of Israel."

Majority Standard Bible
Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, ?Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.?

NET Bible
Now the king of Syria had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, "Do not fight common soldiers or high-ranking officers; fight only the king of Israel."

New Heart English Bible
Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, “Don’t fight with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And the king of Aram commanded the thirty-two heads of the charioteers whom he has, saying, “You do not fight with small or with great, but with the king of Israel by himself.”

Young's Literal Translation
And the king of Aram commanded the heads of the charioteers whom he hath -- thirty and two -- saying, 'Ye do not fight with small or with great, but with the king of Israel by himself.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king of Aram commanded the chiefs of the chariots which were to him, thirty and two, saying, Ye shall not fight with little and with great, but with the king of Israel alone.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king of Syria had commanded the two and thirty captains of the chariots, saying: You shall not fight against any, small or great, but against the king of Israel only.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now the king of Syria had instructed the thirty-two commanders of the chariots, saying, “You shall not fight against anyone, small or great, except against the king of Israel alone.”

New American Bible
In the meantime the king of Aram had given his thirty-two chariot commanders the order, “Do not fight with anyone, great or small, except the king of Israel alone.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, “Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But the king of Aram commanded the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King of Edom commanded his thirtytwo Captains of chariots, and he said: “You shall not fight with small neither with great, but only with the King of Israel!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now the king of Aram had commanded the thirty and two captains of his chariots, saying: 'Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king of Syria had charged the thirty-two captains of his chariots, saying, Fight not against small or great, but against the king of Israel only.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ahab's Defeat and Death
30And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 31Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” 32When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “Surely this is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out.…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 18:30
Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”

2 Chronicles 18:29
And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.

2 Chronicles 18:31
When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.

2 Kings 3:7
And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.”

2 Kings 9:14-15
Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, / but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.”

2 Samuel 10:18
But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there.

1 Samuel 31:2
The Philistines hotly pursued Saul and his sons, and they killed Saul’s sons Jonathan, Abinadab, and Malchishua.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Jeremiah 46:3-4
“Deploy your shields, small and large; advance for battle! / Harness the horses; mount the steeds; take your positions with helmets on! Polish your spears; put on armor!

Ezekiel 38:4
I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords.

Matthew 26:3-4
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, / and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

Matthew 27:1
When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people conspired against Jesus to put Him to death.

Mark 14:1
Now the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were two days away, and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a covert way to arrest Jesus and kill Him.

Mark 15:1
Early in the morning, the chief priests, elders, scribes, and the whole Sanhedrin devised a plan. They bound Jesus, led Him away, and handed Him over to Pilate.

Luke 22:2
and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

thirty and two

1 Kings 20:24
And do this thing, Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their rooms:

2 Chronicles 18:30
Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.

Fight

1 Kings 20:33-42
Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot…

small nor great

Genesis 19:11
And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

1 Samuel 30:2
And had taken the women captives, that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

Jeremiah 16:6
Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

Jump to Previous
Alone Aram Captains Chariot Charioteers Chariots Commanded Commanders Fight Great Heads Israel Ordered Rule Save Small Syria Thirty Thirty-Two War-Carriages
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Alone Aram Captains Chariot Charioteers Chariots Commanded Commanders Fight Great Heads Israel Ordered Rule Save Small Syria Thirty Thirty-Two War-Carriages
1 Kings 22
1. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, by Michaiah's word, is slain at Ramoth Gilead
37. The dogs lick up his blood, and Ahaziah succeeds him
41. Jehoshaphat's good reign
45. His acts
46. Jehoram succeeds him
51. Ahaziah's evil reign














Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders
The king of Aram, also known as Syria, was likely Ben-Hadad II. The Arameans were a significant power in the region, often in conflict with Israel. The mention of "thirty-two chariot commanders" indicates a well-organized military force, as chariots were a crucial component of ancient Near Eastern warfare. This reflects the historical context of the time, where chariotry was a symbol of military might and technological advancement. The number thirty-two may also suggest a coalition of forces, as seen in previous battles involving Aram.

