1 Kings 22:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But the king {H4428} of Syria {H758} commanded {H6680} his thirty {H7970} and two {H8147} captains {H8269} that had rule over his chariots {H7393}, saying {H559}, Fight {H3898} neither with small {H6996} nor great {H1419}, save only with the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the king of Aram had ordered the thirty-two chariot commanders, "Don't attack anyone of either high or low rank, only the king of Isra'el."

Berean Standard Bible

Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.”

American Standard Version

Now the king of Syria had commanded the thirty and two captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 22:31 reveals the specific and ruthless command of King Ben-Hadad of Syria to his elite chariot captains: to disregard all other combatants and focus their entire efforts on engaging and eliminating King Ahab of Israel. This strategic directive, issued amidst the climactic battle of Ramoth-Gilead, starkly highlights the intensity of the conflict and, more profoundly, serves as an unwitting instrument in the unfolding of divine prophecy concerning Ahab's demise, despite the Israelite king's attempts to evade his foretold fate through disguise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the narrative of King Ahab's reign, specifically within the account of the Battle of Ramoth-Gilead in [1 Kings 22](/1-kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - The Death of Ahab"). Prior to this, Ahab, despite a prior peace treaty and the clear prophetic warnings from Micaiah son of Imlah, had resolved to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead from the Arameans. Micaiah's prophecy, detailed in [1 Kings 22:17](/1-kings/22-17 "1 Kings 22:17 - Micaiah's Prophecy of Ahab's Death"), explicitly foretold Ahab's death in battle. In an attempt to circumvent this prophecy, Ahab devised a plan to disguise himself as an ordinary soldier, while his ally, King Jehoshaphat of Judah, wore his royal robes into battle, as described in [1 Kings 22:30](/1-kings/22-30 "1 Kings 22:30 - Ahab's Disguise and Jehoshaphat's Royal Robes"). Ben-Hadad's command in verse 31 directly follows this act of deception, setting the stage for the dramatic and divinely orchestrated fulfillment of Micaiah's word. The narrative emphasizes the futility of human schemes against divine decree, a recurring theme in the Deuteronomistic History.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria) was a recurring feature of the 9th century BCE, with control over strategically important cities like Ramoth-Gilead often at stake due to their location on vital trade routes. Targeting the enemy king was a common and highly effective military strategy in the ancient Near East. Eliminating the supreme commander could demoralize the opposing army, disrupt its chain of command, and often lead to the swift collapse of resistance. Ben-Hadad's command to his "thirty and two captains"—likely commanders of his elite chariot divisions, a formidable military unit—underscores the high value placed on this tactic. The practice of disguising oneself to avoid being a prime target was also known, but as this verse illustrates, it could not ultimately thwart a determined enemy or, more significantly, a divine purpose. The intensity of the command ("fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel") reflects the personal animosity and strategic imperative driving Ben-Hadad.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Kings](/1-kings "The Book of 1 Kings") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God**, demonstrating that even the seemingly independent actions of foreign kings and the cunning schemes of human leaders are ultimately instruments in the fulfillment of God's purposes. Ahab's elaborate disguise, intended to evade prophecy, ironically sets him apart as the sole target, ensuring the prophecy's fulfillment. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Futility of Human Evasion** when confronted with divine judgment. Ahab's persistent rebellion against the Lord and His prophets, particularly his idolatry and injustice (e.g., the Naboth's vineyard incident in [1 Kings 21](/1-kings/21 "1 Kings 21 - Naboth's Vineyard")), had sealed his fate, and no human strategy could alter God's decree. Lastly, it reinforces the **Reliability of Prophetic Word**, showcasing how God's spoken word, through His prophets, inevitably comes to pass, validating the authority and truthfulness of His messengers. The precision of Ben-Hadad's command, though unknown to him, perfectly aligns with God's predetermined plan for Ahab's judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Commanded (Hebrew, _tsawah'_):** The Hebrew verb צָוָה (_tsawah_) means "to command, order, charge." Its use here emphasizes the direct, authoritative, and non-negotiable nature of Ben-Hadad's instruction. This was not a suggestion but a strict military order, indicating the strategic importance and absolute priority placed on eliminating Ahab. The specificity of the command underscores the deliberate and focused intent behind the Syrian military's actions.
* **Captains (Hebrew, _sarei ha-rekhev'_):** The phrase שָׂרֵי הָרֶכֶב (_sarei ha-rekhev_) literally translates to "princes/chiefs of the chariots." This refers to the commanders of the chariot units, which were the elite and most formidable fighting force in ancient warfare. The fact that this specific, high-stakes command was given to these particular officers highlights the seriousness of the objective and the expectation of its precise execution. It suggests a well-organized, disciplined military operation aimed at a singular, high-value target.
