1 Kings 20
In this chapter, we see a dramatic battle between Israel and Syria. King Ben-Hadad of Syria leads a coalition of nations to besiege Samaria, the capital of Israel, demanding submission. However, God intervenes on behalf of Ahab, the king of Israel, delivering the Syrians into his hands despite overwhelming odds. The chapter highlights God's power in delivering His people and punishing disobedience, as well as Ahab's failure to fully carry out God's judgment on Ben-Hadad, leading to a prophet's rebuke.
1 Kings 20:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Now Ben-Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his forces together; thirty-two kings were with him, with horses and chariots. And he went up and besieged Samaria, and made war against it.
2 Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, and said to him, “Thus says Ben-Hadad:
3 ‘Your silver and your gold are mine; your loveliest wives and children are mine.’”
4 And the king of Israel answered and said, “My lord, O king, just as you say, I and all that I have are yours.”
5 Then the messengers came back and said, “Thus speaks Ben-Hadad, saying, ‘Indeed I have sent to you, saying, “You shall deliver to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children”’”
Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, leads a massive army against Israel, consisting of thirty-two kings. He threatens Ahab, demanding not only his wealth but also his wives and children, a clear sign of dominance and control. Ahab, overwhelmed and feeling powerless, initially submits to Ben-Hadad’s demands, calling him “my lord.” However, Ben-Hadad’s subsequent insistence on stripping Israel of even more shows his arrogance and desire for absolute power over Israel, setting the stage for God’s intervention.
1 Kings 20:6 (NKJV)
6 but I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house and the houses of your servants. And it shall be, that whatever is pleasant in your eyes, they will put it in their hands and take it.’”
Ben-Hadad escalates his demands, now insisting that his servants be allowed to enter Ahab’s palace and the homes of his officials to take whatever valuables they find pleasing. This goes beyond mere tribute to an invasion of personal property, showing Ben-Hadad’s utter contempt for Israel and pushing Ahab to his breaking point.
1 Kings 20:7-9 (NKJV)
7 So the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, “Notice, please, and see how this man seeks trouble, for he sent to me for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold; and I did not deny him.”
8 And all the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen or consent.”
9 Therefore he said to the messengers of Ben-Hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” And the messengers departed and brought back word to him.
Ahab seeks counsel from Israel’s elders and recognizes Ben-Hadad’s aggressive intentions. He explains how he initially agreed to the demands but now sees that Ben-Hadad is after more than tribute—he seeks total humiliation and destruction. Encouraged by the elders, Ahab stands up to Ben-Hadad by refusing to submit further. This marks a shift in Ahab’s attitude, from submission to defiance, though it is more from pressure than from faith in God.
1 Kings 20:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Then Ben-Hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me, and more also, if enough dust is left of Samaria for a handful for each of the people who follow me.”
11 So the king of Israel answered and said, “Tell him, ‘Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.’”
12 And it happened when Ben-Hadad heard this message, as he and the kings were drinking at the command post, that he said to his servants, “Get ready.” And they got ready to attack the city.
Ben-Hadad responds with arrogance, vowing to utterly destroy Samaria, reducing it to rubble that wouldn't even provide dust for his followers. Ahab replies with a sharp proverb, essentially warning Ben-Hadad not to boast before victory is assured. This exchange highlights the contrast between Ben-Hadad’s drunken overconfidence and Ahab’s growing resolve. Ben-Hadad, angered by the defiance, orders his forces to prepare for battle, revealing his recklessness and disregard for strategic caution.
1 Kings 20:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’”
14 So Ahab said, “By whom?” And he said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘By the young leaders of the provinces.’” Then he said, “Who will set the battle in order?” And he answered, “You.”
15 Then he mustered the young leaders of the provinces, and there were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he mustered all the people, all the children of Israel—seven thousand.
Despite Ahab’s lack of faith, God sends a prophet to assure him of victory over the massive Syrian army. God’s purpose is clear: Ahab and Israel will know that the Lord is the true God. The prophet reveals that a small, unlikely force—the young leaders of the provinces—will lead the charge, and Ahab himself is responsible for organizing the battle. This shows God’s power to deliver Israel, not through military might, but by His divine intervention and the obedience of a small group.
1 Kings 20:16-17 (NKJV)
16 So they went out at noon. Meanwhile Ben-Hadad and the thirty-two kings helping him were getting drunk at the command post.
