1 Kings 22:33
New International Version
the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel and stopped pursuing him.

New Living Translation
the chariot commanders realized he was not the king of Israel, and they stopped chasing him.

English Standard Version
And when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Berean Standard Bible
And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

King James Bible
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

New King James Version
And it happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

New American Standard Bible
Then, when the commanders of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

NASB 1995
When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

NASB 1977
Then it happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Legacy Standard Bible
So it happened that when the commanders of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Amplified Bible
When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Christian Standard Bible
When the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

American Standard Version
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Contemporary English Version
they realized he wasn't Ahab, and they left him alone.

English Revised Version
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
the chariot commanders realized that he wasn't the king of Israel. They turned away from him.

Good News Translation
they realized that he was not the king of Israel, and they stopped their attack.

International Standard Version
When the chariot commanders saw that their target was not the king of Israel, they stopped pursuing him.

NET Bible
When the chariot commanders realized he was not the king of Israel, they turned away from him.

New Heart English Bible
It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

World English Bible
When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it comes to pass, at the heads of the charioteers seeing that he [is] not the king of Israel, that they turn back from after him.

Young's Literal Translation
and it cometh to pass, at the heads of the charioteers seeing that he is not the king of Israel, that they turn back from after him.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be when the chiefs of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, and they will turn back from after him.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the captains of the chariots perceived that he was not the king of and they turned away from him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the commanders of the chariots understood that he was not the king of Israel, and so they turned away from him.

New American Bible
and the chariot commanders, seeing that he was not the king of Israel, turned away from him.

New Revised Standard Version
When the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the captains of the chariots saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the Captains of the chariots saw that he was not the King of Israel, they turned away from him.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw that this was not the king of Israel, that they returned from him.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ahab's Defeat and Death
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. 33And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 34However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”…

Cross References
2 Chronicles 18:32
And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him.

1 Kings 20:30-34
The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room. / Then the servants of Ben-hadad said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go out to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.” / So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” ...

2 Kings 3:21-23
Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. / When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. / “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!”

2 Samuel 17:25-29
Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man named Ithra, the Ishmaelite who had married Abigail, the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. / So the Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. / When David came to Mahanaim, he was met by Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, Machir son of Ammiel from Lo-debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim. ...

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 Kings 9:22-24
When Joram saw Jehu, he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” he replied, “as long as the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” / Joram turned around and fled, calling out to Ahaziah, “Treachery, Ahaziah!” / Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot.

2 Chronicles 35:21-22
But Neco sent messengers to him, saying, “What is the issue between you and me, O king of Judah? I have not come against you today, but I am fighting another dynasty, and God has told me to hurry. So stop opposing God, who is with me, or He will destroy you!” / Josiah, however, did not turn away from him; instead, in order to engage him in battle, he disguised himself. He did not listen to Neco’s words from the mouth of God, but went to fight him on the Plain of Megiddo.

1 Samuel 29:4
But the commanders of the Philistines were angry with Achish and told him, “Send that man back and let him return to the place you assigned him. He must not go down with us into battle only to become our adversary during the war. What better way for him to regain the favor of his master than with the heads of our men?

2 Samuel 2:18-23
The three sons of Zeruiah were there: Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Now Asahel was fleet of foot like a wild gazelle, / and he chased Abner, not turning to the right or to the left in his pursuit. / And Abner glanced back and said, “Is that you, Asahel?” “It is,” Asahel replied. ...

2 Kings 14:8-12
Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. / But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. / You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” ...

Matthew 27:54
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Mark 15:39
When the centurion standing there in front of Jesus saw how He had breathed His last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”

Luke 23:47
When the centurion saw what had happened, he gave glory to God, saying, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

John 19:34
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.

Acts 12:22-23
And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” / Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.


Treasury of Scripture

And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him.

that they turned

1 Kings 22:31
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.

Psalm 76:10
Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Jump to Previous
Captains Chariot Charioteers Chariots Commanders Heads Israel Perceived Pursuing Stopped Turn Turned War-Carriages
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Captains Chariot Charioteers Chariots Commanders Heads Israel Perceived Pursuing Stopped Turn Turned 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














And when the chariot commanders saw
In ancient warfare, chariots were a significant military asset, often used by commanders to lead and direct troops. The role of chariot commanders was crucial, as they were responsible for executing battle strategies. This phrase indicates a moment of recognition and decision-making by these military leaders. The context here is the battle at Ramoth-gilead, where King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah were allied against the Arameans. The chariot commanders were likely part of the Aramean forces, tasked with targeting the king of Israel specifically.

that he was not the king of Israel,
King Ahab had disguised himself to avoid being targeted, while King Jehoshaphat wore his royal robes. The Arameans had been instructed to focus their attack on the king of Israel, which is why they initially pursued Jehoshaphat. This moment of realization highlights the importance of identifying key figures in battle, as capturing or killing a king could decisively impact the outcome. The distinction between Jehoshaphat and Ahab was crucial, as it prevented Jehoshaphat from being mistakenly killed. This incident underscores the theme of divine protection, as Jehoshaphat's life was spared despite the confusion.

they turned back from pursuing him.
Upon realizing their mistake, the chariot commanders ceased their pursuit of Jehoshaphat. This decision reflects the specific orders they had received to target Ahab, not Jehoshaphat. The turning back signifies a shift in the battle dynamics and highlights the precision with which ancient armies operated under command. This moment also illustrates the providential intervention in the narrative, as Jehoshaphat's cry for help (mentioned earlier in the chapter) led to his deliverance. Theologically, this can be seen as an example of God's sovereignty and protection over His people, even in the midst of human conflict and error.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jehoshaphat
The king of Judah who allied with Ahab, the king of Israel, to fight against the Arameans at Ramoth-gilead. He was mistakenly identified as the king of Israel by the Aramean chariot commanders.

