Old Testament
1 Kings 22:36
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
As the day came to an end, a loud call echoed through the ranks of the soldiers.
- Author
- Author unknown; possibly Jeremiah
- Written
- Around 560 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Exiled Israelites in Babylon
As the sun went down, a cry spread through the army: "Every man back to his own city! Every man back to his own land!"
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
As the day came to an end, a loud call echoed through the ranks of the soldiers. They were instructed to return to their homes and lands. This moment marked a significant turning point, as the battle had not gone as planned. The soldiers, realizing the futility of continuing, were sent back to their cities. It was a time of retreat, reflecting on the events that had unfolded. The cry for retreat symbolizes the end of a struggle and the need for reflection. Each soldier was reminded of their roots and responsibilities back home. This moment serves as a reminder that sometimes, stepping back is necessary for personal growth and understanding. It emphasizes the importance of knowing when to leave a situation that is no longer beneficial or safe. In life, we often face moments where we must choose to return to what truly matters to us, just as these soldiers did when they heard the call to go home. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of home and community in our lives.
Related Bible verses
How to apply 1 Kings 22:36 to your life
When faced with overwhelming challenges, consider taking a step back. Reflect on what truly matters in your life and prioritize your well-being. Just like the soldiers, sometimes returning to your roots can provide clarity and strength for future battles. Embrace the importance of home and community in your journey forward. Remember, it's okay to pause and regroup when needed. “Every man back to his own city!” can be a call to your heart.
Curated for this public verse page. 1 Kings Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does 1 Kings 22:36 mean in context?
In 1 Kings 22:36, the proclamation for soldiers to return home signifies a turning point in the battle. It reflects the realization of defeat and the need for retreat. This moment emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to step back from a situation that is no longer advantageous, allowing for reflection and regrouping.
Why did the soldiers retreat in 1 Kings 22:36?
The soldiers retreated because the battle had not gone as planned, and continuing would have been futile. The cry to return to their cities symbolizes a necessary withdrawal from conflict, highlighting the importance of recognizing one's limits and the need for self-preservation.
How can 1 Kings 22:36 apply to modern life?
1 Kings 22:36 teaches us the value of knowing when to retreat from overwhelming challenges. In our lives, we may face situations where stepping back is essential for personal growth. This verse encourages us to prioritize our well-being and return to our roots and communities when necessary.
What themes are present in 1 Kings 22:36?
The themes in 1 Kings 22:36 include retreat, homecoming, reflection, responsibility, and community. These themes remind us of the importance of recognizing when to withdraw from conflict and the significance of returning to what truly matters in our lives.

The Book of 1 Kings
1 Kings 1: Solomon Becomes King
As King David is old and frail, his fourth son, Adonijah, makes a bid for the throne. He gathers the support of Joab, David's long-time military commander, and Abiathar the priest, and begins to act as king, complete with a royal procession. However, he does not invite the prophet Nathan, the priest Zadok, Benaiah (the captain of David's personal guard), or his own half-brother, Solomon.
Unlock the full 1 Kings summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of 1 Kings — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 22 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of 1 Kings summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.