And do this thing, Take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their rooms:

And do this thing: take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their room;

Do thou therefore this thing: Remove all the kings from thy army, and put captains in their stead:

And do this: take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put governors in their stead;

'And this thing do thou: turn aside the kings each out of his place, and set captains in their stead;

This is what you have to do: take away the kings from their positions, and put captains in their places;

And do this thing: take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put governors in their room:

Therefore, you should do this word: Remove each of the kings from your army, and set commanders in their place.

The Syrian chiefs evidently thought that want of unity had weakened their army. They therefore proposed the deposition of the kings, and the substitution, in their place, of Syrian governors: not "captains." The term used always denotes a civil office.

Take the kings away - These were not acquainted with military affairs, or they had not competent skill. Put experienced captains in their place, and fight not but on the plains, and you will be sure of victory.

And do this thing,.... Also take this further piece of advice:
take the kings away, every man out of his place: for being brought up delicately, they were not inured to war, nor expert in the art of it; and being addicted to pleasure, gave themselves to that, and drew the king into it, which they observed was the case before, though they did not care to mention it; and if they were tributaries or allies, they would not fight as men do for their own country:
and put captains in their rooms; of his own people, men of skill and courage, and who would fight both for their own honour, and for the good of their country.

Take the kings away - Who being of softer education, and less experienced in military matters, were less fit for service; and being many of them but mercenaries, and therefore less concerned in his good success, would be more cautions in venturing themselves. Captains - That is, experienced soldiers of his own subjects, who would faithfully obey the commands of the general (to which the kings would not so readily yield) and use their utmost skill and valour for their own interest and advancement.