Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” New Living Translation Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued these orders to his chariot commanders: “Attack only the king of Israel! Don’t bother with anyone else.” English Standard Version Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, “Fight with neither small nor great, but only with the king of Israel.” Berean Standard Bible Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” Berean Literal Bible And the king of Aram had commanded the captains of the chariots who were with him, saying, “Do not fight with the small or with the great, except but with the king of Israel only.” King James Bible Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel. New King James Version Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots who were with him, saying, “Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.” New American Standard Bible Now the king of Aram had commanded the commanders of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with the small or great, but only with the king of Israel.” NASB 1995 Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.” NASB 1977 Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.” Legacy Standard Bible Now the king of Aram had commanded the commanders of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but with the king of Israel alone.” Amplified Bible Now the king of Aram (Syria) had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, “Do not fight with the small or the great, but only with the king of Israel.” Berean Annotated Bible Now the king of Aram (exalted) had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel (he wrestles with God).” Christian Standard Bible Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone at all except the king of Israel.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” American Standard Version Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. Contemporary English Version The king of Syria had ordered his chariot commanders to attack only Ahab. English Revised Version Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel. GOD'S WORD® Translation The king of Aram had given orders to the chariot commanders. He said, "Don't fight anyone except the king of Israel." Good News Translation The king of Syria had ordered his chariot commanders to attack no one else except the king of Israel. International Standard Version Meanwhile, the king of Aram had issued these orders to his chariot commanders: "Don't attack unimportant soldiers or ranking officers. Go after only the king of Israel." NET Bible Now the king of Syria had ordered his chariot commanders, "Do not fight common soldiers or high ranking officers; fight only the king of Israel!" New Heart English Bible Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Fight neither with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel." Webster's Bible Translation Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight ye not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” World English Bible Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, “Don’t fight with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king of Aram has commanded the heads of the charioteers whom he has, saying, “You do not fight with small or with great, except with the king of Israel by himself.” Berean Literal Bible And the king of Aram had commanded the captains of the chariots who were with him, saying, “Do not fight with the small or with the great, except but with the king of Israel only.” Young's Literal Translation And the king of Aram hath commanded the heads of the charioteers whom he hath, saying, 'Ye do not fight with small or with great, except with the king of Israel by himself.' Smith's Literal Translation And the king of Aram commanded the chiefs of the chariots which were with him, saying, Ye shall not war with small and great, but with the king of Israel, him only. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his cavalry, saying: Fight ye not with small, or great, but with the king of Israel only. Catholic Public Domain Version Now the king of Syria had instructed the commanders of his horsemen, saying, “You shall not fight against the least or the greatest, but only against the king of Israel.” New American Bible In the meantime, the king of Aram had given his chariot commanders the order, “Fight with no one, great or small, except the king of Israel alone.” New Revised Standard Version Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, “Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow the king of Aram had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, thirty-two in number, saying, Fight not with small or great, but only with the king of Israel. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King of the Edomites commanded the thirtytwo Commanders of chariots that he had, and said to them: “You shall not fight with small or with great, but with the King of Israel only!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now the king of Aram had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying: 'Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king of Israel.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight neither against small nor great, but only against the king of Israel. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ahab's Defeat and Death…29And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 30Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” 31When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him.… Cross References Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, 1 Kings 20:24-25 So do this: Dismiss all the kings from their positions and replace them with other officers. / And you must raise an army like the one you have lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly. 2 Kings 6:8-10 Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 2 Kings 8:28-29 Then Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram. / So King Joram returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds that the Arameans had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel to visit Joram son of Ahab, because Joram had been wounded. “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, 1 Kings 22:31 Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” 2 Chronicles 15:13 And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. 