Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it. Now Ben-hadad king of AramThe name "Ben-hadad" means "son of Hadad," with Hadad being a storm and fertility god worshiped in ancient Aram, which is modern-day Syria. This highlights the polytheistic culture surrounding Israel, contrasting with the monotheistic worship of Yahweh. Historically, Aram was a significant power in the region, often in conflict with Israel. The mention of Ben-hadad as king underscores the political and military threat posed to Israel, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict. assembled his entire army
The phrase indicates a comprehensive mobilization of military resources, suggesting the seriousness of the threat. In ancient Near Eastern warfare, assembling an entire army was a significant undertaking, often involving conscription and the gathering of resources. This reflects the determination of Ben-hadad to exert dominance over Israel, a common theme in the historical conflicts between these nations. Thirty-two kings were with him
This phrase suggests a coalition of smaller city-states or territories allied with Aram. In the ancient Near East, such alliances were common, as smaller kings would often align with a more powerful ruler for mutual benefit or under duress. This coalition amplifies the threat to Israel, emphasizing the overwhelming odds faced by the Israelites and setting the stage for divine intervention. along with horses and chariots
Horses and chariots were symbols of military might and technological advancement in ancient warfare. The presence of these indicates a well-equipped and formidable force. In biblical literature, chariots often symbolize human strength and reliance on military power, contrasting with the biblical theme of reliance on God for deliverance and victory. He marched up, besieged Samaria
The act of marching up and besieging indicates a strategic military maneuver. Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was a fortified city, and besieging it would have been a significant military operation. This highlights the gravity of the situation for Israel, as the capital's fall would mean a severe blow to the nation's stability and security. and fought against it
This phrase underscores the active conflict and aggression faced by Israel. The historical context of frequent battles between Israel and its neighbors is evident here. Theologically, such conflicts often serve as a backdrop for demonstrating God's power and faithfulness to His people, even when they face overwhelming odds. This sets the stage for the narrative of divine intervention and the testing of faith and leadership in Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ben-hadadThe king of Aram (Syria), who is leading a coalition of kings against Israel. His name means "son of Hadad," a storm god worshiped in the region. 2. AramA region often in conflict with Israel, located in present-day Syria. Aram was a significant power in the ancient Near East. 3. Thirty-two KingsThese are likely vassal kings or regional leaders allied with Ben-hadad, indicating a formidable coalition against Israel. 4. SamariaThe capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri. It is the focal point of Ben-hadad's siege. 5. Siege and BattleThe military action taken by Ben-hadad and his allies against Samaria, indicating a significant threat to Israel's security. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in ConflictDespite the formidable alliance against Israel, God remains sovereign. Believers can trust in God's ultimate control over nations and conflicts. The Reality of Spiritual WarfareJust as Israel faced physical battles, Christians face spiritual battles. Ephesians 6 reminds us to put on the full armor of God. The Importance of FaithfulnessIsrael's struggles often stemmed from unfaithfulness to God. This serves as a reminder to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands. Community and LeadershipThe coalition of kings against Israel highlights the importance of strong, godly leadership and community unity in facing external threats. Prayer and Dependence on GodIn times of siege or overwhelming odds, turning to God in prayer and dependence is crucial, as demonstrated by many biblical figures. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the coalition led by Ben-hadad reflect the challenges faced by believers today in a world often opposed to Christian values? 2. In what ways can the siege of Samaria serve as a metaphor for spiritual battles in our own lives? 3. How does the recurring conflict between Aram and Israel illustrate the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God? 4. What lessons can we learn from the leadership of Israel during this time, and how can they be applied to leadership within the church today? 