1 Kings 22:3

KJV

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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto his servants {H5650}, Know {H3045} ye that Ramoth {H7433} in Gilead {H1568} is ours, and we be still {H2814}, and take {H3947} it not out of the hand {H3027} of the king {H4428} of Syria {H758}?

Complete Jewish Bible

The king of Isra'el said to his servants, "Are you aware that Ramot-Gil'ad belongs to us; yet, we're doing nothing to recover it from the king of Aram?"

Berean Standard Bible

who said to his servants, “Do you not know that Ramoth-gilead is ours, but we have failed to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?”

American Standard Version

And the king of Israel said unto his servants, Know ye that Ramoth-gilead is ours, and we are still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 22:3 captures King Ahab of Israel's growing frustration and impatience regarding the continued Syrian occupation of Ramoth-Gilead, a strategically vital city east of the Jordan River. Despite a prior treaty with Ben-Hadad of Aram (Syria) that stipulated its return, the city remained under Syrian control for three years, a period of uneasy peace. Ahab's rhetorical question to his servants reveals his firm resolve to reclaim what he considers Israel's rightful possession, setting the stage for a fateful military campaign that will dramatically conclude his reign.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate catalyst for the dramatic climax of King Ahab's reign, marking the beginning of 1 Kings 22. It follows a three-year period of peace between Israel and Aram (Syria), a peace that was established after Ahab's controversial sparing of Ben-Hadad in [1 Kings 20](/1_kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Ahab's Victory Over Ben-Hadad"). The preceding chapter, [1 Kings 21](/1_kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard"), details the egregious injustice of Naboth's vineyard, highlighting Ahab's covetousness and wickedness, which Elijah prophesied would lead to his demise. Thus, Ahab's decision to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead, fueled by a sense of entitlement and impatience, is framed within a broader narrative of his moral decline and the impending divine judgment. The arrival of Jehoshaphat, the righteous king of Judah, in Samaria provides the immediate impetus for Ahab to articulate his long-held grievance and propose military action.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ramoth-Gilead was a highly strategic city located in the Transjordan region, east of the Jordan River. Its control was crucial for securing trade routes and military access through the Gilead region. Historically, it was part of the tribal inheritance of Gad, designated as a Levitical city and a city of refuge ([Deuteronomy 4:43](/deuteronomy/4-43 "Deuteronomy 4:43 - Ramoth-Gilead as a City of Refuge")). The city had been a point of contention between Israel and Aram for decades. The treaty mentioned in [1 Kings 20:34](/1_kings/20-34 "1 Kings 20:34 - Ben-Hadad's Treaty with Ahab") stipulated that Ben-Hadad would return cities his father had taken from Israel, and allow Israelite merchants to have bazaars in Damascus, implying Ramoth-Gilead was among those to be returned. The three-year delay in its return indicates Aram's reluctance to relinquish such a vital stronghold, despite the treaty. Ahab's statement reflects the geopolitical realities of the time, where territorial disputes were often resolved through military force, and treaties were frequently broken or ignored.

* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several critical themes that permeate the narrative of [1 Kings 22](/1_kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - Ahab's Fateful Battle at Ramoth-Gilead"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Unresolved Conflict and Injustice**, as Ahab perceives the continued Syrian occupation of Ramoth-Gilead as a violation of his rights and a breach of treaty. Secondly, it highlights **Ahab's Character and Impatience**, revealing his persistent desire for control and his impatience with the status quo, even if it means disrupting a period of peace. This impatience, coupled with his general disregard for prophetic counsel, ultimately leads to his downfall, echoing the warnings against his idolatry and wickedness throughout [1 Kings 16:30-33](/1_kings/16-30 "1 Kings 16:30-33 - Ahab's Idolatry"). Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty versus Human Will**, as Ahab's human ambition to reclaim the city will soon clash with God's sovereign plan for his judgment, as foretold by prophets like Elijah in [1 Kings 21:19](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ramoth in Gilead (Hebrew: רָמֹת גִּלְעָד, _Ramot Gil'ad_):** Literally meaning "Heights of Gilead," this name emphasizes the city's elevated and strategic position within the Transjordanian region of Gilead. Its geographical significance made it a crucial military outpost and a gateway to the fertile lands east of the Jordan. For Israel, it represented not just a strategic asset but also a part of their ancestral tribal inheritance, making its occupation by Syria a profound insult and a territorial grievance.
* **still (Hebrew: חָשִׁים, _ḥāšîm_):** Derived from the verb חָשָׁה (_ḥāšâ_), meaning "to be silent, to be quiet, to be inactive." In this context, it conveys a sense of passivity, inaction, or even complacency on the part of Israel. Ahab's rhetorical question expresses his exasperation that despite the city rightfully belonging to them, they have remained silent and done nothing to reclaim it. It signifies a shift from a period of truce or neglect to a renewed determination for military action.
* **take it not out of the hand (Hebrew: לֹא לָקַחְנוּ אֹתָהּ מִיַּד, _lo' lāqaḥnû 'ōtāh mîyad_):** This phrase emphasizes the active process of reclaiming or seizing control. "Out of the hand" implies taking possession from an oppressor or occupier. Ahab's lament is that they have failed to actively reassert their claim and physically remove the city from Syrian control, despite its rightful ownership. It highlights his desire for decisive action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of Israel said unto his servants":** This introduces Ahab's direct address to his inner circle, signaling a shift from internal brooding to outward articulation of his intent. His words are not a casual remark but a declaration of policy and a prelude to military planning, underscoring his authority and determination.
* **"Know ye that Ramoth in Gilead [is] ours":** This is a rhetorical question, not seeking information but asserting an undeniable truth. Ahab uses it to rally his servants, reminding them of Israel's rightful claim to the city based on tribal inheritance and, more recently, the treaty with Ben-Hadad. It's an appeal to their shared national identity and a justification for future action.
* **"and we [be] still, [and] take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria?":** This second part of the rhetorical question expresses Ahab's frustration and impatience. The phrase "we be still" highlights the perceived inaction or passivity of Israel in reclaiming what is theirs. The concluding phrase, "and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria," underscores the failure to assert their power and rectify the injustice. It's a call to action, implying that their current state of inaction is unacceptable and must change.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a **Rhetorical Question**, a powerful literary device where a question is asked not to elicit an answer but to make a point or create an effect. Ahab's "Know ye... and we be still...?" is designed to provoke agreement and galvanize his servants towards military action, emphasizing the perceived injustice and the urgency of the situation. This rhetorical question also serves as a subtle form of **Foreshadowing**, as Ahab's impatient resolve to act without divine counsel will directly lead to the tragic events of the chapter. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Irony** present; Ahab, a king who has consistently defied God's will and embraced idolatry, now seeks to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his, yet his pursuit of this "justice" will ultimately lead to his divinely ordained judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly straightforward declaration of intent by King Ahab carries profound theological weight. It highlights the recurring biblical tension between human ambition and divine sovereignty. Ahab, driven by national pride and a desire to rectify a perceived injustice, acts according to his own will, largely ignoring the prophetic warnings that have punctuated his reign. His impatience to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead, rather than seeking God's timing or counsel, sets him on a collision course with divine judgment. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that even seemingly legitimate grievances, when pursued outside of God's will or in unholy alliances, can lead to disastrous consequences. It underscores the importance of discerning God's timing and seeking His guidance in all matters, rather than relying solely on human strength or strategic calculations.

* [2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehoshaphat Rebuked for Alliance with Ahab")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.")
* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13 "James 4:13-15 - Boasting About Tomorrow")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ahab's impatient declaration in 1 Kings 22:3 offers a potent cautionary tale for believers today. While it is natural to desire justice and to reclaim what is rightfully ours, whether in personal relationships, professional spheres, or even national contexts, the manner and timing of our pursuit are paramount. Ahab's hubris and his disregard for divine counsel ultimately led to his demise, reminding us that acting solely on our own perceived rights or strategic advantages, without seeking and submitting to God's will, can have devastating consequences. This verse challenges us to examine our own motivations: Are we driven by a righteous desire for God's justice, or by impatience, pride, or a need for control? Do we pause to seek divine wisdom and timing, even when a situation seems clearly "ours" to take? True wisdom lies not just in identifying a wrong, but in waiting on the Lord for the right way and time to address it, trusting in His ultimate sovereignty and justice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "Ramoth-Gileads" in your life are you tempted to reclaim through your own strength or impatience, rather than waiting on God's timing?**
* **How does Ahab's disregard for prophetic counsel challenge your own willingness to seek and obey God's voice, even when it contradicts your desires?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be "still" when God is calling you to action, or conversely, acting impulsively when God calls for patience?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ramoth-Gilead so important to Ahab?**

