1 Kings 22:36
New International Version
As the sun was setting, a cry spread through the army: “Every man to his town. Every man to his land!”

New Living Translation
Just as the sun was setting, the cry ran through his troops: “We’re done for! Run for your lives!”

English Standard Version
And about sunset a cry went through the army, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!”

Berean Standard Bible
As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!”

Berean Literal Bible
And a shout went throughout the army at the going in of the sun, saying, “Each man to his city, and each man to his own land.”

King James Bible
And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.

New King James Version
Then, as the sun was going down, a shout went throughout the army, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his own country!”

New American Standard Bible
Then the word passed throughout the army close to sunset, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!”

NASB 1995
Then a cry passed throughout the army close to sunset, saying, “Every man to his city and every man to his country.”

NASB 1977
Then a cry passed throughout the army close to sunset, saying, “Every man to his city and every man to his country.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then a shout of lament passed throughout the camp close to sunset, saying, “Every man to his city and every man to his land.”

Amplified Bible
Then about sundown a resounding cry passed throughout the army, saying, “Every man to his city and every man to his own country!”

Berean Annotated Bible
As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!

Christian Standard Bible
Then the cry rang out in the army as the sun set, declaring: Each man to his own city, and each man to his own land!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then the cry rang out in the army as the sun set, declaring: Each man to his own city, and each man to his own land!

American Standard Version
And there went a cry throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his country.

Contemporary English Version
As the sun was going down, someone in Israel's army shouted to the others, "Retreat! Go back home!"

English Revised Version
And there went a cry throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his country.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At sundown a cry went through the army, "Every man to his own city! Every man to his own property!"

Good News Translation
Near sunset the order went out through the Israelite ranks: "Each of you go back to your own country and city!"

International Standard Version
As the day drew to a close, this order was circulated throughout the army telling the soldiers, "Everybody go back to his city and to his own land."

NET Bible
As the sun was setting, a cry went through the camp, "Each one should return to his city and to his homeland."

New Heart English Bible
A cry went throughout the army about the going down of the sun, saying, "Every man to his city, and every man to his country."

Webster's Bible Translation
And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the setting of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!”

World English Bible
A cry went throughout the army about the going down of the sun, saying, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he causes the cry to pass over through the camp, at the going in of the sun, saying, “Each to his city, and each to his land!”

Berean Literal Bible
And a shout went throughout the army at the going in of the sun, saying, “Each man to his city, and each man to his own land.”

Young's Literal Translation
and he causeth the cry to pass over through the camp, at the going in of the sun, saying, 'Each unto his city, and each unto his land.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And a shout of joy will pass through in the camp as the sun went down, saying, A man to his city, and a man to his land.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the herald proclaimed through all the army before the sun set, saying: Let every man return to his own city, and to his own country.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And a herald proclaimed throughout the entire army, before the setting of the sun, saying: “Let each one return to his own city, and to his own land.”

New American Bible
At sunset a cry went through the army, “Every man to his city, every man to his land!”

New Revised Standard Version
Then about sunset a shout went through the army, “Every man to his city, and every man to his country!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And at sunset a herald proclaimed throughout the army, saying, Go, every man to his city and every man to his own country.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a Herald called in the camp when the sun had set, and said: “Go, each man to his town and each man to his land!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And there went a cry throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying: 'Every man to his city, and every man to his country.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the herald of the army stood at sunset, saying, Let every man go to his own city and his own land,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ahab's Defeat and Death
35The battle raged throughout that day, and the king was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. And the blood from his wound ran out onto the floor of the chariot, and that evening he died. 36As the sun was setting, the cry rang out in the army: “Every man to his own city, and every man to his own land!” 37So the king died and was brought to Samaria, where they buried him.…

Cross References
As the sun was setting,

2 Chronicles 18:34
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.

Joshua 10:27
At sunset Joshua ordered that they be taken down from the trees and thrown into the cave in which they had hidden. Then large stones were placed against the mouth of the cave, and the stones are there to this day.

Judges 19:14
So they continued on their journey, and the sun set as they neared Gibeah in Benjamin.
the cry rang out in the army:

Judges 7:21
Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.

1 Samuel 4:6-7
On hearing the noise of the shout, the Philistines asked, “What is this loud shouting in the camp of the Hebrews?” And when they realized that the ark of the LORD had entered the camp, / the Philistines were afraid. “The gods have entered their camp!” they said. “Woe to us, for nothing like this has happened before.

2 Chronicles 13:15
and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.
“Every man to his own city,

Joshua 24:28
Then Joshua sent the people away, each to his own inheritance.

Joshua 22:4
And now that the LORD your God has given your brothers rest as He promised them, you may return to your homes in the land that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you across the Jordan.

