1 Kings 22:36

KJV

And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.

KJV (with Strong's)

And there went {H5674} a proclamation {H7440} throughout the host {H4264} about the going down {H935} of the sun {H8121}, saying {H559}, Every man {H376} to his city {H5892}, and every man {H376} to his own country {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Around sundown, a cry spread through the ranks: "Every man to his own town! Every man to his own land!"

Berean Standard Bible

As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!”

American Standard Version

And there went a cry throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his country.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 22:36 describes the chaotic and decisive end of the battle for Ramoth-Gilead, marking the tragic culmination of King Ahab's reign. As the sun set, a desperate proclamation echoed through the Israelite and Judean ranks, signaling not a strategic retreat but a panicked dispersal of the combined forces, each soldier fleeing to his home city. This immediate and disorganized scattering underscores the gravity of the defeat and the profound impact of King Ahab's death, which fulfilled the dire prophecies spoken against him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the account of King Ahab's fatal wounding and subsequent death in the battle for Ramoth-Gilead, as detailed in [1 Kings 22:34-35](/1_kings/22-34 "1 Kings 22:34-35 - Ahab's Fatal Wound and Death"). The preceding narrative in [1 Kings 22](/1_kings/22 "1 Kings 22 - Ahab's Final Battle and Death") meticulously builds towards this climax, highlighting Ahab's stubborn refusal to heed the prophetic warnings of Micaiah, who explicitly foretold his demise and the scattering of Israel "as sheep that have no shepherd" ([1 Kings 22:17](/1_kings/22-17 "1 Kings 22:17 - Micaiah's Prophecy of Scattered Sheep")). The proclamation in verse 36 serves as the immediate, visible fulfillment of Micaiah's prophecy regarding the army's dispersal, directly linking the king's death to the collapse of the military effort and setting the stage for the subsequent events of Ahab's burial and the transition of power in [1 Kings 22:37-40](/1_kings/22-37 "1 Kings 22:37-40 - Ahab's Burial and Succession").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The battle for Ramoth-Gilead was a significant conflict between the northern kingdom of Israel, allied with the southern kingdom of Judah, against the Arameans (Syrians) over a strategically important city in Transjordan. Ancient battles often ceased at sundown due to the practical limitations of fighting in darkness, but this particular "going down of the sun" carries a deeper significance. It signals not merely the end of a day's fighting but the definitive end of the campaign itself due to the death of the commanding king. The immediate dispersal of the "host" (army) to their "city" and "country" reflects the typical structure of ancient Israelite armies, which were often composed of citizen-soldiers who would return to their homes after a campaign, especially one that had ended in such a catastrophic manner with the death of their monarch. This was not an orderly withdrawal but a chaotic flight, indicative of a leadership vacuum and a shattered morale.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 22:36](/1_kings/22-36 "1 Kings 22:36 - The Proclamation of Retreat") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**. Despite Ahab's attempts to evade his prophesied death by disguising himself, God's word, spoken through Micaiah, proved infallible, demonstrating God's ultimate control over human affairs and the destiny of kings ([1 Kings 22:28](/1_kings/22-28 "1 Kings 22:28 - Micaiah's Unwavering Prophecy")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Disobedience**. Ahab's persistent rebellion against Yahweh and his prophets, his embrace of Baal worship, and his disregard for divine counsel ultimately culminated in this disastrous defeat and his ignominious death, leading to the scattering of his army. Thirdly, the "sheep without a shepherd" motif, first introduced by Micaiah in [1 Kings 22:17](/1_kings/22-17 "1 Kings 22:17 - Micaiah's Vision of Scattered Israel"), finds its stark fulfillment here, emphasizing the profound impact of unrighteous leadership on a nation. The chaotic dispersal signifies the judgment not only on Ahab but on a kingdom that had strayed far from God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Proclamation (Hebrew, _qara'_):** The Hebrew verb קָרָא (_qara'_) means "to call, proclaim, read." Here, it signifies a formal, authoritative, and widespread announcement. It suggests that the order to disperse was not merely a spontaneous reaction but an official command issued by the remaining leadership, likely Jehoshaphat or other commanders, recognizing the futility of continuing the battle without their king. The urgency implied by "throughout the host" indicates a rapid and necessary communication to prevent further losses.
* **Host (Hebrew, _machaneh'_):** The term מַחֲנֶה (_machaneh_) refers to an "encampment" or "army." Its use here emphasizes the entirety of the military force, both Israelite and Judean, indicating the complete collapse of their combined effort. The proclamation's reach "throughout the host" highlights the widespread impact of Ahab's death and the immediate need for every soldier to understand the new, dire reality of their situation.