1 Samuel 15:3 Now go and attack the Amalekites and devote to destruction all that belongs to them. Do not spare them, but put to death men and women, children and infants, oxen and sheep, camels and donkeys.’” except the king of Israel.” 1 Kings 22:32-33 When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “Surely this is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out. / And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 1 Kings 22:34 However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!” 2 Kings 9:24 Then Jehu drew his bow and shot Joram between the shoulders. The arrow pierced his heart, and he slumped down in his chariot. 2 Chronicles 18:29 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. 2 Chronicles 18:31-32 When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him. / And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 2 Chronicles 19:2 Jehu son of Hanani the seer went out to confront him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the wicked and love those who hate the LORD? Because of this, the wrath of the LORD is upon you. 2 Chronicles 18:19-22 And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab king of Israel to march up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one suggested this, and another that. / Then a spirit came forward, stood before the LORD, and said, ‘I will entice him.’ ‘By what means?’ asked the LORD. / And he replied, ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his prophets.’ ‘You will surely entice him and prevail,’ said the LORD. ‘Go and do it.’ … 2 Chronicles 18:18 Micaiah continued, “Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right and on His left. 2 Chronicles 18:33-34 However, a certain man drew his bow without taking special aim, and he struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. So the king said to his charioteer, “Turn around and take me out of the battle, for I am badly wounded!” / The battle raged throughout that day, and the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot facing the Arameans until evening. And at sunset he died. 2 Chronicles 18:12-13 Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” / But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.” Treasury of Scripture Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots that were with him, saying, Fight you not with small or great, save only with the king of Israel. Fight ye 1 Kings 20:33,34,42 Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot… small or great 2 Chronicles 15:13 That whosoever would not seek the LORD God of Israel should be put to death, whether small or great, whether man or woman. Genesis 19:11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door. Deuteronomy 1:17 Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. Jump to Previous Alone Aram Attack Captains Chariot Charioteers Chariots Commanded Commanders Except Fight Great Heads Israel Ordered Orders Save Small Syria War-CarriagesJump to Next Alone Aram Attack Captains Chariot Charioteers Chariots Commanded Commanders Except Fight Great Heads Israel Ordered Orders Save Small Syria War-Carriages2 Chronicles 18 1. Jehoshaphat, joined in affinity with Ahab, is persuaded to go against Ramoth Gilead4. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, according to the word of Micaiah, is slain there Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders The king of Aram, also known as Syria, was a significant power in the region during the time of the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah. The Arameans were often in conflict with Israel, and their military strategies were well-documented in the biblical narrative. Chariots were a crucial part of ancient Near Eastern warfare, providing mobility and a platform for archers. The command to the chariot commanders indicates a strategic focus on a specific target, highlighting the importance of leadership in battle. “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” Persons / Places / Events 1. King of AramThe ruler of Aram (Syria), who is in conflict with Israel. He gives specific orders to his chariot commanders to target the king of Israel. 2. Chariot Commanders Military leaders under the king of Aram, tasked with executing the king's orders during the battle. 3. King of Israel At this time, the king of Israel is Ahab, who is known for his idolatry and opposition to the prophets of God. 4. Battle of Ramoth-gilead The context of this verse is a battle at Ramoth-gilead, a city of strategic importance, where the kings of Israel and Judah join forces against Aram. 5. Jehoshaphat The king of Judah, who allies with Ahab in this battle, despite being a follower of Yahweh. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty Over Human PlansDespite human strategies and commands, God's purposes prevail. The king of Aram's specific orders highlight human intent, but the outcome is ultimately in God's hands. The Danger of Unequal Alliances Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab serves as a cautionary tale about forming partnerships with those who do not share a commitment to God, which can lead to spiritual compromise. The Role of Prophecy and Obedience The events leading to this battle were foretold by the prophet Micaiah. This underscores the importance of heeding God's word, even when it contradicts personal desires or plans. Targeted Attacks and Spiritual Warfare The king of Aram's focus on the king of Israel illustrates how spiritual adversaries often target leaders. This calls for prayer and support for those in leadership positions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Chronicles 18:30?2. How does 2 Chronicles 18:30 illustrate God's sovereignty over human plans and actions? 3. What can we learn about obedience from the king's command to his chariot commanders? 4. How does this verse connect with Romans 8:28 about God's purpose in events? 5. In what ways can we seek God's guidance before making decisions like Ahab's? 6. How can we apply the lesson of divine protection in our daily lives? 