1 Kings 20:22

KJV

¶ And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the prophet {H5030} came {H5066} to the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}, and said {H559} unto him, Go {H3212}, strengthen {H2388} thyself, and mark {H3045}, and see {H7200} what thou doest {H6213}: for at the return {H8666} of the year {H8141} the king {H4428} of Syria {H758} will come up {H5927} against thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Afterwards, the prophet approached the king of Isra'el and said to him, "Go, regroup your forces, and think carefully what to do, for next year at this time the king of Aram will renew his attack."

Berean Standard Bible

Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel and said, “Go and strengthen your position, and take note what you must do, for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.”

American Standard Version

And the prophet came near to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest; for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse captures a pivotal moment following King Ahab's unexpected victory over Ben-Hadad of Syria. An unnamed prophet delivers a crucial divine warning, instructing Ahab to prepare diligently for an inevitable second Syrian invasion "at the return of the year." It powerfully underscores God's active involvement in the affairs of His people, His sovereign foresight, and His persistent grace, even towards a disobedient king, by providing a clear opportunity for strategic preparation and repentance before impending conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prophetic warning in [1 Kings 20:22](/1_kings/20-22 "1 Kings 20:22 - Prophetic Warning to Ahab") immediately follows the miraculous Israelite victory over the numerically superior Syrian forces led by Ben-Hadad, as detailed in [1 Kings 20:1-21](/1_kings/20-1 "1 Kings 20:1-21 - First Syrian Invasion and Israel's Victory"). Despite God's clear intervention on Israel's behalf, King Ahab makes a grievous error by sparing Ben-Hadad's life and entering into a covenant with him, directly contravening God's will for the complete destruction of the enemy (cf. [1 Kings 20:34](/1_kings/20-34 "1 Kings 20:34 - Ahab's Covenant with Ben-Hadad")). This act of disobedience leads to a pronouncement of divine judgment upon Ahab by another prophet in [1 Kings 20:42](/1_kings/20-42 "1 Kings 20:42 - Judgment on Ahab for Sparing Ben-Hadad"). Thus, [1 Kings 20:22](/1_kings/20-22 "1 Kings 20:22 - Prophetic Warning") serves as a direct, compassionate, and urgent follow-up to the initial victory, emphasizing God's foresight and continued guidance despite Ahab's moral and spiritual failings, setting the stage for the subsequent conflict in [1 Kings 22](/1_kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - Ahab's Death").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Divided Monarchy, particularly the reign of Ahab in Israel (c. 874-853 BC), was marked by significant political instability and frequent military conflicts with neighboring states, especially Aram-Damascus (Syria). Warfare in the ancient Near East was often seasonal, typically occurring in the spring ("at the return of the year") after the winter rains had subsided, making roads passable and agricultural lands ready for foraging. This strategic timing is well-documented (cf. [2 Samuel 11:1](/2_samuel/11-1 "2 Samuel 11:1 - Kings Go to War")). The prophet's warning reflects this established military practice, indicating that Ben-Hadad's defeat was a temporary setback for Syria, not a decisive end to the conflict. Furthermore, the practice of kings sparing defeated enemies for political alliances or tribute, as Ahab did with Ben-Hadad, was common, but in this specific case, it directly defied a divine mandate, highlighting a clash between human political expediency and divine command.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "1 Kings - The Divided Monarchy"). Firstly, it underscores **Divine Warning and Providence**: God, in His sovereign knowledge and active involvement in human history, reveals future events to His chosen servants, providing His people with opportunities to prepare, even when their leaders are unfaithful. Secondly, it highlights the **Call to Preparedness and Diligence**: The prophet's urgent commands ("strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest") are a direct instruction for strategic military and administrative preparation, emphasizing the importance of vigilance, careful planning, and wise action in the face of known threats. Thirdly, it illustrates the **Consequences of Disobedience and God's Persistent Grace**: Despite Ahab's profound wickedness and his recent disobedience in sparing Ben-Hadad, God's grace is evident in His continued engagement with Israel, providing warnings and opportunities for repentance and protection, even while judgment looms. This tension between divine grace and human accountability is a recurring motif throughout the book.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthen thyself (Hebrew, _chazaq'_):** This imperative verb (חֲזַק) carries a profound meaning beyond mere physical reinforcement. It implies taking courage, being firm, resolute, and showing determination. In a military context, it means to fortify, to consolidate one's position, and to prepare for battle with resolve. Spiritually, it can imply a call to inner fortitude and steadfastness in the face of adversity. The prophet is not just telling Ahab to build up his army, but to firm up his resolve and leadership.