Answer: Ramoth-Gilead was strategically vital due to its location in the Transjordan region, controlling key trade routes and military access. For Israel, it was also part of their ancestral tribal inheritance, specifically for the tribe of Gad, and was designated as a city of refuge. Its continued occupation by Aram (Syria) was a breach of a prior treaty ([1 Kings 20:34](/1_kings/20-34 "1 Kings 20:34 - Ben-Hadad's Treaty with Ahab")) and a significant affront to Israel's sovereignty and national pride. Ahab viewed its reclamation as essential for national security and honor.

**Did Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, agree with Ahab's plan?**

Answer: Yes, initially. Jehoshaphat had come to visit Ahab in Samaria, and when Ahab proposed the campaign against Ramoth-Gilead, Jehoshaphat readily agreed, stating, "I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses" ([1 Kings 22:4](/1_kings/22-4 "1 Kings 22:4 - Jehoshaphat's Agreement to Join Ahab")). However, Jehoshaphat, being a righteous king, insisted on inquiring of the Lord first, which led to the dramatic confrontation between Ahab's false prophets and the true prophet Micaiah. Despite Micaiah's dire warning, Jehoshaphat still went to battle with Ahab, for which he was later rebuked by God ([2 Chronicles 19:2](/2_chronicles/19-2 "2 Chronicles 19:2 - Jehoshaphat Rebuked for Alliance")).

**What was the ultimate outcome of Ahab's decision to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead?**

Answer: Ahab's campaign to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead proved to be his final, fatal act. Despite Micaiah's clear prophecy of his death ([1 Kings 22:28](/1_kings/22-28 "1 Kings 22:28 - Micaiah's Prophecy of Ahab's Death")), Ahab disguised himself and went into battle. He was struck by a randomly shot arrow and died, fulfilling the earlier prophecies against him, particularly Elijah's word concerning Naboth's vineyard ([1 Kings 21:19](/1_kings/21-19 "1 Kings 21:19 - Elijah's Prophecy Against Ahab")). His death marked the end of his wicked reign and served as a powerful demonstration of God's sovereign judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ahab's desperate and ultimately fatal attempt to reclaim an earthly city by force, driven by impatience and a disregard for divine counsel, stands in stark contrast to the true King who came to reclaim what was His. While Ahab sought to "take it out of the hand of the king of Syria" through military might, Jesus, the Messiah, came not to establish an earthly kingdom through conquest ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), but to reclaim humanity from the hand of sin and death through self-sacrifice. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), not by wielding a sword, but by offering His life. Unlike Ahab, who rejected true prophecy, Jesus is the very embodiment of God's Word, the Prophet greater than all others ([Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")). His kingdom, established not by human will but by divine purpose, is one of righteousness, peace, and justice, which will ultimately prevail over all earthly powers and injustices ([Isaiah 9:6-7](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6-7 - The Prince of Peace")). Where Ahab's reign ended in defeat and judgment, Christ's reign is eternal, bringing true liberation and restoration to those who are "taken out of the hand" of darkness and transferred into His glorious kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")).

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

Deuteronomy 4:43

[Namely], Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, of the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, of the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, of the Manassites.

Joshua 21:38

And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, [to be] a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,

1 Kings 4:13

The son of Geber, in Ramothgilead; to him [pertained] the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which [are] in Gilead; to him [also pertained] the region of Argob, which [is] in Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and brasen bars:

Judges 16:2

[And it was told] the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed [him] in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.

2 Samuel 19:10

And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why speak ye not a word of bringing the king back?

Joshua 20:8

And on the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.