1 Reis 22

1 Reis 22

MacArthur - Israel had peace for 3 years following the two years of war with Syria described in 1Ki 20:1-34. During this peace, Ben-hadad, Ahab, and 10 other kings formed a coalition to repel an Assyrian invasion. Assyrian records described the major battle fought at Qarqar on the Orontes River in 853 B.C. Though Assyria claimed victory, later events show that they were stopped from further advance southward at that time. With the Assyrian threat neutralized, Ahab turned his attention to the unfinished conflict with Syria. (See MacArthur Study Bible) Walton - Battle of Qarqar. Since the alliance of Ahab and Ben-Hadad at the end of chapter 20, three years have gone by. It is generally assumed that the reason their alliance remained strong was because of the threat of the Assyrian king Shalmaneser III who was making his way westward. He finally posed a threat to southern Aram in 853, where he was met by a coalition of twelve western nations at the Battle of Qarqar. Shalmaneser III lists Ahab of Israel and Hadadezer of Damascus as two of the most significant parties in the alliance which was led by Iarhuleni of Hamath. Qarqar is on the Orontes River about 150 miles north of Damascus, but only 25 miles north of Hamath. Though Shalmaneser claims victory, study of subsequent history suggests that the western coalition succeeded in their major objective. It was not until ten or twelve years later, after the confederacy had eroded, that Shalmaneser finally shows any indication of control in the region. It is most likely the general success against Shalmaneser that gave Ahab the confidence to take military action against the Arameans and try to regain Ramoth Gilead. (IVP Background Commentary - Old Testament) 1 Kings 22:2 In the third year Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. in the third: 1Ki 22:1 Mt 12:40 16:21 Jehoshaphat: 1Ki 22:41,44 15:24 2Ki 8:18 2Ch 18:1,2-27 1 Kings 22 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Chronicles 18:1-3+ Now Jehoshaphat had great riches and honor; and he allied himself by marriage with Ahab. 2 Some years later he went down to visit Ahab at Samaria. And Ahab slaughtered many sheep and oxen for him and the people who were with him, and induced him to go up against Ramoth-gilead. 3 Ahab king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth-gilead?” And he said to him, “I am as you are, and my people as your people, and we will be with you in the battle.” Ephesians 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 2 John 1:11 for the one who gives him a greeting participates in his evil deeds. In the third year Jehoshaphat ("whom Jehovah judges" or "Jehovah has judged") the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel - We can understand why he came down (Jerusalem was elevated, but he has "came down" spiritually!) to Ahab, because Ahab was his father-in-law. We see another good man corrupted by a wicked woman! And it would have a ripple effect for his son married another daughter of Ahab, wicked Athaliah. Peter Pett: The visit of Jehoshaphat to Israel may have been simply a ceremonial one, or it may have been to do with trading arrangements. Or it may even have been with the venture that follows in mind. Whichever way it was he was clearly invited to the council meeting which Ahab held with a view to his plan to regain Ramoth-gilead. One compromise often leads to another!