* **Going down of the sun (Hebrew, _le'vo ha-shemesh'_):** The phrase לְבֹא הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ (_le'vo ha-shemesh_) literally means "at the coming of the sun," or more idiomatically, "at sunset." This is a common biblical marker for the end of a day, often signifying a transition or the cessation of activity. In this context, it marks the definitive end of the battle and, more profoundly, the end of an era marked by Ahab's reign. It underscores the immediate and final nature of the defeat and the subsequent scattering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there went a proclamation throughout the host":** This clause establishes the immediate and widespread nature of the command. The "proclamation" signifies an official, urgent order, not a mere rumor. Its reach "throughout the host" indicates that the entire combined army, both Israelite and Judean, was made aware of the decision to cease fighting and disperse. This highlights the rapid dissemination of critical information in a chaotic battlefield environment.
* **"about the going down of the sun":** This phrase specifies the precise timing of the proclamation. The setting sun not only marked the end of the day's fighting but also symbolically underscored the end of the battle itself and, by extension, the end of Ahab's ill-fated campaign and reign. It adds a sense of finality and perhaps even divine timing to the events unfolding.
* **"saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country":** This is the content of the urgent proclamation. It is a command for immediate dispersal, emphasizing individual survival and the return of soldiers to their homes. The repetition of "every man" stresses the comprehensive nature of the order, indicating a complete and unorganized retreat rather than a strategic withdrawal. "His city" refers to the specific town or village from which the soldier originated, while "his own country" refers to his broader tribal or national territory (Israel or Judah), highlighting the breaking up of the unified military structure.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in [1 Kings 22:36](/1_kings/22-36 "1 Kings 22:36 - The Proclamation of Retreat") employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is powerfully present, as Ahab's elaborate disguise, intended to thwart Micaiah's prophecy and evade death, ultimately proves futile when a "certain man drew a bow at a venture" ([1 Kings 22:34](/1_kings/22-34 "1 Kings 22:34 - The Random Arrow")). The chaotic dispersal of the army, despite the king's efforts to avoid prophetic fulfillment, serves as a stark testament to the unyielding nature of divine judgment. **Symbolism** is evident in the "going down of the sun," which not only marks the chronological end of the day's battle but also profoundly symbolizes the setting of Ahab's reign, the end of his defiance, and the conclusive judgment upon his house. Furthermore, the image of "every man to his city, and every man to his own country" serves as a powerful **metonymy** for the complete dissolution of the military effort and the utter failure of the campaign, embodying the "sheep without a shepherd" motif prophesied by Micaiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 22:36 serves as a powerful theological statement on the reliability of God's word and the inevitability of divine judgment against persistent disobedience. Ahab's death and the subsequent scattering of his army are not random occurrences but the precise fulfillment of Micaiah's prophecy, demonstrating that no human power or cunning can thwart the sovereign will of God. This verse underscores that God's warnings are not idle threats but certain pronouncements, and His justice will ultimately prevail. The chaos and disarray of the retreating army vividly illustrate the consequences of rejecting divine counsel and embracing idolatry, revealing the spiritual and practical bankruptcy of leadership that defies the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 28:25](/deuteronomy/28-25 "Deuteronomy 28:25 - Consequences of Disobedience") - "The Lord will cause you to be defeated before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them and flee seven ways before them..."
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Void") - "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction") - "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene described in 1 Kings 22:36 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It is a stark reminder that God's word, whether in warning or promise, is utterly reliable and will always come to pass, regardless of human attempts to circumvent or ignore it. Just as Ahab's defiance led to his demise and the scattering of his forces, our own choices to obey or disobey God's revealed will carry significant consequences, both individually and corporately. This verse calls us to a posture of humility and submission, recognizing that true wisdom lies in heeding divine counsel rather than relying on our own cunning or strength. It also highlights the critical importance of righteous leadership, both in the church and in society, for when leaders stray from God's path, their followers often suffer the chaotic consequences of being "sheep without a shepherd." We are encouraged to discern the "setting suns" in our own lives—the definitive endings of seasons or patterns of behavior that God is bringing to a close—and to respond with repentance and a renewed commitment to His ways, trusting that even in the midst of chaos, God remains sovereign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be resisting God's clear warnings or attempting to circumvent His purposes, much like King Ahab?**
* **How does the certainty of prophetic fulfillment in this verse strengthen my trust in God's promises for my own life and for the future?**
* **What "proclamations" or divine signals might God be sending in my life, indicating the end of a season or the need for a change in direction?**
* **How can I, as an individual, contribute to righteous leadership and spiritual order within my community or church, preventing the chaos of "sheep without a shepherd"?**

