1 Kings 20:25

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.

Study Bible

And you must raise an army
The phrase "raise an army" in the Hebrew context implies a strategic and deliberate effort to gather and organize military forces. Historically, this reflects the common practice of ancient Near Eastern kings who would muster troops for battle. The Hebrew root for "raise" (קוּם, qum) suggests an act of establishing or setting up, indicating a proactive stance in preparing for warfare. This highlights the determination and resilience required in leadership, a call to action that resonates with the Christian call to spiritual readiness and perseverance.

like the one you have lost
This phrase acknowledges a previous defeat, emphasizing the need for restoration and recovery. The historical context here is crucial, as it refers to the earlier battle where the Arameans were defeated by the Israelites. Theologically, this can be seen as a reminder of human frailty and the need for divine guidance. The loss serves as a humbling experience, urging reliance on God rather than solely on human strength or numbers.

horse for horse and chariot for chariot
In ancient warfare, horses and chariots were symbols of military might and technological advancement. The repetition of "horse for horse and chariot for chariot" underscores the importance of matching the enemy's strength. The Hebrew word for "chariot" (רֶכֶב, rekeb) often signifies power and speed. This reflects the biblical theme of trusting in God rather than in military power, as seen in Psalm 20:7, "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."

so we can fight the Israelites on the plain
The choice of the "plain" as the battlefield is strategic, as plains were ideal for chariot warfare. This decision reveals the Arameans' belief that they could leverage their military assets more effectively on flat terrain. Historically, this reflects the tactical considerations of ancient battles. Spiritually, it serves as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers must choose their battles wisely and rely on God's wisdom in facing challenges.

where we will surely prevail over them
The confidence expressed in "surely prevail" is rooted in human arrogance and overconfidence. The Hebrew word for "prevail" (יָכֹל, yakol) implies an ability or power to overcome. This reflects a common biblical theme where human pride precedes a fall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." It serves as a cautionary reminder to place trust in God rather than in human strength or strategy.

And he listened to their advice and did so
The king's decision to heed the advice of his counselors highlights the influence of counsel in leadership. The Hebrew root for "listened" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing but obeying or acting upon advice. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking wise counsel, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." However, it also warns of the danger of following ungodly counsel, emphasizing the need for discernment and alignment with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ben-Hadad
The king of Aram (Syria) who seeks to rebuild his army after a defeat by the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The people of Israel, led by King Ahab during this period, who are the opponents of Ben-Hadad.

3. The Plains
The geographical setting where Ben-Hadad believes he can defeat the Israelites, contrasting with the hills where he previously lost.

4. Advisors of Ben-Hadad
They counsel him to fight the Israelites on the plains, believing that the gods of Israel are gods of the hills.

5. King Ahab
The king of Israel at the time, who is involved in the conflict with Ben-Hadad.

Teaching Points

Reliance on Human Wisdom
Ben-Hadad's decision to follow his advisors' counsel without seeking divine guidance highlights the danger of relying solely on human wisdom.

Misunderstanding God's Power
The Arameans' belief that God is limited to certain geographical areas reflects a misunderstanding of God's omnipotence and sovereignty.

Strategic Planning vs. Divine Will
While strategic planning is important, it should not replace seeking God's will and guidance in our decisions.

The Folly of Repeating Mistakes
Ben-Hadad's attempt to rebuild his army in the same manner as before shows the folly of repeating past mistakes without learning from them.

God's Sovereignty in All Circumstances
This passage reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation, and His power is not confined to specific locations or situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Ben-Hadad's reliance on his advisors' counsel reflect a common human tendency to trust in human wisdom over divine guidance?

2. In what ways do we sometimes limit our understanding of God's power and presence in our lives, similar to the Arameans' belief about God being a god of the hills?

3. How can we ensure that our strategic planning and decision-making align with God's will and purpose for our lives?

4. What lessons can we learn from Ben-Hadad's failure to adapt and learn from his previous defeat?

5. How does the concept of God's sovereignty, as seen in this passage, provide comfort and assurance in our own battles and challenges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 20:23
This verse provides context for Ben-Hadad's strategy, as his advisors suggest that the Israelites' God is a god of the hills, not the plains.

2 Chronicles 18:31
This passage shows another instance of strategic military advice, highlighting the importance of seeking God's guidance in battle.

Psalm 20:7
This verse contrasts reliance on chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, emphasizing faith over military might.