1 Kings 22:30

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and enter into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.

And the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} said {H559} unto Jehoshaphat {H3092}, I will disguise {H2664} myself, and enter {H935} into the battle {H4421}; but put thou on {H3847} thy robes {H899}. And the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} disguised {H2664} himself, and went {H935} into the battle {H4421}.

The king of Isra'el said to Y'hoshafat, "I will disguise myself and go into battle; but you, put on your robes." So the king of Isra'el disguised himself and went into battle.

And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, β€œI will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle.

And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and go into the battle; but put thou on thy robes. And the king of Israel disguised himself, and went into the battle.

Commentary

1 Kings 22:30 captures a pivotal moment in the reign of King Ahab of Israel, illustrating his desperate attempt to circumvent a divine prophecy concerning his death in battle. This verse sets the stage for the dramatic fulfillment of God's word against a defiant king.

Context of 1 Kings 22:30

This verse is found within the narrative of King Ahab's final military campaign to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Arameans. Ahab, king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, had formed an alliance with King Jehoshaphat of Judah. Before going to battle, Jehoshaphat insisted on consulting a prophet of the Lord. While 400 false prophets assured Ahab of victory, the true prophet Micaiah, at Jehoshaphat's insistence, foresaw Ahab's defeat and death (1 Kings 22:17). Ahab, rejecting Micaiah's prophecy, devised a plan to disguise himself, hoping to escape his prophesied fate. He instructs Jehoshaphat to wear his royal robes, potentially making the king of Judah a target, while he himself would enter the fray anonymously.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Futility of Resisting Divine Will: Ahab's act of disguising himself highlights the ultimate futility of human cunning against God's sovereign plan. Despite his efforts to evade the prophecy, divine judgment cannot be outmaneuvered (Proverbs 21:30).
  • Pride and Deception: Ahab's refusal to heed Micaiah's warning and his subsequent attempt at deception underscore his pride and rebellion against God. He preferred to trust in his own schemes rather than humble himself before the Lord.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: This verse foreshadows the inevitable consequences of Ahab's long history of disobedience, particularly his wickedness concerning Naboth's vineyard, which had previously drawn a severe prophecy from Elijah (1 Kings 21:19).
  • Jehoshaphat's Compromise: While not directly about Jehoshaphat, his presence in his robes, as instructed by Ahab, highlights his unwise alliance with a wicked king, a theme explored further in other scriptures (2 Chronicles 19:2).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "disguise myself" comes from the Hebrew word חָ׀ַשׁ (chaphash), which means "to search," "to examine," or "to disguise." In this context, it clearly denotes an action of concealment or altering one's appearance to avoid recognition. It speaks to Ahab's deliberate attempt to hide his identity, believing that by doing so, he could escape the predetermined outcome.

Practical Application

1 Kings 22:30 serves as a powerful reminder that attempts to escape the consequences of our actions or to circumvent God's will are ultimately in vain. It teaches us the importance of humility, obedience, and heeding divine warnings, even when they are unpleasant. True security and peace come not from clever schemes or disguises, but from aligning our lives with God's purposes and trusting in His sovereignty. We cannot outsmart God; instead, we are called to submit ourselves to Him.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 35:22 (4 votes)

    Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

  • Jeremiah 23:24 (3 votes)

    Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 28:8 (3 votes)

    And Saul disguised himself, and put on other raiment, and he went, and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night: and he said, I pray thee, divine unto me by the familiar spirit, and bring me [him] up, whom I shall name unto thee.

  • Proverbs 21:30 (2 votes)

    ΒΆ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

  • Psalms 12:2 (2 votes)

    They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: [with] flattering lips [and] with a double heart do they speak.

  • 1 Kings 22:10 (2 votes)

    And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them.

  • 2 Chronicles 18:29 (2 votes)

    And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and will go to the battle; but put thou on thy robes. So the king of Israel disguised himself; and they went to the battle.