* **Save only (Hebrew, _im et-melekh Yisra'el levaddo'_):** The Hebrew phrase אִם אֶת־מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל לְבַדּוֹ (_im et-melekh Yisra'el levaddo_) translates to "only with the king of Israel alone." The word לְבַדּוֹ (_levaddo_), meaning "alone" or "by himself," adds an emphatic exclusivity to the command. It signifies a singular, laser-like focus, making it clear that all other engagements were secondary or irrelevant compared to the primary objective of confronting the king of Israel. This absolute directive makes Ahab's disguise ultimately futile, as the entire elite force was implicitly directed to find him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the king of Syria commanded his thirty and two captains that had rule over his chariots":** This clause establishes the source of the command (Ben-Hadad), its recipients (his elite chariot commanders), and the organized, strategic nature of the Syrian military's approach. The number "thirty and two" suggests a significant and formidable force, indicating the seriousness with which Ben-Hadad pursued his objective. It sets the stage for a targeted operation rather than a general engagement.
* **"saying, Fight neither with small nor great":** This specific instruction clarifies the scope of the command: no other combatant, regardless of rank or status ("small nor great" encompassing everyone from common soldiers to high-ranking officers), was to be engaged. This directive ensures that the entire focus and resources of these elite units would be concentrated on the primary target, preventing any diversion of effort. It underscores the singular importance of the objective.
* **"save only with the king of Israel."**: This final clause reveals the precise, exclusive target of the Syrian military's efforts. The phrase "save only" emphasizes the singular and absolute nature of the objective. Despite Ahab's disguise, the entire elite force was now, by command, effectively hunting for him, making his attempt at evasion ultimately irrelevant. This command, though human in origin, becomes the precise mechanism through which divine prophecy concerning Ahab's death would be fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 1 Kings 22:31 employs several potent literary devices. **Dramatic Irony** is prominent, as the audience is privy to Micaiah's prophecy and Ahab's disguise ([1 Kings 22:17](/1-kings/22-17 "1 Kings 22:17 - Micaiah's Prophecy") and [1 Kings 22:30](/1-kings/22-30 "1 Kings 22:30 - Ahab's Disguise")), while Ben-Hadad, in issuing his command, is unaware that his precise directive will inadvertently lead to the fulfillment of God's word. This creates a sense of impending doom for Ahab, heightening the tension. The command itself serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, signaling that Ahab's death is imminent and unavoidable, despite his cunning. The **Contrast** between Ahab's human scheme of disguise and Ben-Hadad's sovereign-like command (albeit a human one) underscores the ultimate **Divine Sovereignty** at play; God's will is shown to transcend and orchestrate even the seemingly independent actions of human kings. The **Specificity** of Ben-Hadad's order ("fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel") functions as a literary magnifying glass, focusing the reader's attention on the precise mechanism of God's judgment, making the fulfillment of prophecy all the more striking and undeniable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 22:31 serves as a profound testament to the unyielding sovereignty of God, demonstrating that His purposes cannot be thwarted by human cunning or resistance. Despite King Ahab's elaborate attempt to evade his prophesied death by disguising himself, Ben-Hadad's precise command inadvertently ensures that Ahab becomes the sole target, thereby orchestrating the very outcome Ahab sought to avoid. This illustrates a foundational biblical truth: God's plans are immutable, and He can use even the seemingly independent actions of wicked kings and their military strategies to accomplish His divine will and execute His judgments. The futility of resisting God's decree is starkly portrayed, offering a powerful lesson on humility and the ultimate accountability of all individuals before a sovereign Creator.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord"): "There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord."
* [Job 5:12-13](/job/5-12-13 "Job 5:12-13 - God Frustrates the Schemes of the Crafty"): "He frustrateth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling precision of Ben-Hadad's command in 1 Kings 22:31 offers a profound spiritual lesson: no human scheme, however clever or elaborate, can ultimately circumvent the sovereign will of God. For believers, this truth provides immense comfort and a call to trust. In a world often characterized by chaos, injustice, and human machinations, this verse reminds us that God remains on His throne, orchestrating events—even through the plans of those who do not acknowledge Him—to fulfill His ultimate purposes. It encourages us to surrender our own attempts to control outcomes and instead to rest in His unfailing providence, knowing that His plans for us are good and will prevail ([Jeremiah 29:11](/jeremiah/29-11 "Jeremiah 29:11 - Plans to Prosper You")). Conversely, for those who might be tempted to live in defiance of God's commands or to evade the consequences of their actions, this verse serves as a sobering warning. Ahab's story is a stark reminder that divine justice, though sometimes delayed, is inevitable, and no disguise or cunning can ultimately shield one from accountability. Our truest security and peace are found not in our own cleverness, but in aligning our lives with God's revealed will and trusting in His righteous governance of all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as illustrated in this verse, impact your view of personal challenges and global events?**
* **In what ways might we, like Ahab, attempt to "disguise" ourselves or evade accountability for our choices, and what does this verse teach us about the futility of such efforts?**
* **What comfort or challenge do you find in the idea that God can use even the actions of those who oppose Him to accomplish His divine will?**
* **How does understanding the reliability of God's prophetic word, as demonstrated here, strengthen your faith in the trustworthiness of Scripture?**

