Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen. New Living Translation Each Israelite soldier killed his Aramean opponent, and suddenly the entire Aramean army panicked and fled. The Israelites chased them, but King Ben-hadad and a few of his charioteers escaped on horses. English Standard Version And each struck down his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. Berean Standard Bible and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. Berean Literal Bible And they struck down each man his man, and Aram fled. And Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. King James Bible And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible And they killed, each one, his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. NASB 1995 They killed each his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. NASB 1977 And they killed each his man; and the Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. Legacy Standard Bible And they each struck his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. Amplified Bible And each one killed his man; and the Arameans (Syrians) fled and Israel pursued them. Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. Berean Annotated Bible and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans (exalted) fled, with the Israelites (God prevails) in pursuit. But Ben-hadad (son of Hadad) king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. Christian Standard Bible and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry. Holman Christian Standard Bible and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry. American Standard Version And they slew every one his man; and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. Contemporary English Version and each of them attacked and killed an enemy soldier. The rest of the Syrian army turned and ran, and the Israelites went after them. Benhadad and some others escaped on horses, English Revised Version And they slew every one his man; and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with horsemen. GOD'S WORD® Translation Each officer killed his opponent. The Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them. King Benhadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry. Good News Translation and each one killed the man he fought. The Syrians fled, with the Israelites in hot pursuit, but Benhadad escaped on horseback, accompanied by some of the cavalry. International Standard Version Each man struck down his opponent, and the Arameans ran away with Israel in pursuit. King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on horseback with the help of his cavalry. NET Bible Each one struck down an enemy soldier; the Syrians fled and Israel chased them. King Ben Hadad of Syria escaped on horseback with some horsemen. New Heart English Bible They each killed his man. The Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them. Ben Hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. Webster's Bible Translation And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the horsemen. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. World English Bible They each killed his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them. Ben Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand each strikes his man, and Aram flees, and Israel pursues them, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram escapes on a horse—and the horsemen; Berean Literal Bible And they struck down each man his man, and Aram fled. And Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. Young's Literal Translation and smite each his man, and Aram fleeth, and Israel pursueth them, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram escapeth on a horse, and the horsemen; Smith's Literal Translation And they will strike a man his man: and Aram will flee, and Israel will pursue them: and Ben-hadad king of Aram, will escape upon a horse, and the horsemen. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd every one slew the man that came against him: and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued after them. And Benadad king of Syria fled away on horseback with his horsemen. Catholic Public Domain Version And each one struck down the man who came against him. And the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them. Also, Benhadad, the king of Syria, fled on a horse, with his horsemen. New American Bible each of them struck down his man. The Arameans fled with Israel pursuing them, while Ben-hadad, king of Aram, escaped on a chariot horse. New Revised Standard Version Each killed his man; the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd they slew every one his man; and the Arameans fled; and Israel pursued them; and Bar-hadad the king of Aram escaped in chariots with horsemen. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And they killed every man his man, and Edom fled, and Israel pursued them, and Hadad King of Edom escaped with chariots and horsemen. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And they slew every one his man; and the Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them; and Ben-hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. Brenton Septuagint Translation smote each one the man next to him; and each one a second time smote the man next to him: and Syria fled, and Israel pursued them; and the son of Ader, even the king of Syria, escapes on the horse of a horseman. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad…19Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them, 20and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. 21Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans.… Cross References and each one struck down his opponent. Judges 7:22 And when the three hundred rams’ horns sounded, the LORD set all the men in the camp against one another with their swords. The army fled to Beth-shittah toward Zererah as far as the border of Abel-meholah near Tabbath. 1 Samuel 14:20 Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. 2 Chronicles 20:23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. So the Arameans fled, 2 Kings 7:7 Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. 2 Samuel 10:18 But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. 