1 Kings 22 1

1 Kings 22:1 kjv

And they continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.

1 Kings 22:1 nkjv

Now three years passed without war between Syria and Israel.

1 Kings 22:1 niv

For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.

1 Kings 22:1 esv

For three years Syria and Israel continued without war.

1 Kings 22:1 nlt

For three years there was no war between Aram and Israel.

1 Kings 22 verses

1 Kings 22 1 Meaning

This verse states that for a period of three years, open conflict ceased between the kingdom of Aram (Syria) and the northern kingdom of Israel. It sets the immediate historical stage for the events of 1 Kings chapter 22, indicating a temporary cessation of hostilities rather than a lasting peace, a prelude to renewed military action concerning the city of Ramoth-Gilead.

1 Kings 22 1 Context

This verse serves as a crucial transition point in the narrative of the divided monarchy. It follows Ahab's victory over Ben-Hadad of Aram in 1 Kings chapter 20, where a peace treaty was established (though Ahab was chastised by a prophet for not utterly destroying Ben-Hadad as God had implicitly willed, allowing him to live). This treaty, apparently including terms about return of cities and trade routes, seemingly led to a period of calm for "three years." The cessation of war allows for other events, such as the formation of the alliance between Ahab and Jehoshaphat (detailed in 2 Chronicles 18:1). This peace, however, is not a state of true biblical shalom, but merely an absence of armed conflict, often interpreted as an armistice or an uneasy truce. Its brevity foreshadows the renewed aggression, particularly Ahab's desire to reclaim Ramoth-Gilead, which was supposedly part of the agreement from 1 Kings 20 but had not been returned by Aram. The "three years" marks a defined period before the storm breaks.

1 Kings 22 1 Word analysis

• For three years: The Hebrew phrase is וַיֵּשְׁבוּ שָׁלוֹשׁ שָׁנִים (wayyēshbû shālôsh shānîm), literally "And they dwelt three years" or "And they remained three years." This indicates a completed period. The number "three" in biblical narratives often signifies completion, confirmation, or a divinely appointed period. Here, it marks a definite end to the "no war" period, highlighting its temporary nature.
• there was no war: The Hebrew is אֵין מִלְחָמָה (‘ên milchāmāh), meaning "no war" or "no fighting." The term for "war," milchamah, refers to armed conflict or battle. The negation "no" (‘ên) directly states the absence of such activity, emphasizing a cease-fire rather than a genuine peace treaty or shalom (wholeness, well-being, peace in its fuller sense). This implies a holding pattern, not a harmonious relationship.
• between Aram: Aram (ארם - Aram) refers to the kingdom of the Arameans, located northeast of Israel, primarily associated with its capital Damascus (דמשק - Dammeseq). They were often formidable adversaries to Israel and Judah. Their inclusion here highlights the ongoing, volatile relationship between these two regional powers. This interaction showcases the political realities and shifting alliances of the ancient Near East, where power balances were constantly challenged.
• and Israel: Israel (ישראל - Yisra’el) here refers to the northern kingdom, ruled at this time by Ahab. This distinguishes it from the southern kingdom of Judah. The narrative consistently presents the northern kingdom of Israel as distinct in its kingship, religion, and political struggles, particularly concerning its continued apostasy under kings like Ahab and Jezebel. Their conflict with Aram was a recurring theme, often depicted as a result of Israel's unfaithfulness to God, which left them vulnerable to foreign oppression (e.g., Deut 28:47-48). The presence of the word 'Israel' underscores the Lord's continued, albeit sometimes disciplinary, involvement with His covenant people, even when they are disobedient.

1 Kings 22 1 Bonus section

The "three years" without war likely allowed Ahab and Ben-Hadad to re-arm and reorganize their forces. Historically, truces or ceasefires were often strategic periods for both sides to recuperate and plan for future engagements rather than true attempts at lasting peace. This period also enabled Ahab to deepen his political alliance with Jehoshaphat through marriage (2 Chr 18:1), demonstrating that even during the absence of overt conflict, kings were actively engaging in diplomacy and strengthening their positions. The fact that Ramoth-Gilead, a strategic Transjordanian city, remained in Aramean hands throughout these three years indicates Ben-Hadad's failure to uphold the terms of the treaty agreed upon in 1 Kings 20:34, setting the stage for Ahab's demand for its return in 1 Kings 22:3. This verse is critical because it highlights that an outward display of "peace" can often conceal simmering resentments and unfulfilled promises, leading to a dramatic renewal of conflict, often as a result of divine judgment on disobedient kings like Ahab.

1 Kings 22 1 Commentary

1 Kings 22:1 sets the scene for a pivotal event in the reigns of King Ahab of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah. The stated "three years" without war between Aram and Israel is not a testament to true reconciliation, but rather an uneasy truce or armistice that followed Ahab's earlier leniency towards Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram (1 Kgs 20). This period provided a temporary respite, perhaps allowing Ahab to consolidate power or attend to other internal affairs, while Ben-Hadad ostensibly had time to recover and possibly renege on his treaty promises (specifically regarding Ramoth-Gilead).

The absence of "war" (milchamah) does not equate to the presence of shalom, the holistic peace envisioned in biblical theology, which encompasses prosperity, security, and well-being rooted in a right relationship with God. Instead, it reflects a pragmatic cessation of military hostilities in the turbulent ancient Near East, where alliances and enmities shifted frequently. This brief lull allowed King Jehoshaphat of Judah, known for his devotion to the LORD, to forge a perilous alliance with Ahab, a notoriously wicked king. The narrative underscores that this temporary peace, which precedes a major prophetic confrontation and a king's demise, falls under God's sovereign control. He orchestrates periods of both conflict and quiet for His purposes, whether to test, warn, or execute judgment upon His people or the surrounding nations. The deceptive tranquility foreshadows the dramatic events where Ahab's persistent unfaithfulness leads to his eventual death in battle.