* **Mark, and see what thou doest (Hebrew, _yada’ ureeh mah ta’aseh'_):** This phrase (יְדַע וּרְאֵה מַה־תַּעֲשֶׂה) combines two imperative verbs, "know" (יְדַע) and "see" (וּרְאֵה), followed by "what you do" (מַה־תַּעֲשֶׂה). It is a call to careful observation, strategic thinking, and deliberate action. "Mark" suggests paying close attention, discerning the situation, and understanding the implications. "See what thou doest" emphasizes making prudent, well-thought-out plans rather than impulsive ones. It's a command for strategic foresight and responsible governance.
* **Return of the year (Hebrew, _tĕshuvath hashshanah'_):** This idiomatic phrase (תְּשׁוּבַת הַשָּׁנָה) literally means "the turn of the year" or "the circuit of the year." It consistently refers to the spring season in the ancient Near East, typically after the winter rains and before the intense summer heat. This was the customary time for military campaigns to commence, as the weather was favorable, and agricultural resources were becoming available. The phrase signals a predictable, recurring cycle of warfare, underscoring the inevitability of the coming conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the message. The "prophet" is unnamed, yet his authority is implicitly recognized, serving as God's direct messenger to King Ahab. This highlights the ongoing prophetic ministry in Israel, even under an idolatrous king, demonstrating God's continued engagement with His people.
* **"Go, strengthen thyself,"**: This is the first of two urgent, imperative commands. It instructs Ahab not to be complacent after his recent victory but to actively consolidate his military and administrative resources. It implies a need for physical preparedness (arming, training, fortifying) and mental fortitude (resolve, courage) in anticipation of a future threat.
* **"and mark, and see what thou doest:"**: This second imperative command emphasizes strategic foresight and careful planning. "Mark" suggests careful observation and discernment of the geopolitical situation, while "see what thou doest" calls for deliberate, well-considered actions rather than impulsive decisions. It's a warning against complacency and a call to wise governance in light of known dangers.
* **"for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee."**: This final clause provides the crucial intelligence and the reason for the urgent commands. It reveals the specific timing ("at the return of the year," i.e., next spring) and the identity of the aggressor (the king of Syria, Ben-Hadad). This prophetic foreknowledge demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and His willingness to warn even disobedient leaders for the sake of His people. The inevitability of the conflict is clearly stated.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several **literary devices** to convey its urgent message. The primary device is **Prophetic Oracle**, where a divine message is delivered through a human messenger, emphasizing its authoritative and supernatural origin. The prophet's direct address to Ahab uses **Imperative Commands** ("Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest"), which lend a sense of urgency, directness, and non-negotiable instruction. The phrase "at the return of the year" functions as **Foreshadowing**, clearly indicating a future event and building narrative tension for the subsequent chapters. Furthermore, the entire interaction serves as an example of **Divine Warning**, a recurring motif in biblical narratives where God provides opportunities for repentance or preparation before impending judgment or conflict, even to those who are unfaithful. The contrast between Ahab's recent disobedience and God's continued warning highlights the theme of **God's Persistent Grace** amidst human failings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over historical events and His compassionate engagement with humanity, even when faced with human disobedience. Despite Ahab's profound wickedness and his recent failure to execute God's judgment on Ben-Hadad, the Lord, through His prophet, graciously provides a clear, specific warning about the impending Syrian attack. This demonstrates that God's purposes are not thwarted by human sin, and His desire for His people's well-being persists. The warning serves as both a testament to God's omniscience and an opportunity for Ahab to repent and prepare, highlighting the tension between divine foreknowledge and human responsibility. It underscores the biblical principle that God often provides warnings and opportunities for preparation before trials or judgments, calling His people to vigilance and wise action.

* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "Proverbs 27:12 - The Prudent See Danger")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42-44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The prophet's urgent message to King Ahab resonates deeply with the spiritual realities faced by believers today. Just as God warned Ahab of an impending physical battle, He continually warns us through His Word, the counsel of wise believers, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit about spiritual battles, temptations, or seasons of trial that lie ahead. This verse is a powerful call to spiritual vigilance and proactive preparation. We are not to be complacent in times of peace or after a spiritual victory, but rather to "strengthen ourselves" through prayer, the study of Scripture, and fellowship, building our spiritual fortitude. We must also "mark, and see what we do," exercising discernment, wisdom, and careful planning in our lives, ensuring our actions align with God's will. The "return of the year" can be a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life's challenges, reminding us that trials may recur, and we must always be ready, equipped, and walking in obedience to God's revealed truth. Our preparedness is not a sign of fear, but of faith in a God who warns and equips.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to "strengthen yourself" or be more diligent in preparation?**
* **How do you typically respond to divine warnings or promptings from God's Word or wise counsel?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "mark, and see what you do" in your spiritual walk, ensuring thoughtful and obedient actions?**
* **How does God's grace in warning Ahab, despite his sin, encourage you in your own journey of faith?**

### FAQ

**Why did God warn Ahab, a wicked king?**

Answer: God's warning to Ahab, despite his wickedness and recent disobedience in sparing Ben-Hadad, demonstrates several key aspects of His character and purposes. Firstly, it highlights God's **sovereignty and providential care** over His people, Israel. Even when their king is unfaithful, God continues to work for the nation's preservation and provides opportunities for them to prepare. Secondly, it underscores God's **patience and persistent grace**. He gives Ahab another chance to respond correctly, to humble himself, and to prepare for the inevitable conflict. This is consistent with God's character throughout Scripture, where He often gives warnings before judgment, desiring repentance and preparedness (e.g., [Jonah 3](/jonah/3 "Jonah 3 - Jonah Preaches to Nineveh")). Thirdly, it reinforces the **prophetic role** as God's mouthpiece, delivering His messages regardless of the recipient's spiritual state, emphasizing God's active involvement in human affairs and His desire to communicate His will and foreknowledge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prophetic warning to King Ahab in [1 Kings 20:22](/1_kings/20-22 "1 Kings 20:22 - Prophetic Warning to Ahab") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ahab was warned of a physical battle with an earthly king, Christ, the ultimate Prophet and King, warns His followers of a far greater spiritual warfare against unseen principalities and powers (cf. [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - Spiritual Warfare")). Jesus consistently called His disciples to "strengthen themselves" not in military might, but in faith, truth, righteousness, and the power of the Holy Spirit (cf. [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")). He taught them to "mark, and see what they do" by living wisely, discerning the times, and being prepared for His return (cf. [Matthew 24:42-44](/matthew/24-42 "Matthew 24:42-44 - Be Ready for the Son of Man's Coming")). The "return of the year" for Ahab signified a recurring earthly conflict; for believers, Christ's warnings point to the inevitable return of the King of kings, and the ongoing spiritual battle until that day. Unlike Ahab, who often failed to heed divine warnings, Christ perfectly obeyed the Father, and through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, He has secured the ultimate victory over sin, death, and the spiritual enemy (cf. [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He is the one who truly equips His people for every spiritual conflict, ensuring that those who trust in Him are not merely warned, but empowered to overcome (cf. [1 John 5:4](/1_john/5-4 "1 John 5:4 - Victory Over the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 20:26

And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

2 Samuel 11:1

¶ And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth [to battle], that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.

1 Kings 20:13

And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

1 Chronicles 20:1

¶ And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out [to battle], Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.

Joel 3:9

¶ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

Joel 3:10

Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I [am] strong.

Proverbs 20:18

¶ [Every] purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.