1 Samuel 17:51 David ran and stood over him. He grabbed the Philistine’s sword and pulled it from its sheath and killed him, and he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. with the Israelites in pursuit. Joshua 10:19 But you, do not stop there. Pursue your enemies and attack them from behind. Do not let them reach their cities, for the LORD your God has delivered them into your hand.” Judges 8:4 Then Gideon and his three hundred men came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit. 1 Samuel 17:52 Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. 2 Samuel 1:6 “I happened to be on Mount Gilboa,” he replied, “and there was Saul, leaning on his spear, with the chariots and the cavalry closing in on him. 2 Kings 7:6 For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” 2 Kings 9:27 When King Ahaziah of Judah saw this, he fled up the road toward Beth-haggan. And Jehu pursued him, shouting, “Shoot him too!” So they shot Ahaziah in his chariot on the Ascent of Gur, near Ibleam, and he fled to Megiddo and died there. Judges 7:21 Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. 2 Chronicles 13:16-17 So the Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands. / Then Abijah and his people struck them with a mighty blow, and 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain. 2 Samuel 8:6 Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. 2 Chronicles 20:22-23 The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. Treasury of Scripture And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen. the prophet 1 Kings 20:13,38 And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD… 1 Kings 19:10 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. 1 Kings 22:8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. strengthen 2 Chronicles 25:8,11 But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down… Psalm 27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. at the return 1 Kings 20:26 And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel. 2 Samuel 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 20:1 And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it. Jump to Previous Aram Aramaeans Arameans Ben Benhadad Ben-Hadad Ben-Ha'dad Death Escaped Fled Fleeth Flight Hadad Horse Horseback Horsemen Israel Israelites Killed Opponent Pursued Pursueth Pursuit Safely Slew Smite Struck Syria SyriansJump to Next Aram Aramaeans Arameans Ben Benhadad Ben-Hadad Ben-Ha'dad Death Escaped Fled Fleeth Flight Hadad Horse Horseback Horsemen Israel Israelites Killed Opponent Pursued Pursueth Pursuit Safely Slew Smite Struck Syria Syrians1 Kings 20 1. Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria13. By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain 22. As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek 28. By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again 31. The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant 35. The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, 39. making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him and each one struck down his opponent. This phrase highlights the individual combat prowess of the Israelites, suggesting a divinely inspired victory. The context is a battle between the Israelites and the Arameans, where God promised victory to Ahab despite the odds. This mirrors other biblical instances where God grants victory to His people, such as David's triumph over Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The personal nature of the combat underscores the courage and skill of the Israelite soldiers, reminiscent of the judges like Gideon who led Israel to victory against overwhelming forces (Judges 7). So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ben-hadadThe king of Aram (Syria) who led a coalition against Israel. His escape signifies a temporary reprieve from defeat. 2. Arameans The army of Aram, who were defeated by the Israelites in this battle. 3. Israelites The people of Israel, led by King Ahab, who were victorious in this encounter. 4. King Ahab The king of Israel at the time, who, despite his flaws, was used by God to achieve victory over the Arameans. 5. Samaria The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under threat from the Aramean forces. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in BattleDespite human plans and strength, it is God who grants victory. This passage reminds us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities. The Role of Obedience and Faith Ahab's victory was preceded by a prophetic word. Obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem unlikely, is crucial for success. The Fleeting Nature of Human Power Ben-hadad's escape on horseback symbolizes the temporary nature of human power and plans. Trust in God provides lasting security. Pursuit of God's Enemies The Israelites' pursuit of the Arameans can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian's call to actively resist and overcome sin and evil in their lives. God's Mercy and Justice Even in victory, God’s justice is tempered with mercy, as seen in the opportunity for Ben-hadad to escape, which later leads to further interactions with Israel. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 20:20?2. How does 1 Kings 20:20 demonstrate God's power over Israel's enemies? 3. What can we learn about obedience from the actions in 1 Kings 20:20? 4. How does 1 Kings 20:20 connect to God's promises in Deuteronomy 20:4? 5. How can we apply the victory in 1 Kings 20:20 to spiritual battles? 6. What role does faith play in achieving victory as seen in 1 Kings 20:20? 7. What does 1 Kings 20:20 reveal about God's intervention in battles? 8. How does 1 Kings 20:20 demonstrate God's support for Israel? 9. Why were the Arameans defeated according to 1 Kings 20:20? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20? 11. How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)? 12. Does the claim that 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers were struck down in one day align with any historical or archaeological data (1 Kings 20:29)? 13. In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise? 14. Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 1 Kings 20? What Does 1 Kings 20:20 Mean Each One Struck Down His Opponent“Each one struck down his opponent” (1 Kings 20:20) records the opening move of Israel’s small strike force—the 232 young officers joined by 7,000 troops (1 Kings 20:15). The phrase highlights: • Personal obedience: every soldier fulfilled his individual duty, just as Jonathan acted in faith against the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:6–13). • God-given effectiveness: against a vastly larger Syrian army (1 Kings 20:27), Israel’s blows landed decisively, mirroring Gideon’s tiny band routing Midian (Judges 7:19-22). • Fulfillment of the prophetic promise delivered moments earlier: “Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today” (1 Kings 20:13). So the Arameans Fled The Syrians’ sudden panic (“So the Arameans fled,” v. 20 b) testifies that victory belongs to the LORD (Proverbs 21:31). Scripture often shows enemies melting away once God’s people strike in faith—see Joshua 10:10; 2 Chronicles 20:22-23. Their flight also fulfills the covenant blessing that foes would “come at you from one direction but flee from you in seven” (Deuteronomy 28:7). The Israelites in Pursuit Israel “pursued” the retreating army (v. 20 b). Pursuit matters: partial obedience leaves evil to regroup (cf. Saul sparing Agag, 1 Samuel 15:9). By chasing the Syrians, Israel obeyed fully, like Joshua pressing the advantage at Gibeon (Joshua 10:19). Their chase underscores the principle, “Resist the devil, and he will flee” (James 4:7), yet resistance must continue until the threat is removed. Ben-hadad Escapes on Horseback with the Cavalry “But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry” (v. 20 c) shows: • Human pride still plotting: the king trusted swift horses (Isaiah 31:1) instead of submitting to the LORD who had just exposed his weakness. • A test for Ahab: God allowed Ben-hadad to survive so He could measure Israel’s faithfulness later (1 Kings 20:42). Sparing this enemy would mirror Saul’s compromise with Agag (1 Samuel 15:13-15). • Divine sovereignty: even an escape is under God’s plan; future confrontations (1 Kings 20:34; 22:31-37) will complete His judgment. Summary • God honored His word and used ordinary soldiers to rout a superior foe. • The enemy fled because divine power, not numbers, decides battles. • Israel’s pursuit illustrates wholehearted obedience that finishes the task. • Ben-hadad’s escape warns against misplaced confidence and foreshadows further accountability. 1 Kings 20:20 therefore assures believers that when God speaks, decisive victory follows, yet ongoing faithfulness is required until the enemy is fully dealt with. (20) And they slew . . .--The attack of this handful of men, supported by a sally of the whole garrison, is not unlike the slaughter of the Philistine garrison and host in the days of Saul (1 Samuel 14), or the still earlier rout of the army of Midian by the night attack of Gideon (Judges 7:16-23). Probably, as in these cases, the Israelites may have risen from various lurking-places to join in the pursuit and slaughter. It does not necessarily follow that the event was miraculous. Such dispersions of vast Oriental armies are not uncommon in history. The lesson is that drawn with noble simplicity by Jonathan: "There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few" (1Samuel 14:6).Verse 20. - And they slew every one his man [The LXX., which differs here considerably from the Hebrew, inserts at this point καὶ ἐδευτέρωσεν ἕκαστος τὸν παρ αὐτοῦ. Ewald thinks the Hebrew text ought to be made to correspond, and would read ׃ך׃ך וַיּשְׁנוּ אישׁ אישׁו, each repeatedly killed his man, as in 1 Samuel 14:16]: and the Syrians fled [When a few had fallen, utter panic seized the rest. The separate kings, with their divided interests, thought only of their own safety. It was a sauve qui pout. "The hasty and disordered flight of a vast Oriental army before an enemy contemptible in numbers is no uncommon occurrence. Above 1,000,000 of Persians fled before 47,000 Greeks at Arbela" (Rawlinson). The very size of such hosts, especially where the command is divided and where the generals are drunk or incapable, contributes to their defeat]; and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse [Thenius suggests that this was a chariot horse, the first that presented] with the horsemen. [Heb. and horsemen; sc., escaped with him Keil). He had an escort in some of his fugitive cavalry.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew and eachאִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person one struck down וַיַּכּוּ֙ (way·yak·kū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5221: To strike his opponent. אִישׁ֔וֹ (’î·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person So the Arameans אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria fled, וַיָּנֻ֣סוּ (way·yā·nu·sū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5127: To flit, vanish away with the Israelites יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc in pursuit. וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵ֖ם (way·yir·də·p̄êm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 7291: To pursue, chase, persecute But Ben-hadad הֲדַד֙ (hă·ḏaḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1130: Ben-hadad -- 'son of Hadad', the name of several Aramean (Syrian) kings king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Aram אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria escaped וַיִּמָּלֵ֗ט (way·yim·mā·lêṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 4422: To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against horseback ס֖וּס (sūs) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird) with the cavalry. וּפָרָשִֽׁים׃ (ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6571: A steed, a driver, cavalry Links 1 Kings 20:20 NIV1 Kings 20:20 NLT 1 Kings 20:20 ESV 1 Kings 20:20 NASB 1 Kings 20:20 KJV 1 Kings 20:20 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 20:20 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 20:20 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 20:20 French Bible 1 Kings 20:20 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 20:20 They killed everyone his man (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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