“Do not fight with anyone, small or great,
This command highlights a strategic focus on a specific target rather than engaging in a general battle. The phrase "small or great" underscores the exclusivity of the command, indicating that the Arameans were to avoid unnecessary conflict with other soldiers or officers. This tactic reflects a calculated approach to warfare, aiming to destabilize Israel by removing its leadership. It also suggests the king of Aram's recognition of the importance of leadership in maintaining the morale and effectiveness of an army.

except the king of Israel.”
The king of Israel at this time was Ahab, known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophets of Yahweh. The focus on Ahab aligns with the biblical theme of divine judgment against leaders who lead their people away from God. This directive can be seen as part of a larger narrative where God uses foreign nations to execute judgment on Israel, as seen in other parts of the Old Testament. The targeting of Ahab also foreshadows his eventual downfall, fulfilling the prophetic words spoken against him by prophets like Elijah. This moment can be viewed as a type of Christ, where the focus on a single leader in battle contrasts with Jesus, who, as the ultimate King, willingly faced His enemies to bring salvation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King of Aram
The ruler of Aram (Syria), who is in conflict with Israel. His strategic focus is on targeting the king of Israel.

2. Thirty-two Chariot Commanders
Military leaders under the king of Aram, tasked with a specific mission to target the king of Israel.

3. King of Israel
At this time, Ahab is the king of Israel, known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophets of God.

4. Battle of Ramoth-gilead
The location of the conflict between the allied forces of Israel and Judah against Aram.

5. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah, who allied with Ahab in this battle, demonstrating a political and military alliance.
Teaching Points
The Futility of Human Plans
Despite the king of Aram's strategic focus, God's sovereignty ultimately determines the outcome. Human plans are subject to God's will.

The Danger of Misplaced Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about forming partnerships that compromise one's values and faith.

The Importance of Heeding God's Warnings
Ahab's disregard for Micaiah's prophecy highlights the peril of ignoring divine warnings. Believers should seek and heed God's guidance.

God's Sovereignty in Warfare
The account underscores that God is in control of all events, including battles. Trust in God should supersede reliance on military strength.

The Role of Obedience and Faithfulness
The account encourages believers to remain faithful and obedient to God, even when facing opposition or when God's plans seem unclear.(31)His thirty and two captains.--See 1Kings 20:16; 1Kings 20:24. The power of Syria had already recovered itself, and is directed with singular virulence against the person of the king who had unwisely spared it. Ahab is represented as the mover of the whole war, and as fighting bravely to the death.

Verse 31. - But the king of Syria commanded [rather, had commanded. These words are of the nature of a parenthesis. "Now the king," etc. צִוָּה is so rendered in 2 Chronicles 18:30] his thirty and two captains [mentioned in 1 Kings 20:24. It does not follow, however (Wordsworth), that these very men had been spared by Ahab] that had rule over his chariots [Heb. chariotry. Another indication that the chariots were regarded as the most important arm of the Syrian service], saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. [This Orientalism, translated into Western ideas, means, "Direct your weapons against the king." What Ahab had done to provoke such resentment is not quite clear. Rawlinson supposes that Ben-hadad's "defeat and captivity were still rankling in his mind, and he wished to retaliate on Ahab the humiliation which he considered himself to have suffered." But it is impossible to see in Ahab's generous conduct towards him a sufficient reason for the fierce hatred which these words disclose. It is much more probable that some affront had subsequently been offered to the Syrian monarch, possibly in the shape of the reproaches which Ahab may have addressed to him on account of his retention of Ramoth-Gilead, and the gross violation of the treaty of 1 Kings 20:34. It is also possible that he hoped that the death of Ahab would terminate the war (Bahr).]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now the king
וּמֶ֣לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Aram
אֲרָ֡ם (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

had ordered
צִוָּ֣ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

his thirty-two
שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים (šə·lō·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth

chariot
הָרֶ֨כֶב (hā·re·ḵeḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone

commanders,
שָׂרֵי֩ (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

“Do not
לֹ֚א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

fight
תִּלָּ֣חֲמ֔וּ (til·lā·ḥă·mū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

with anyone,
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

small
קָטֹ֖ן (qā·ṭōn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant

or great,
גָּד֑וֹל (gā·ḏō·wl)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent

except
כִּ֛י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the king
מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Israel.”
יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT History: 1 Kings 22:31 Now the king of Syria had commanded (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 22:30
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