Keraia
1 Kings 20

1 Kings 20:25

Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad · 1 Kings 20:13–25
Read 1 Kings 20

Translations

Modern
And you must raise an army like the one you have lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly.
Traditional
And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so.
Literal
…and you shall muster to you an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. And we will fight against them in the plain. Will we not surely be stronger than they?” And he listened to their voice and did so.
Latin
…et instaura numerum militum qui ceciderunt de tuis, et equos secundum equos pristinos, et currus secundum currus quos ante habuisti: et pugnabimus contra eos in campestribus, et videbis quod obtinebimus eos. Credidit consilio eorum, et fecit ita.

Original

Hebrew
English
And you must raise an army like the one you have lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly.

Notes

1 Kings 20:24–25

Ben-hadad's commanders believed they could easily defeat Israel on the plains with their skilled leaders and superior troops and equipment.

1 Kings 20:13–34

Two separate battles took place, one in Samaria (1 Kings 20:13–25) and another at Aphek (1 Kings 20:26–34). The writer shared similar details for both:

  1. advice before the battle (1 Kings 20:13–14, 23–25),

  2. conditions before the battle (1 Kings 20:15–16, 26–28),

  3. Israel's victory despite being outnumbered (1 Kings 20:17–21, 29–30), and

  4. advice after the battle (1 Kings 20:22, 31).

Theme notes and profiles

Ahab Arameans Jezebel

Glossary

Ahab (King) Gilead (Place) Kings, Books of First and Second Samaria

Topics

Chariot for War Chariots for War: Advantageously Manoeuvred in a Flat Country Chariots for War: Formed Part of the Line of Battle Chariots: Carriages Used in War Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Captivity, Famine, and Judgments Prophecy: Miscellaneous, Fulfilled: Destruction of Ben-Hadad's Army Syria: Inhabitants of a Warlike People Syria: The Israelites: Forewarned of Invasion By, at the Return of the Year