17 The young leaders of the provinces went out first. And Ben-Hadad sent out a patrol, and they told him, saying, “Men are coming out of Samaria!”
Ben-Hadad and his allies, showing overconfidence, are drinking and unprepared for battle. The young leaders of the provinces, chosen by God to lead Israel’s forces, march out at noon, catching the Syrians off guard. Ben-Hadad’s scouts report the movement, but his drunken state renders him slow to act. This highlights the contrast between Ben-Hadad’s arrogance and the discipline of Ahab’s forces.
1 Kings 20:18-21 (NKJV)
18 So he said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; and if they have come out for war, take them alive.”
19 Then these young leaders of the provinces went out of the city with the army which followed them.
20 And each one killed his man; so the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them. And Ben-Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the cavalry.
21 Then the king of Israel went out and attacked the horses and chariots, and killed the Syrians with a great slaughter.
Ben-Hadad, still underestimating Israel’s forces, orders that the men be taken alive, whether for peace or war. This further shows his arrogance, as he does not prepare for the possibility of defeat. The young leaders, empowered by God, lead the charge, killing the Syrian soldiers and causing the enemy to flee in panic. Ben-Hadad narrowly escapes, but Israel's forces pursue the Syrians, destroying their cavalry and chariots in a massive victory. God's promise of victory is fulfilled as Ahab's army achieves a decisive win.
1 Kings 20:22 (NKJV)
22 And the prophet came to the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself; take note, and see what you should do, for in the spring of the year the king of Syria will come up against you.”
After the victory, the prophet warns Ahab to prepare for another battle. The Syrians, though defeated, will return the following spring. This verse highlights God’s continued guidance and provision for Israel, but also emphasizes the need for Ahab to act wisely and strengthen his defenses. Despite the initial victory, the war is not yet over, and Israel must be ready for future conflict.
1 Kings 20:23-25 (NKJV)
23 Then the servants of the king of Syria said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. Therefore they were stronger than we; but if we fight against them in the plain, surely we will be stronger than they.
24 So do this: Dismiss the kings, each from his position, and put captains in their places;
25 and you shall muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain; surely we will be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so.
Ben-Hadad's advisors suggest that Israel’s victory was due to their gods being "gods of the hills." They propose fighting Israel on the plains, where they believe their own gods would be stronger. Additionally, they recommend replacing the kings with military commanders for better organization. Ben-Hadad follows this advice and begins rebuilding his army. This reveals the Syrians’ misunderstanding of Israel's God, thinking He is limited by geography, and sets the stage for another confrontation where God's sovereignty will be further demonstrated.
1 Kings 20:26-27 (NKJV)
26 So it was, in the spring of the year, that Ben-Hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.
27 And the children of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and they went against them. Now the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the countryside.
In the spring, as the prophet predicted, Ben-Hadad leads his army to Aphek for another battle against Israel. The Israelites, though greatly outnumbered, are prepared and face the Syrians in a vastly unequal battle. Israel’s forces are described as "two little flocks of goats," emphasizing their small size compared to the vast Syrian army. Despite the overwhelming odds, the narrative sets the stage for another miraculous intervention by God on behalf of His people.
1 Kings 20:28 (NKJV)
28 Then a man of God came and spoke to the king of Israel, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys,” therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’”
God sends another prophet to declare His judgment on the Syrians for their belief that He is only a "God of the hills." To prove His sovereignty over all the earth, God promises to deliver the vast Syrian army into Israel’s hands once again. This verse emphasizes that God’s power is not limited by geography or human understanding. The victory that follows will serve as a testament to the Lord’s universal dominion.
1 Kings 20:29-30 (NKJV)
29 And they encamped opposite each other for seven days. So it was, that on the seventh day the battle was joined; and the children of Israel killed one hundred thousand foot soldiers of the Syrians in one day.
30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; then a wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the men who were left. And Ben-Hadad fled and went into the city, into an inner chamber.
After a seven-day standoff, the battle erupts, and Israel, though vastly outnumbered, miraculously slaughters 100,000 Syrian soldiers in a single day. The rest of the Syrian army retreats to the city of Aphek, where an unexpected disaster occurs—a wall collapses, killing another 27,000 soldiers. This act of divine intervention demonstrates God's power in securing Israel's victory. Ben-Hadad, once again escaping defeat, flees to hide in an inner chamber, further highlighting his desperation and the complete defeat of his forces.