### FAQ

**Why was the proclamation made "about the going down of the sun"?**

Answer: The timing of the proclamation "about the going down of the sun" was both practical and symbolic. Practically, ancient battles typically ceased at dusk due to the limitations of fighting in darkness. Symbolically, however, the setting sun marked the definitive end of the campaign and, more profoundly, the end of King Ahab's life and reign. It underscored the finality of the defeat and the immediate necessity for the army to disperse, signifying a complete and irreversible collapse of their military objective. It was a clear signal of divine judgment and the conclusion of a tragic chapter.

**What does "Every man to his city, and every man to his own country" imply about the battle's outcome?**

Answer: This command implies a catastrophic and disorganized defeat rather than an orderly retreat. The phrase "Every man to his city, and every man to his own country" signifies a complete breaking up of the military structure and a panicked dispersal of individual soldiers. It indicates that the army was no longer a unified fighting force but a collection of individuals seeking self-preservation and a return to their homes. This chaotic scattering precisely fulfilled Micaiah's prophecy that Israel would be "as sheep that have no shepherd" ([1 Kings 22:17](/1_kings/22-17 "1 Kings 22:17 - Micaiah's Prophecy of Scattered Israel")), underscoring the profound impact of Ahab's death and the judgment upon the nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chaotic dispersal of the Israelite and Judean forces, leaderless and scattered like sheep after the death of King Ahab, deeply foreshadows the ultimate need for a true and righteous Shepherd. Ahab, a king who led his people astray and defied God's word, proved to be an utterly failed shepherd, resulting in the judgment and disarray seen in [1 Kings 22:36](/1_kings/22-36 "1 Kings 22:36 - The Proclamation of Retreat"). This tragic scene sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, who contrasts sharply with such earthly failures. Unlike Ahab, who died in his sin and left his flock scattered, Jesus willingly laid down His life for His sheep, not to abandon them but to gather them into one flock ([John 10:11-18](/john/10-11 "John 10:11-18 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")). The prophet Micaiah's vision of "sheep that have no shepherd" ([1 Kings 22:17](/1_kings/22-17 "1 Kings 22:17 - Micaiah's Prophecy of Scattered Israel")) finds its ultimate resolution in Christ, who, seeing the crowds "harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd," had compassion on them ([Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). His death on the cross, far from being a defeat, was the decisive victory over sin and death, ensuring that His flock would never be scattered but eternally gathered under His perfect and enduring leadership ([Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Great Shepherd of the Sheep")). Thus, the chaotic end of Ahab's reign points forward to the glorious and eternal reign of Christ, the King who truly shepherds His people.

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

2 Kings 14:12

And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.

Judges 21:24

And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance.

1 Kings 12:16

¶ So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither [have we] inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

1 Samuel 4:10

¶ And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

2 Samuel 19:8

Then the king arose, and sat in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king: for Israel had fled every man to his tent.

1 Kings 22:17

And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace.

Judges 7:7

And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the [other] people go every man unto his place.