1 Kings 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?

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}?

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?"

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?”

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

Context

This verse opens the final chapter of King Ahab's reign in 1 Kings, setting the stage for his last military campaign. The "king of Israel" referred to here is King Ahab, known for his wickedness and idolatry, particularly his promotion of Baal worship (1 Kings 16:30-33). He is speaking to his servants, expressing frustration over the continued Syrian occupation of Ramoth in Gilead. This strategic city, located east of the Jordan River, was part of Israel's tribal inheritance and had been promised to be returned to Israel by Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, as part of a treaty after an earlier conflict (1 Kings 20:34). Despite the treaty, Ramoth in Gilead remained under Syrian control for three years, a period of relative peace that Ahab now wishes to end. The immediate context is the visit of Jehoshaphat, the righteous king of Judah, who has come to Samaria, prompting Ahab to consider reclaiming the city.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unresolved Conflict and Injustice: Ahab highlights a clear violation of a treaty and Israel's rightful claim to Ramoth in Gilead. This verse underscores the persistent tension and unresolved territorial disputes between Israel and Syria.
  • Ahab's Determination and Impatience: The king's rhetorical question, "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?", reveals his growing impatience and firm resolve to reclaim the city, signaling an end to the period of peace.
  • Strategic Importance: Ramoth in Gilead was not just any city; its control was vital for regional security and trade routes, making it a recurring point of contention in the history of Israel and Aram (Syria).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "we [be] still" (or "we are quiet" in some other translations) implies a state of inaction, passivity, or even complacency. Ahab's statement expresses his exasperation that despite Ramoth in Gilead rightfully belonging to Israel, they have remained inactive, allowing the Syrians to retain control. It signifies a shift from a period of truce or neglect to a renewed determination for military action.

Related Scriptures

This verse sets the stage for the fateful battle where King Ahab meets his end, a significant event prophesied by Elijah earlier in 1 Kings. The subsequent events in this chapter involve King Jehoshaphat of Judah joining Ahab (1 Kings 22:4) and the stark contrast between the false prophets and the lone true prophet, Micaiah, who foretells Ahab's death.

Practical Application

While specific to a historical conflict, this verse illustrates universal themes:

  • Addressing Injustice: It highlights the human desire to reclaim what is rightfully theirs or to correct perceived injustices. However, the Bible often warns against acting on such desires without divine guidance, especially when it involves war.
  • Consequences of Impatience: Ahab's impatience to reclaim Ramoth in Gilead, coupled with his disregard for true prophetic counsel, ultimately leads to his demise. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing personal agendas without seeking or heeding God's will.
  • The Importance of Righteous Alliances: Although Jehoshaphat is righteous, his alliance with wicked Ahab for this military venture is later rebuked (2 Chronicles 19:2), reminding believers of the importance of discerning partnerships.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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