### FAQ

**Why did Ben-Hadad specifically target King Ahab?**
Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state Ben-Hadad's personal motive, several factors likely contributed. Strategically, eliminating the enemy king was a decisive blow that could quickly end the battle and demoralize the opposing army. It was a common and effective tactic in ancient warfare. Furthermore, there was a history of conflict and personal animosity between Ben-Hadad and Ahab, including a previous instance where Ahab had spared Ben-Hadad's life ([1 Kings 20:31-34](/1-kings/20-31-34 "1 Kings 20:31-34 - Ahab Spares Ben-Hadad")), which may have created a complex dynamic. The most profound reason, however, is theological: Ben-Hadad's command became an unwitting instrument in the sovereign plan of God to fulfill the prophecy of Ahab's death, as foretold by Micaiah in [1 Kings 22:17](/1-kings/22-17 "1 Kings 22:17 - Micaiah's Prophecy").

**How does this verse demonstrate God's sovereignty despite human actions?**
Answer: This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty through **dramatic irony** and **divine orchestration**. King Ahab, aware of the prophecy of his death, attempts to evade it by disguising himself ([1 Kings 22:30](/1-kings/22-30 "1 Kings 22:30 - Ahab's Disguise")). Simultaneously, King Ben-Hadad, completely unaware of Ahab's disguise or God's prophecy, issues a command that precisely targets the "king of Israel." This seemingly independent human decision perfectly aligns with and facilitates the fulfillment of God's preordained plan. It shows that God's will is not dependent on human cooperation but can even utilize the intentions and actions of those who oppose Him to achieve His purposes, demonstrating that no human wisdom or strategy can ultimately thwart His divine decree ([Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom Against the Lord")).

**What was the significance of Ahab's disguise in relation to this command?**
Answer: Ahab's disguise was his desperate attempt to circumvent the prophecy of Micaiah that he would die in the battle of Ramoth-Gilead. By appearing as an ordinary soldier, he hoped to avoid being a primary target. However, Ben-Hadad's command to his captains to focus solely on the "king of Israel" rendered Ahab's disguise utterly futile. The irony is profound: Ahab's attempt to hide only made him the *only* person the entire elite Syrian chariot force was looking for, ensuring that the very fate he tried to escape would find him. It highlights that human cunning is no match for divine purpose, and God's judgment will ultimately be carried out, as seen in Ahab's eventual demise in [1 Kings 22:34-35](/1-kings/22-34-35 "1 Kings 22:34-35 - Ahab's Death and Its Fulfillment").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of 1 Kings 22:31, with its profound demonstration of divine sovereignty over human schemes, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Ben-Hadad's command, unbeknownst to him, served God's purpose in bringing about Ahab's judgment, so too did the seemingly independent actions and malicious intentions of human authorities and individuals serve God's eternal plan for redemption through Christ. The chief priests, scribes, and Roman authorities who conspired against Jesus believed they were eliminating a threat, yet their actions were precisely what God had "determined beforehand to take place" ([Acts 4:27-28](/acts/4-27-28 "Acts 4:27-28 - God's Plan for Christ's Suffering")). Unlike Ahab, who desperately tried to escape his prophesied death, Jesus willingly embraced His divine mission, declaring, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord" ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). The "targeted" nature of Ben-Hadad's command on Ahab foreshadows the focused, intentional plan of God for His Son to be the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, the true King of Israel, was indeed the singular target—not of human vengeance, but of God's redemptive plan to bear the sins of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His death was not an accident or a thwarting of His purpose, but the very means by which God's sovereign love and justice were perfectly reconciled, culminating in His glorious resurrection and the triumph over sin and death for all who believe ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")).

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 20:24

And do this thing, Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their rooms:

2 Chronicles 18:30

Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that [were] with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel.

Jeremiah 16:6

Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall [men] lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them:

1 Kings 20:16

And they went out at noon. But Benhadad [was] drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.

Genesis 19:11

And they smote the men that [were] at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

1 Samuel 30:2

And had taken the women captives, that [were] therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried [them] away, and went on their way.

1 Kings 20:1

¶ And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and [there were] thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.