1 Kings 20:13
Meanwhile a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and declared, "This is what the LORD says: 'Do you see this entire great army? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this very day, and you will know that I am the LORD.'"
Meanwhile a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel
The phrase "Meanwhile a prophet" introduces an unnamed prophet, emphasizing the role of God's messengers in delivering His word. Prophets in Israel were often seen as the mouthpiece of God, bringing divine messages to kings and the people. The Hebrew term for prophet, "navi," suggests one who is called or appointed to speak on behalf of God. This highlights the importance of divine communication in guiding Israel's leaders. Ahab, as the king of Israel, was often confronted by prophets due to his waywardness and idolatry, particularly his worship of Baal, influenced by his wife Jezebel. The approach of a prophet signifies a divine intervention in the affairs of the nation, reminding Ahab of the true God of Israel.

and declared, 'This is what the LORD says
The phrase "and declared" indicates the authoritative nature of the prophet's message. The Hebrew word "amar" is used here, which means to say or declare, often used in the context of divine speech. "This is what the LORD says" is a formulaic introduction to a prophetic oracle, underscoring that the message is not of human origin but from Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The use of "LORD" in all caps in the BSB signifies the translation of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH, the personal name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. This introduction serves to remind Ahab of the authority and sovereignty of God over Israel and its affairs.

Do you see this vast army?
The question "Do you see this vast army?" draws attention to the overwhelming military force arrayed against Israel. The Hebrew word for "vast" is "rav," which can mean great, numerous, or mighty, emphasizing the formidable nature of the enemy. This rhetorical question serves to highlight the apparent impossibility of victory from a human perspective, setting the stage for a demonstration of divine power. Historically, Israel was often outnumbered by its enemies, and this scenario would have been a test of faith for Ahab and the nation. The question challenges Ahab to look beyond the physical reality to the spiritual truth of God's promise and power.

Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today
The word "Behold" is a call to attention, urging Ahab to focus on the promise that follows. The Hebrew word "hinneh" is often used to introduce something significant or surprising. "I will deliver it into your hand" is a promise of divine intervention and victory. The verb "deliver" in Hebrew is "nathan," meaning to give or grant, indicating that the victory is a gift from God, not earned by human effort. The phrase "into your hand" signifies complete control or possession, assuring Ahab of total victory. The addition of "today" emphasizes the immediacy and certainty of God's promise, encouraging Ahab to trust in God's timing and power.

and you will know that I am the LORD
The phrase "and you will know" points to the purpose of the divine intervention: to reveal God's identity and power. The Hebrew word "yada" means to know, recognize, or acknowledge, suggesting a deep, experiential understanding. "That I am the LORD" reiterates the covenant name of God, YHWH, reminding Ahab of God's unique relationship with Israel. This statement underscores the theme of divine revelation throughout the Bible, where God's actions in history are meant to lead His people to a greater understanding and acknowledgment of His sovereignty and faithfulness. The ultimate goal of this victory is not just military success but spiritual awakening and recognition of the true God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ahab
The king of Israel, known for his idolatry and being influenced by his wife Jezebel. Despite his unfaithfulness, God still reaches out to him through a prophet.

2. Prophet
An unnamed prophet who delivers God's message to Ahab. Prophets were God's messengers, often bringing words of warning or encouragement.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who demonstrates His sovereignty and power through the promise of victory over the enemy.

4. Vast Army
Refers to the Syrian army led by Ben-Hadad, which was threatening Israel. This army represents a formidable challenge that Israel faces.

5. Israel
The northern kingdom, often led astray by its kings, yet still under God's watchful eye and care.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Despite Ahab's unfaithfulness, God remains sovereign and chooses to act for His purposes. This reminds us that God's plans are not thwarted by human failure.

Divine Intervention
God intervenes in seemingly impossible situations to reveal His power and glory. We should trust in God's ability to deliver us from our own "vast armies."

Recognition of God
The purpose of God's deliverance is that Ahab and Israel would know that He is the LORD. Our experiences of God's deliverance should lead us to a deeper recognition and acknowledgment of His lordship in our lives.

Prophetic Voice
God often uses His prophets to communicate His will. We should be attentive to God's word, whether through Scripture or godly counsel, and be ready to respond in faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does God's promise to Ahab in 1 Kings 20:13 demonstrate His grace, and how can we see God's grace in our own lives despite our shortcomings?

2. In what ways does the account of Ahab's victory over the Syrian army encourage us to trust God in our battles today?

3. How can we discern and respond to the "prophetic voices" in our lives that guide us according to God's will?

4. What are some "vast armies" or challenges you are facing, and how can you apply the truth of God's sovereignty and deliverance to these situations?

5. How does recognizing God's interventions in our lives lead us to a deeper relationship with Him, and what steps can we take to ensure we acknowledge His lordship daily?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 14:13-14
Similar to God's promise to deliver Israel from the Egyptians, this passage shows God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people from overwhelming odds.

Judges 7:2-7
Gideon's victory over the Midianites with a small army highlights God's ability to save not by human strength but by His power.

Isaiah 37:36
The defeat of the Assyrian army by the angel of the Lord demonstrates God's sovereignty over nations and His protection of His people.
Veiled MerciesJ. Urquhart 1 Kings 20:1-21
The Hand of GodJ.A. Macdonald 1 Kings 20:12-21
People
Ahab, Aram, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Hadad, Israelites, Syrians
Places
Aphek, Damascus, Samaria, Syria
Topics
Ahab, Announced, Approached, Army, Behold, Deliver, Drew, Giving, Hands, Hast, Multitude, Nigh, Prophet, Saying, Says, Thus, To-day, Vast
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Kings 20:13

     5029   knowledge, of God
     7773   prophets, role
     8105   assurance, basis of

1 Kings 20:13-21

     1429   prophecy, OT fulfilment

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 Iscariot

Putting 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

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