1 Kings 12:16
When all Israel saw that the king had refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What portion do we have in David, and what inheritance in the son of Jesse? To your tents, O Israel! Look now to your own house, O David!” So the Israelites went home,
and every man to his own land!”

Isaiah 13:14
Like a hunted gazelle, like a sheep without a shepherd, each will return to his own people, each will flee to his native land.

Jeremiah 50:16
Cut off the sower from Babylon, and the one who wields the sickle at harvest time. In the face of the oppressor’s sword, each will turn to his own people, each will flee to his own land.

Jeremiah 46:16
They continue to stumble; indeed, they have fallen over one another. They say, ‘Get up! Let us return to our people and to the land of our birth, away from the sword of the oppressor.’
2 Chronicles 18:16
So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’”

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 18:27
But Micaiah replied, “If you ever return safely, the LORD has not spoken through me.” Then he added, “Take heed, all you people!”

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.


Treasury of Scripture

And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the sun, saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country.

there went

1 Kings 22:17,31
And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: and the LORD said, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace…

1 Kings 12:16
So when all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the people answered the king, saying, What portion have we in David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your tents, O Israel: now see to thine own house, David. So Israel departed unto their tents.

2 Kings 14:12
And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.

Every man

1 Kings 12:24
Thus saith the LORD, Ye shall not go up, nor fight against your brethren the children of Israel: return every man to his house; for this thing is from me. They hearkened therefore to the word of the LORD, and returned to depart, according to the word of the LORD.

Judges 7:7,8
And the LORD said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place…

Judges 21:24
And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and they went out from thence every man to his inheritance.

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Army Camp Causeth City Close Country Cry Host Parts Passed Proclamation Setting Spread Sun Sundown Sunset Throughout
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Army Camp Causeth City Close Country Cry Host Parts Passed Proclamation Setting Spread Sun Sundown Sunset Throughout
1 Kings 22
1. Ahab, seduced by false prophets, by Michaiah's word, is slain at Ramoth Gilead
37. The dogs lick up his blood, and Ahaziah succeeds him
41. Jehoshaphat's good reign
45. His acts
46. Jehoram succeeds him
51. Ahaziah's evil reign












As the sun was setting
This phrase indicates the time of day, suggesting the end of a significant event or battle. In the context of 1 Kings 22, it marks the conclusion of the battle at Ramoth-gilead where King Ahab of Israel was mortally wounded. The setting sun often symbolizes the end of an era or the closing of a chapter, both literally and metaphorically. Biblically, the setting sun can also signify the end of a period of judgment or the completion of God's will, as seen in other passages like Joshua 10:13, where the sun stood still until Israel achieved victory.

the cry rang out in the army
This cry was a proclamation or command that spread throughout the troops. In ancient warfare, such cries were used to communicate orders or signal retreats. The cry here signifies a turning point, as the battle was lost with the death of Ahab. Historically, armies relied on vocal commands and trumpet signals to coordinate movements, especially in the chaos of battle. This cry would have been a clear indication to the soldiers that the campaign was over and they should return home.

“Every man to his own city,
This part of the cry instructed the soldiers to return to their respective cities. In the tribal confederation of Israel, soldiers were often drawn from various cities and regions. The call to return to one's city reflects the decentralized nature of Israel's military structure, where men were not professional soldiers but rather citizens called to arms. This phrase also echoes the dispersal of people after significant events, similar to the scattering of the disciples after Jesus' arrest (Mark 14:50).

and every man to his own land!”
The repetition of the command emphasizes the urgency and finality of the retreat. It underscores the personal responsibility of each soldier to return to his own land, highlighting the individual nature of the call. This phrase can be seen as a return to normalcy after the chaos of battle, akin to the Israelites returning to their inheritance after periods of conquest or exile. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of returning to one's inheritance or God-given place, as seen in the Jubilee laws (Leviticus 25:10).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ahab
The King of Israel who went into battle against the Arameans at Ramoth-gilead and was fatally wounded.

2. Jehoshaphat
The King of Judah who allied with Ahab in the battle against Aram.

3. Ramoth-gilead
The location of the battle where Ahab was killed.

4. The Arameans
The opposing army in the battle against Israel and Judah.

5. The Army of Israel
The forces that were commanded to retreat after Ahab's death.
Teaching Points
The Inevitability of God's Word
God's prophecies, as spoken through His prophets, will always come to pass. Ahab's death was foretold, and despite his attempts to disguise himself, God's word was fulfilled.

The Consequences of Disobedience
Ahab's life and reign were marked by disobedience to God, leading to his downfall. This serves as a warning that turning away from God leads to destruction.

The Importance of Godly Alliances
Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab, a king who did not follow God, led to negative consequences. Believers should seek alliances that honor God and His commandments.

The Call to Return
The cry for every man to return to his own city and land symbolizes a return to one's roots and responsibilities. It reminds believers to return to God and His purposes for their lives.