2. Ahab
The king of Israel who disguised himself in battle to avoid being targeted by the Arameans, as they were specifically instructed to fight only against the king of Israel.

3. Aramean Chariot Commanders
Military leaders tasked with targeting the king of Israel during the battle. They initially pursued Jehoshaphat, mistaking him for Ahab.

4. Ramoth-gilead
The location of the battle between the allied forces of Israel and Judah against the Arameans.

5. The Battle
A significant conflict where the alliance between Israel and Judah faced the Arameans, highlighting themes of deception, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Teaching Points
Discernment in Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking God's guidance before forming partnerships, especially with those who do not share the same values or faith.

The Danger of Deception
Ahab's attempt to disguise himself highlights the futility of trying to escape God's will through deceit. It reminds believers of the importance of integrity and trust in God's plans.

God's Sovereignty
The incident underscores God's control over events and His ability to fulfill His purposes, even through human actions and decisions.

The Power of Prayer
Jehoshaphat's cry for help when he was mistaken for Ahab demonstrates the importance of turning to God in times of trouble and trusting in His deliverance.

The Role of Prophecy
The fulfillment of Micaiah's prophecy in this battle serves as a reminder of the reliability of God's word and the importance of heeding prophetic warnings.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 22:33?

2. How does 1 Kings 22:33 demonstrate God's protection over His chosen leaders?

3. What can we learn about discernment from the soldiers' actions in 1 Kings 22:33?

4. How does 1 Kings 22:33 connect with God's sovereignty in Romans 8:28?

5. How can we apply the soldiers' recognition of truth in our daily lives?

6. What role does divine intervention play in the events of 1 Kings 22:33?

7. Why did the Arameans mistake Jehoshaphat for the king of Israel in 1 Kings 22:33?

8. What does 1 Kings 22:33 reveal about ancient warfare tactics and alliances?

9. How does 1 Kings 22:33 illustrate God's protection over Jehoshaphat?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 22?

11. In 1 Kings 22:20-22, does the idea of divine intervention through deceit conflict with other biblical teachings on truth?

12. In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise?

13. In 1 Kings 22:19-23, how can a just and holy God send a 'lying spirit' to deceive Ahab's prophets?

14. In 1 Kings 22:6-8, why does Ahab distrust Micaiah's prophecies but still seek his counsel?
What Does 1 Kings 22:33 Mean
And when the chariot commanders saw

• The commanders in question are the thirty-two officers serving Ben-hadad, king of Aram (1 Kings 22:31; 2 Chronicles 18:30).

• Their orders were clear: “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel” (1 Kings 22:31).

• They fix their gaze on the only royal-looking figure on the field—Jehoshaphat—because Ahab has chosen to fight in disguise (1 Kings 22:30).

• Just as the Egyptian chariot officers recognized the LORD’s hand in Exodus 14:25, these Aramean commanders recognize something here—what they see alters their next move.


that he was not the king of Israel

• Jehoshaphat’s cry (2 Chronicles 18:31) combined with his own distinctive attire alerts them to their mistake.

• God intervenes by exposing the truth, honoring His covenant with David’s line in Judah (Psalm 33:18-19; 2 Chronicles 17:3-5).

• Ahab’s disguise cannot hide him from divine justice (1 Kings 22:34), while Jehoshaphat’s identity cannot be mistaken once God lifts the veil.

• The contrast recalls Proverbs 21:30: “There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.”


they turned back

• The moment the commanders realize their error, they immediately break off the attack—an abrupt about-face that underscores the precision of the king’s command and, more importantly, the sovereignty of God directing every step (Proverbs 16:9).

• Similar retreats appear when the LORD confounds enemies, such as the Arameans who flee from Elisha’s camp (2 Kings 7:6-7) or the Philistines turned back by David (2 Samuel 5:24-25).

• The turning back not only spares Jehoshaphat but ensures the prophetic word spoken by Micaiah—that Ahab alone would fall—can be fulfilled (1 Kings 22:17).


from pursuing him

• Pursuit ends because the target shifts; Ahab, though hidden in plain sight, remains under judgment (Deuteronomy 32:35).

• Jehoshaphat experiences tangible deliverance, echoing Psalm 34:19: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.”

• The cessation of pursuit illustrates how God draws a clear boundary around His servant, just as He shielded Jerusalem from Assyria in Isaiah 37:33-35.

• In practical terms, God still knows how to halt whatever seems relentlessly after His people, turning enemies aside at His appointed moment.


summary

The verse records a split-second pivot that reveals God’s unseen hand: the chariot commanders spot the wrong man, recognize he is not Ahab, and immediately veer away. Ahab’s disguise cannot divert divine judgment; Jehoshaphat’s mistaken identity cannot override divine protection. The scene affirms that God’s purposes stand, His warnings prove true, and His people are kept even amid battlefield confusion.

Verse 33. - And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived [in what way we are not told. But Ahab would be known to some of them, ch. 20:81] that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And
וַיְהִ֗י (way·hî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

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

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

saw
כִּרְאוֹת֙ (kir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

he
ה֑וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

was not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

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

they turned back
וַיָּשׁ֖וּבוּ (way·yā·šū·ḇū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

from pursuing him.
מֵאַחֲרָֽיו׃ (mê·’a·ḥă·rāw)
Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 310: The hind or following part


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OT History: 1 Kings 22:33 It happened when the captains (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 22:32
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