And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely it is the king of Israel. And they turned aside to fight against him: and Jehoshaphat cried out.

1 KINGS 22:32KJV
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1 Kings 22:32 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 22:32 mean?

1 Kings 22:32 describes how the commanders of the enemy chariots saw Jehoshaphat and mistakenly thought he was the king of Israel, so they turned to attack him. When Jehoshaphat realized he was in danger, he cried out for help.

In this scene, Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, is on the battlefield wearing his royal robes, while King Ahab of Israel is disguised. The enemy commanders are specifically looking to kill the king of Israel, so when they see Jehoshaphat dressed like a king, they assume he is their target. Jehoshaphat’s cry draws attention and sets up what happens next in the story.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 22:32

  • "Captains" (שַׂרֵי, saré): This word refers to military commanders, highlighting that it was the leaders of the chariot forces making the decision to attack.
  • "Chariots" (רֶכֶב, rekhev): The focus on chariots shows the military technology and tactics of the time, as chariots were elite units in ancient warfare.
  • "Aside" (סוּר, sur): This word means to turn away or change direction, emphasizing that the chariot commanders deliberately redirected their attack toward Jehoshaphat.
  • "Out" (זָעַק, za‘aq): This verb means to cry out or call for help, showing Jehoshaphat’s alarm and desperation in the moment.

Why 1 Kings 22:32 matters

  • This verse clears up why Jehoshaphat was suddenly in danger, even though he was not the main target; it was because he looked like a king on the battlefield.
  • The verse highlights the risks of royal appearance in battle and sets up the dramatic rescue that follows, showing how mistaken identity can have serious consequences.
  • It connects to the larger story of King Ahab’s attempt to avoid death by disguising himself, and how, despite human plans, the outcome is shaped by larger forces at work in the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H2199 · used in 73 verses

  • Exodus 2:23 And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
  • 1 Samuel 28:12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
  • Isaiah 30:19 For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem: thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry; when he shall hear it, he will answer thee.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

“chariots” Hebrew H7393 · used in 104 verses

  • Genesis 50:9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen: and it was a very great company.
  • 1 Kings 10:26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the cities for chariots, and with the king at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Chronicles 12:3 With twelve hundred chariots, and threescore thousand horsemen: and the people were without number that came with him out of Egypt; the Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the Ethiopians.