The Sovereignty of God in Battle
Despite human strategies and plans, God remains sovereign over the outcomes of battles and conflicts. Trust in God should be paramount over reliance on human strength.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 22:36?

2. How does 1 Kings 22:36 emphasize the finality of God's judgment on Ahab?

3. What lessons on obedience can we learn from Ahab's fate in this chapter?

4. How does this verse connect with God's warnings through prophets earlier in 1 Kings?

5. In what ways can we ensure we heed God's warnings in our lives?

6. How does the call to return home reflect God's sovereignty over human plans?

7. What is the significance of the proclamation in 1 Kings 22:36 for Israel's history?

8. How does 1 Kings 22:36 reflect God's sovereignty over Israel's kings?

9. What does 1 Kings 22:36 reveal about the consequences of disobedience to God?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 22?

11. Who were Josiah's sons?

12. Comparing 2 Chronicles 18 with 1 Kings 22, how can both accounts be inerrant if they present varying details about the same event?

13. In 1 Kings 22:19-23, how can a just and holy God send a 'lying spirit' to deceive Ahab's prophets?

14. In 1 Kings 22:20-22, does the idea of divine intervention through deceit conflict with other biblical teachings on truth?
What Does 1 Kings 22:36 Mean
As the Sun Was Setting

• The narrative marks the literal twilight of the battle—and of King Ahab’s life—underscoring how God’s judgment often becomes unmistakable when human strength fades (Psalm 104:19; Micah 7:8).

• Sunset also closes the window of opportunity for repentance that Ahab repeatedly ignored (1 Kings 21:25–29).

• Just as daylight ends predictably, so the prophecy spoken earlier by Micaiah moves toward sure fulfillment (1 Kings 22:28).


The Cry Rang Out in the Army

• One urgent shout ripples through thousands of soldiers, eclipsing the chaos of combat (Judges 7:21).

• God had promised He would “put the words” in Micaiah’s mouth (1 Kings 22:14–23); now the army speaks unwittingly in harmony with that divine word.

• The sudden order mirrors other moments when a single command shifts the course of history, such as the panic in the Aramean camp (2 Kings 7:6) or the trumpet call ending Joab’s pursuit (2 Samuel 2:28).


Every Man to His Own City

• The troops break ranks, abandoning the united front that Israel’s king had tried to muster, exactly as Micaiah foretold: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd” (1 Kings 22:17; cf. Zechariah 13:7).

• Personal survival becomes the priority; shared ambition dies with the leader (2 Samuel 18:16; 2 Chronicles 18:16).

• The phrase echoes earlier national fractures—“To your tents, O Israel!” (1 Kings 12:16)—showing a repeating pattern whenever kings reject God’s voice.


And Every Man to His Own Land!

• Retreat extends beyond the battlefield; men head not merely to nearby tents but all the way home, signaling a complete collapse of the campaign (2 Kings 14:12).

• The wording stresses total dispersion, hinting at future exiles when disobedience would scatter the nation even farther (Deuteronomy 28:64).

• Jesus later applies similar language to His disciples—“you will be scattered, each to his own home” (John 16:32)—reminding us that human loyalty falters without the Shepherd.


summary

1 Kings 22:36 records the exact moment prophecy meets history. As daylight fades, a divinely ordered shout dissolves Israel’s army, each soldier rushing back to his own life. The verse confirms God’s sovereign control over nations and battles, His faithfulness to His word, and the emptiness of alliances built on rebellion.

Verse 36. - And there went a proclamation throughout the host [Heb. And the shouting passed over in the camp. Gesenius will have it that רִנָּה must mean a "joyful cry," and would see the cause of joy in the cessation of hostilities and the permission to return home] about the going down of the sun [According to the chronicler (1 Kings 18:34), it was at sunset that the king died. It seems natural, therefore, to connect this shout with his death. But the approach of night would of itself put an end to the battle. It does not appear that Israel had been utterly defeated, or had suffered great loss. But "they had no master"], saying, Every man to his city, and every man to his own country [or land].

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As the sun
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ (haš·še·meš)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement

was setting,
כְּבֹ֥א (kə·ḇō)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the cry
הָרִנָּה֙ (hā·rin·nāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7440: A creaking, shout

rang out
וַיַּעֲבֹ֤ר (way·ya·‘ă·ḇōr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5674: To pass over, through, or by, pass on

in the army:
בַּֽמַּחֲנֶ֔ה (bam·ma·ḥă·neh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 4264: An encampment, an army

“Every man
אִ֥ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his own city,
עִיר֖וֹ (‘î·rōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

and every man
וְאִ֥ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

his own land!”
אַרְצֽוֹ׃ (’ar·ṣōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land


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OT History: 1 Kings 22:36 There went a cry throughout the army (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 22:35
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