1 Kings 22:36

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.

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}.

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

As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: โ€œEvery man to his own city, and every man to his own land!โ€

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

1 Kings 22:36 KJV describes the immediate aftermath of the decisive battle at Ramoth-Gilead, where King Ahab of Israel was fatally wounded. As the sun began to set, a clear signal was given for the end of the conflict and the dispersal of the combined Israelite and Judean forces.

Context of 1 Kings 22:36

This verse marks the conclusion of a significant military engagement between the northern kingdom of Israel (under King Ahab), allied with the southern kingdom of Judah (under King Jehoshaphat), against the Arameans (Syrians) over the city of Ramoth-Gilead. The battle was fought despite the dire warnings from the prophet Micaiah, who had accurately predicted Ahab's demise and the scattering of Israel without a shepherd. Ahab, in an attempt to circumvent the prophecy, disguised himself but was struck by a random arrow, fulfilling God's word. The proclamation at sundown signifies the complete collapse of the Israelite military effort and the death of their king, leading to a disorganized retreat rather than a strategic withdrawal.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment: The swift and decisive end of the battle, coupled with Ahab's death (as seen in 1 Kings 22:35), underscores God's ultimate control over human affairs and the infallibility of His prophetic word, even when kings actively try to defy it.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: Ahab's persistent rebellion against God and his prophets culminates in this disastrous defeat and his own death. The scattering of the army reflects the spiritual disarray and judgment upon a nation led astray.
  • The End of Conflict: The phrase "about the going down of the sun" not only specifies the time but also symbolically marks the end of a bloody conflict. It signals a shift from active warfare to a return to civilian life, albeit under the shadow of a significant loss.
  • Dispersal and Return: The command for "Every man to his city, and every man to his own country" highlights the immediate breaking up of the military structure, emphasizing individual survival and the desire for soldiers to return to their homes after a failed campaign.

Linguistic Insights

The term "proclamation" (Hebrew: ืงึธืจึธื - qara') implies a formal, authoritative announcement, not just a casual shout. Its widespread nature "throughout the host" indicates a clear and urgent command for the immediate cessation of hostilities and dispersal. The phrase "going down of the sun" (ืœึฐื‘ึนื ื”ึทืฉึถึผืืžึถืฉื - le'vo ha-shemesh) is a common biblical idiom for evening, often marking a significant transition or the end of a day's work or battle.

Practical Application

1 Kings 22:36 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Trust in God's Word: Just as Micaiah's prophecy came to pass, we are reminded of the certainty of God's promises and warnings. Ignoring divine counsel leads to inevitable consequences.
  • Facing Consequences: The verse illustrates that actions, especially those of rebellion against God, have direct and often painful consequences. It serves as a reminder to consider the long-term impact of our choices.
  • The End of Seasons: Like the setting sun bringing an end to the battle, there are times in life when seasons of conflict or struggle come to a definitive close. This verse encourages us to recognize these endings and prepare for what comes next, often a return to normalcy or a new beginning.
  • Leadership and Responsibility: The chaos and dispersal reflect the failure of leadership. It underscores the importance of righteous leadership that guides people toward God's will, rather than into destructive paths.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

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

    ยถ 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

    ยถ 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.
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