Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 22:34
Verse 34. Drew a bow at a venture] It is supposed that he shot, as the archers in general did, not aiming at any person in particular. The word wmtl lethummo, which we translate in his simplicity, has been variously understood; in his integrity, his uprightness; in his perfection; i.e., to the utmost of his skill and strength. This is most probably the meaning; and may imply both aim and power, having his butt full in view.
In cases where the archers wished to do the greatest execution, they bent their bows, and pulled till the subtending string drew back the arrow up to its head. This they could not do always, because it required their whole strength; and they could not put forth their utmost effort each time and continue to discharge many shots. Our old national ballad of the Chevy-chace mentions the slaying of Sir Hugh Montgomery, who had slain Earl Percy, in nearly the same way that Ahab appears to have been shot:- "And thus did both these nobles die, Whose courage none could stain: An English archer then perceived His noble lord was slain, Who had a bow bent in his hand Made of a trusty tree; An arrow, of a cloth-yard long, Up to the head drew he; Against Sir Hugh Montgomery then So right his shaft he set, The gray goose wing that was thereon In his heart's blood was wet." Between the joints of the harness] "Between the cuirass and the lower part of the helmet;" and then the arrow must pass through the neck, just above the breast: or "between the cuirass and the cuissarts;" and then the arrow must pass through the abdomen, or just where the armour of the thighs joins to that which covers the breast and belly.
The Vulgate has Inter pulmonem et stomachum; "Between the lungs and the stomach;" consequently, in the region of the heart.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 34. And a certain man drew a bow at a venture , etc.] Not aiming at the king of Israel, or knowing whereabout he was. In the Targum on ( Chronicles 18:33), this man is said to be Naaman, the general of the army of the king of Syria, and so Jarchi here; but though he did this in his simplicity, as the word signifies, without any intention to smite any particular person; yet God directed the arrow to the man he had marked for destruction, and neither his disguise, nor coat of mail, could secure from that: and smote the king of Israel between the joints of the harness : of which the pieces of armour on him were joined together, the higher and lower parts of it, the breastplate, and what covered the belly; and though these were joined as close as they were capable of joining them in those times, yet the arrow, guided by divine Providence, found its way into his body: wherefore he said unto the driver of his chariot, turn thine hand ; or hands, with which he held the reins, and turn the horses on one side: and carry me out of the host ; where the battle was hottest, to a place more remote and private, that he might have the wound examined, and the blood stopped, and return again, as it seems he did: for I am wounded ; or rather “I am sick” f462 , or ill, as the Targum; somewhat out of order, and therefore chose to retire a little while; not caring it should be known that he was smitten and wounded, lest his soldiers should be disheartened.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 29-40 - Ahab basely intended to betray Johoshaphat to danger, that he migh secure himself. See what they get that join with wicked men. How can it be expected that he should be true to his friend, who has been false to his God! He had said in compliment to Ahab, I am as thou art, and no he was indeed taken for him. Those that associate with evil-doers, ar in danger of sharing in their plagues. By Jehoshaphat's deliverance God let him know, that though he was displeased with him, yet he ha not deserted him. God is a friend that will not fail us when othe friends do. Let no man think to hide himself from God's judgment. God directed the arrow to hit Ahab; those cannot escape with life, whom God has doomed to death. Ahab lived long enough to see part of Micaiah' prophecy accomplished. He had time to feel himself die; with what horror must he have thought upon the wickedness he had committed!
Original Hebrew
ואישׁ 376 משׁך 4900 בקשׁת 7198 לתמו 8537 ויכה 5221 את 853 מלך 4428 ישׂראל 3478 בין 996 הדבקים 1694 ובין 996 השׁרין 8302 ויאמר 559 לרכבו 7395 הפך 2015 ידך 3027 והוציאני 3318 מן 4480 המחנה 4264 כי 3588 החליתי׃ 2470