5. How can we apply the principles of prayer and reliance on God, as seen in other biblical accounts of sieges, to our personal and communal challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 6-7These chapters describe another siege of Samaria by the Arameans, showing a pattern of conflict between Aram and Israel. Isaiah 7The alliance of kings against Israel is reminiscent of the coalition against Judah during the reign of Ahaz, highlighting the recurring theme of foreign threats. Psalm 2The gathering of kings against God's people can be seen as a fulfillment of the psalmist's depiction of nations conspiring against the Lord and His anointed. People Ahab, Aram, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Hadad, Israelites, SyriansPlaces Aphek, Damascus, Samaria, SyriaTopics Accompanied, Aram, Army, Assembled, Attacked, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Ben-ha'dad, Besieged, Carriages, Chariot, Chariots, Collected, Entire, Fighteth, Force, Fought, Gathered, Got, Hadad, Horse, Horses, Host, Kings, Layeth, Mustered, Samaria, Sama'ria, Shutting, Siege, Syria, Thirty, Thirty-two, War, WarredDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 20:1 4657 horse
5214 attack
5252 chariots
5529 sieges
7233 Israel, northern kingdom
8728 enemies, of Israel and Judah 1 Kings 20:1-6 4333 gold Library The Lost Opportunity
TEXT: "And as thy servant was busy here and there, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him, So shall thy judgment be; thyself hast decided it."--1 Kings 20:40. There is a very striking incident connected with this text. The great battle is raging, a certain important prisoner has been taken, and if you read between the lines you seem to know that upon him depend many of the issues of war. His skill in leading the enemy had been marvelous, his courage in the thick of the fight striking; …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas IscariotPutting on the Armour
And the king of Israel answered and said. Tell him. Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.'--1 KINGS xx. 11. For the Young. Ahab, King of Israel, was but a poor creature, and, like most weak characters, he turned out a wicked one, because he found that there were more temptations to do wrong than inducements to do right. Like other weak people, too, he was torn asunder by the influence of stronger wills. On the one side he had a termagant of a wife, stirring …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress.
(Labbe and Cossart, Concilia, Tom. VII., col. 577.) To our most religious and most serene princes, Constantine and Irene his mother. Tarasius, the unworthy bishop of your God-protected royal city, new Rome, and all the holy Council which met at the good pleasure of God and upon the command of your Christ-loving majesty in the renowned metropolis of Nice, the second council to assemble in this city. Christ our God (who is the head of the Church) was glorified, most noble princes, when your heart, …
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils Nature of the Renderings
From the text we now turn to the renderings, and to the general principles that were followed, both in the Old and in the New Testament. The revision of the English text was in each case subject to the same general rule, viz. "To introduce as few alterations as possible into the Text of the Authorised Version consistently with faithfulness"; but, owing to the great difference between the two languages, the Hebrew and the Greek, the application of the rule was necessarily different, and the results …
C. J. Ellicott—Addresses on the Revised Version of Holy Scripture The Practice of Piety in Glorifying God in the Time of Sickness, and when Thou Art Called to Die in the Lord.
As soon as thou perceivest thyself to be visited with any sickness, meditate with thyself: 1. That "misery cometh not forth of the dust; neither doth affliction spring out of the earth." Sickness comes not by hap or chance (as the Philistines supposed that their mice and emrods came, 1 Sam. vi. 9), but from man's wickedness, which, as sparkles, breaketh out. "Man suffereth," saith Jeremiah, "for his sins." "Fools," saith David, "by reason of their transgressions, and because of their iniquities, …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Twelve Minor Prophets.
1. By the Jewish arrangement, which places together the twelve minor prophets in a single volume, the chronological order of the prophets as a whole is broken up. The three greater prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, stand in the true order of time. Daniel began to prophesy before Ezekiel, but continued, many years after him. The Jewish arrangement of the twelve minor prophets is in a sense chronological; that is, they put the earlier prophets at the beginning, and the later at the end of the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 20:1 NIV1 Kings 20:1 NLT1 Kings 20:1 ESV1 Kings 20:1 NASB1 Kings 20:1 KJV
1 Kings 20:1 Commentaries
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