Keraia
1 Kings 22

1 Kings 22:34

Ahab’s Defeat and Death · 1 Kings 22:29–40
Read 1 Kings 22

Translations

Modern
However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”
Traditional
And a certain man drew a bow at a venture, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, Turn thine hand, and carry me out of the host; for I am wounded.
Literal
And a man drew with the bow in his simplicity, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints and between of armor. And he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn your hand and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded.”
Latin
Vir autem quidam tetendit arcum, in incertum sagittam dirigens, et casu percussit regem Israël inter pulmonem et stomachum. At ille dixit aurigæ suo: Verte manum tuam, et ejice me de exercitu, quia graviter vulneratus sum.

Original

Hebrew
English
However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!”

Notes

1 Kings 22:34–36

An Aramean soldier's random shot fulfilled Micaiah's prophecy about Ahab's death. Ancient armor found in the Near East shows that the arrow likely hit a small unprotected spot between the breastplate and the lower armor's metal pieces. Although badly wounded, Ahab showed courage by staying upright in his chariot during the day's battle before ordering a retreat.

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Arameans Jehoshaphat Jezebel

Parallels

2 Chronicles 18:28–34

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Ahab (King) Ben-Hadad Gilead (Place) Jehoram Jehoshaphat (Person) Jezebel Kings, Books of First and Second Naboth Ramoth-Gilead Syria, Syrians

Topics

Archery: Practiced by the Syrians Arrow used in War Breastplate: A Part of Defensive Armour Chariots: Drivers Generally Employed For Coat of Mail: General Scriptures Concerning Military Arms: Defensive: Called Harness Military Arms: Offensive: Bow and Arrows Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: The Death of Ahab Ramoth-Gilead: Besieged by Israel and Judah; Ahab Killed There Syria: The Israelites: Defeated By, and Ahab Slain The Armies of Israel: Often Led by the King in Person The Death of the Wicked: Ahab The Providence of God: Cannot be Defeated