1 Kings 20:31-32 (NKJV)
31 Then his servants said to him, “Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Please, let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads, and go out to the king of Israel; perhaps he will spare your life.”
32 So they wore sackcloth around their waists and put ropes around their heads, and came to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-Hadad says, ‘Please let me live.’” And he said, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”
Ben-Hadad’s servants advise him to humble himself before Ahab, knowing that Israelite kings had a reputation for mercy. They dress in sackcloth and ropes, a symbol of surrender, and plead for Ben-Hadad’s life. When they approach Ahab, he surprisingly refers to Ben-Hadad as “my brother,” showing an unexpected willingness to extend mercy to his enemy. This marks a turning point, where Ahab’s leniency contrasts with the severity of God’s judgment against the Syrians.
1 Kings 20:33-34 (NKJV)
33 Now the men were watching closely to see whether any sign of mercy would come from him; and they quickly grasped at this word and said, “Your brother Ben-Hadad.” So he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-Hadad came out to him; and he had him come up into the chariot.
34 So Ben-Hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore; and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will send you away with this treaty.” So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.
Ben-Hadad’s servants, seizing on Ahab’s unexpected words, quickly reinforce the idea of brotherhood between the two kings. Ahab allows Ben-Hadad into his chariot, signifying peace and reconciliation. In exchange, Ben-Hadad promises to return cities taken by his father and to allow Israel to set up trade in Damascus. Ahab, enticed by the potential benefits, agrees to a treaty, letting Ben-Hadad go free. This act of diplomacy, however, goes against God’s will, as Ben-Hadad was an enemy whom God had intended to destroy.
1 Kings 20:35-36 (NKJV)
35 Now a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor by the word of the Lord, “Strike me, please.” And the man refused to strike him.
36 Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, surely, as soon as you depart from me, a lion shall kill you.” And as soon as he left him, a lion found him and killed him.
A prophet, following God’s instructions, asks a man to strike him as part of a symbolic act. When the man refuses, he disobeys God’s command and is killed by a lion. This severe consequence demonstrates the seriousness of disobedience to God’s word. The prophet’s actions serve to set up a dramatic lesson for Ahab, illustrating how failure to follow God’s commands can lead to grave consequences.
1 Kings 20:37-38 (NKJV)
37 And he found another man, and said, “Strike me, please.” So the man struck him, inflicting a wound.
38 Then the prophet departed and waited for the king by the road, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.
The prophet successfully finds another man who complies with his request to be struck, creating the wound needed for his disguise. He then waits along the road in disguise, planning to confront King Ahab. This scenario is part of the prophet’s mission to deliver a message of judgment to Ahab, using a parable-like approach to expose the king’s mistake in sparing Ben-Hadad.
1 Kings 20:39-40 (NKJV)
39 Now as the king passed by, he cried out to the king and said, “Your servant went out into the midst of the battle; and there, a man came over and brought a man to me, and said, ‘Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.’
40 While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” Then the king of Israel said to him, “So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.”
A prophet, disguised as a wounded soldier, presents a parable to King Ahab after Ahab has spared Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, against God’s instructions. The prophet tells Ahab that he was assigned to guard a prisoner, with the condition that if the prisoner escaped, he would pay with his life or a heavy fine. When he admits the prisoner escaped due to his own negligence, Ahab quickly judges him, saying he must bear the consequences. The prophet then reveals that this story is a metaphor for Ahab’s disobedience in sparing Ben-Hadad, signaling that Ahab would face God’s judgment for letting the enemy king go free instead of fulfilling God’s command.
1 Kings 20:41-42 (NKJV)
41 And he hastened to take the bandage away from his eyes; and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.
42 Then he said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.’”
The prophet reveals his true identity and delivers God’s message to Ahab. By sparing Ben-Hadad, a man whom God had appointed for destruction, Ahab has sealed his own fate. The prophet declares that Ahab’s life will be taken in exchange for Ben-Hadad’s, and his people will suffer for his disobedience. This message underscores the seriousness of Ahab’s failure to carry out God’s judgment.
1 Kings 20:43 (NKJV)
43 So the king of Israel went to his house sullen and displeased, and came to Samaria.
Ahab returns home in a state of frustration and anger, fully aware of the consequences of his actions. His mood reflects his disappointment in the outcome of his decisions, and the chapter closes with Ahab’s growing awareness of his impending judgment. This sets the stage for the further unraveling of Ahab’s reign, as his disobedience to God’s commands continues to bring trouble upon Israel.