7. Why did the Aramean commanders target the king of Israel in 2 Chronicles 18:30? 8. How does 2 Chronicles 18:30 reflect God's sovereignty over human plans? 9. What historical context explains the Arameans' strategy in 2 Chronicles 18:30? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Chronicles 18? 11. In 2 Chronicles 18:1-3, does Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab contradict biblical teachings against partnering with evil? 12. In 2 Chronicles 35:18, why does the text claim no Passover like Josiah's had been celebrated 'since the days of Samuel,' seemingly ignoring the grand Passover of Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 30? 13. In 2 Chronicles 18:29-33, is the 'random' arrow that kills Ahab historical fact or merely a supernatural tale lacking archaeological support? 14. In what year of King Asa's reign did Baasha, King of Israel die? Twenty-sixth year (I Kings 15:33 - 16:8) Still alive in the thirty-sixth year (2 Chronicles 16:1) What Does 2 Chronicles 18:30 Mean Now the king of Aram had ordered• The narrative zooms in on Aram’s monarch—most likely Ben-hadad—who issues explicit battlefield instructions (1 Kings 22:31 parallels the scene). • Scripture presents this as a literal, historical command, underscoring that nations rise and fall under God’s overarching sovereignty (Proverbs 21:1). • Earlier clashes between Aram and Israel set the backdrop (1 Kings 20:1-22; 2 Chronicles 18:28), showing a pattern of conflict that God uses to accomplish His purposes. his chariot commanders, • Chariots were the ancient equivalent of armored divisions, swift and deadly (Exodus 14:7; 1 Kings 10:26). • By directing the chariot officers—elite troops—the king ensures the order will be executed with precision. • This detail highlights the seriousness of the mission and the deliberate targeting strategy (2 Kings 6:8, where Aram likewise plots specific strikes). “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, • The Arameans are told to ignore every other combatant. Such focus is rare in open warfare, but here it serves a tactical and prophetic function. • The phrase “small or great” covers every possible rank or status (2 Samuel 1:19; Esther 1:5), reinforcing that no one else matters for this objective. • Spiritually, it illustrates how the enemy often concentrates on leadership, knowing that striking a shepherd scatters the sheep (Zechariah 13:7; cf. Matthew 26:31). except the king of Israel.” • The target is Ahab, whose doom had already been pronounced by the prophet Micaiah moments earlier (2 Chronicles 18:16-22) and by Elijah years before (1 Kings 21:19). • The Aramean king thinks he is crafting a clever plan, yet unwittingly fulfills God’s word. Human schemes bend to divine decree (Isaiah 46:10-11). • Ahab’s attempt to disguise himself (2 Chronicles 18:29) cannot thwart God; an “arrow fired at random” finds him anyway (v. 33), proving the inerrant accuracy of Scripture’s prophecy. summary 2 Chronicles 18:30 records a king’s razor-sharp order to hunt down one man: Ahab. The verse showcases strategic focus, military hierarchy, and—above all—the unstoppable fulfillment of God’s revealed word. Human command centers plot, but the Lord’s counsel stands, turning an enemy’s plan into the very instrument that carries out divine judgment. (30) That were with him.--Kings adds, "thirty and two," referring to what is related in 1Kings 20:16; 1Kings 20:24, a matter which the chronicler has not noticed. The Syriac and Arabic supply the number here.With small or great.--So Kings. Our text is literally, with the small or the great. They compassed about him.--Or, came round against him. Kings, wrongly, "turned aside against him." In Hebrew the difference turns on half a letter. But Jehoshaphat cried out.--Probably to bring his followers to the rescue. (1Kings 22:32 ends with these words.) And the Lord helped him; and God moved (literally, incited, "persuaded," 2Chronicles 18:1) them . . . from him.--Drove them away from him. This addition is evidently from the pen of the chronicler himself. It appears that he understood the verb "cried out" in the sense of a cry to God for help, a sense which it often bears, e.g., Psalm 22:6. . . . Verse 30. - Our had commanded stands rendered in the parallel not so explicitly "commanded," but in both cases the Hebrew text is the same (צִוָּה). Therefore, if the place of vers. 29, 30 were inverted, what reads like the cool suggestion of Ahab in ver. 29 would seem more tolerable. Mean. time, Benhadad's command argues the intensity of his resentment towards Ahab, and not less ungrateful forgetfulness for the ultimate consideration that Ahab had allowed to him (1 Kings 20:31-34).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Now the kingוּמֶ֣לֶךְ (ū·me·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Aram אֲרָ֡ם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria had ordered צִוָּה֩ (ṣiw·wāh) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order his chariot הָרֶ֤כֶב (hā·re·ḵeḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone commanders, שָׂרֵ֨י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince “Do not לֹ֚א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no fight תִּלָּ֣חֲמ֔וּ (til·lā·ḥă·mū) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle with anyone, אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Preposition Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among small הַקָּטֹ֖ן (haq·qā·ṭōn) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant or great, הַגָּד֑וֹל (hag·gā·ḏō·wl) Article | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent except כִּ֛י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the king מֶ֥לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Israel.” יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc Links 2 Chronicles 18:30 NIV2 Chronicles 18:30 NLT 2 Chronicles 18:30 ESV 2 Chronicles 18:30 NASB 2 Chronicles 18:30 KJV 2 Chronicles 18:30 BibleApps.com 2 Chronicles 18:30 Biblia Paralela 2 Chronicles 18:30 Chinese Bible 2 Chronicles 18:30 French Bible 2 Chronicles 18:30 Catholic Bible OT History: 2 Chronicles 18:30 Now the king of Syria had commanded (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr) |
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