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.
1 Kings 20:22
In this chapter, the kingdom of Israel faces a renewed military threat from Ben-Hadad II, king of Syria. Elijah’s prophetic word in 1 Kings 20:22 comes to warn and prepare Ahab for an expected confrontation. The message is not merely tactical; it’s a call to discernment and reliance on God’s timing. The prophet urges calm assessment: strengthen yourself, mark what you see, and observe what you do next because that “return of the year” will reveal the next phase of the conflict. Historically, this reflects the ongoing power struggles of the divided monarchy, where alliances, divinely guided victories, and political prudence all played a role. Culturally, kings were expected to prepare for war, but prophets reminded them that ultimate security rests in obedience to God’s guidance rather than human planning alone.
This verse foregrounds divine sovereignty over human strategy. God communicates through His prophet to orient the king’s decisions around His purposes. The instruction to “strengthen thyself” pairs with prudent preparation, signaling that faithfulness includes both dependence on God and human diligence. The timing motif—“the return of the year”—reminds us that divine plans unfold in seasons, not in impulsive moves. The prophet’s presence confirms that Israel’s security comes not from military power alone but from fidelity to the Lord who governs nations.
We, too, are asked to discern seasons in our lives—when to plan, when to pause, and when to seek God’s guidance through trusted counsel. Practical steps: pray for discernment before major decisions, gather reliable information, and identify potential outcomes while remaining open to God’s direction. If you sense a looming challenge, prepare with wisdom (skills, finances, support) but anchor your confidence in God’s control rather than in your own resources. Personal example: before changing jobs or relocating, seek God in prayer, consult mentors, and watch for a sense of peace about the next step, rather than rushing to “win” by sheer force of will.
Cross-References: Proverbs 16:1-3; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Isaiah 41:10; James 1:5; Psalm 27:14