1 Kings 20:22

“And the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said unto him, Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest: for at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.”

Certainly! Let’s dive into a Bible study on 1 Kings 20:22 in the King James Version (KJV).

First, let’s read the verse:1 Kings 20:22 is part of the narrative of a conflict between the king of Syria, Ben-hadad, and the king of Israel, Ahab. In the preceding verses, we learn that Ben-hadad had gathered a large army to wage war against Israel. However, God sent a prophet to deliver a message to Ahab, instructing him to prepare for the impending attack.

Here are some key points to consider in this verse:

• The prophet’s visit: The verse begins with the prophet coming to the king of Israel, Ahab. Prophets played an important role in the Old Testament as messengers of God, delivering His word to the people and the rulers. In this case, the prophet is bringing a specific message to Ahab about the approaching danger.
• God’s warning: The prophet’s message to Ahab is to “Go, strengthen thyself, and mark, and see what thou doest.” In other words, the prophet is urging Ahab to take action and prepare for the imminent attack from the king of Syria. This shows God’s concern for the well‑being and protection of His people, even when they are facing potential threats.
• The timing of the attack: The prophet also informs Ahab about the timing of the attack, stating that “at the return of the year the king of Syria will come up against thee.” This indicates that the attack is scheduled to happen at a specific time, possibly at the beginning of the year. Knowing the timing allows Ahab to make the necessary preparations and gather his forces accordingly.
• God’s foreknowledge: This verse demonstrates God’s foreknowledge and His ability to reveal future events to His prophets. God, in His wisdom and sovereignty, provided advance warning to Ahab, allowing him to make strategic decisions and possibly avert disaster. This emphasizes the divine guidance and care that God extends to His people.

As a Bible study, it is essential to consider the broader context and read subsequent verses to understand the outcome and further developments in this narrative. The following verses in 1 Kings 20 describe how Ahab prepared for the battle and how God ultimately delivered Israel a victory.