1 Kings 22 34

1 Kings 22:34 kjv

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.

1 Kings 22:34 nkjv

Now a certain man drew a bow at random, and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So he said to the driver of his chariot, "Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am wounded."

1 Kings 22:34 niv

But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor. The king told his chariot driver, "Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I've been wounded."

1 Kings 22:34 esv

But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, "Turn around and carry me out of the battle, for I am wounded."

1 Kings 22:34 nlt

An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops and hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. "Turn the horses and get me out of here!" Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. "I'm badly wounded!"

1 Kings 22 verses

1 Kings 22 34 Meaning

The verse describes the seemingly accidental yet divinely orchestrated wounding of King Ahab of Israel in battle. While an unnamed soldier drew his bow "at random," his arrow precisely struck Ahab at the vulnerable point between the sections of his armor, leading to the king's fatal injury. This event demonstrates God's sovereignty over apparent chance, fulfilling earlier prophecies regarding Ahab's judgment and exposing the futility of human attempts to escape divine decree.

1 Kings 22 34 Context

This verse occurs at the climax of the battle of Ramoth-gilead. King Ahab of Israel, along with King Jehoshaphat of Judah, had gone to reclaim the city from Aram. Prior to the battle, Micaiah the prophet had warned Ahab that he would not return in peace, having seen a vision of Israel scattered and Ahab struck down. Despite this dire prophecy, and after listening to four hundred false prophets who promised victory, Ahab disguised himself to evade the prophecy, while Jehoshaphat wore his royal robes. Ahab's intention to evade the spoken word of the Lord underscores the theme of divine sovereignty that pervades the entire narrative, culminating in this "random" shot that ensures the fulfillment of God's word concerning his death.

1 Kings 22 34 Word analysis

• Now a certain man ('îsh ʾeḥāḏ): Lit. "a man, one." This emphasizes his anonymity from a human perspective, yet points to the precision of God using an unnamed instrument. It contrasts sharply with Ahab's kingship and prominence. From a divine viewpoint, this man was a precise, chosen tool.

• drew a bow (māšak bĕqašet): "Drew" (māšak) implies pulling the bowstring back, preparing to shoot. "Bow" (qašet) refers to the weapon used for projecting arrows. This is a common action in warfare, yet the context here elevates it beyond mere human agency.

• at random (lĕtuṣmô): This is a crucial Hebrew term. From the root tāmam, meaning "to be complete," "innocent," or "perfect." Here, it functions adverbially as "at a venture," "without specific aim," "blindly," or "unintentionally." It denotes an apparent lack of human design or targeting. However, within the biblical narrative, it signals divine orchestration, as this "random" shot perfectly executes God's purpose, making human "chance" subservient to divine will. It is the antithesis of Ahab's elaborate attempt at self-preservation through disguise.

• struck (yakkēhû): From the verb nāḵāh, meaning "to strike," "to smite," often used for a severe or fatal blow. The immediate and effective nature of the strike is highlighted.

• the king of Israel (melek Yiśrā'ēl): Specifically identifies Ahab. The king, who thought he could escape his fate by disguise, is directly targeted by what seems like chance.

• between the joints of his armor (bēn hadděvāqîm ūvēn hašširyôn): Lit. "between the fastenings/connections and between the breastplate/coat of mail." This phrase indicates a precise vulnerability in the warrior's protective gear. Děvāqîm (fasteners) and širyôn (mail, usually scale armor or chainmail) suggest the precise point where the protection failed or was incomplete. This detail highlights the impossible precision of a "random" shot, further underscoring divine intent. It suggests that despite Ahab's efforts to cover himself, there was still a "chink" God knew and exploited.

• so he said to his charioteer, ‘Turn around and carry me out of the battle’ (wayyōʾmer laḥarabbô hôfēḵ yādĕkā wĕhôṣîʾēnî min-hammaḥªnāh): Ahab's command indicates his immediate recognition of the severity of the wound and his desperate desire to withdraw from the fight.

• for I am severely wounded (kî hūḥlatî mĕʾōd): ḥûlatî from ḥālāh means "to be sick," "to be wounded." mĕʾōd is an intensifier, "greatly" or "exceedingly." This confirms the mortal nature of the wound, fulfilling the earlier prophecy of his death.

• "Now a certain man drew a bow at random": This phrase dramatically portrays divine providence disguised as human chance. The anonymous archer, acting without deliberate intent regarding a specific target, becomes God's instrument. This underlines the biblical principle that human actions, even those perceived as random, are ultimately under God's sovereign control to achieve His purposes and fulfill His word.

• "struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor": The extreme precision of the shot—targeting the small, unprotected gap in Ahab's armor, which he put on precisely to protect himself—is ironic and powerful. It underscores that no human scheme or protection can thwart God's decreed judgment. Ahab's attempts to evade prophecy through disguise were utterly futile, as God's will pierced through his defenses.

1 Kings 22 34 Bonus section

• The dramatic irony of Ahab's disguise is central: he tries to look like an ordinary soldier, but it is precisely an "ordinary" or "random" shot from another common soldier that proves fatal. His efforts to hide from man lead him directly to the inescapable judgment of God.
• This scene reinforces the absolute reliability of true prophecy, contrasting Micaiah's word with the false prophets' assurances. The seemingly unlikeliest turn of events is the very means by which God authenticates His message.
• The emphasis on "between the joints of his armor" serves as a powerful metaphor for human vulnerability. Despite the strongest human protections and strategic planning, there is always a divinely known and exploitable weakness when God's judgment is due.
• The event signifies the final curtain on Ahab's reign, marking the consequences of his long pattern of rebellion, idol worship, and injustice, especially exemplified in the Naboth's vineyard incident.

1 Kings 22 34 Commentary

1 Kings 22:34 stands as a profound testament to divine sovereignty and the unfailing nature of God's word. Despite King Ahab's deliberate attempt to evade prophetic judgment by disguising himself on the battlefield, the Lord ensured the precise fulfillment of Micaiah's prophecy. A seemingly "random" arrow, fired by an unnamed soldier without specific aim, pierced the "chink" in Ahab's armor – the one vulnerable spot that human ingenuity could not cover. This event showcases God's minute control over all things, demonstrating that "chance" from a human perspective is orchestrated design from a divine one. It underscores that no power, position, or cleverness can ultimately resist or escape God's decreed will and righteous judgment for sin. The meticulous accuracy of the blow emphasizes that God does not need grand, dramatic interventions to enact His judgments; He uses ordinary means to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. The event serves as a warning against rebellion and ignoring divine warnings, and a comforting assurance that God's plans always prevail.