1 Kings 20:19
New International Version
The junior officers under the provincial commanders marched out of the city with the army behind them

New Living Translation
But Ahab’s provincial commanders and the entire army had now come out to fight.

English Standard Version
So these went out of the city, the servants of the governors of the districts and the army that followed them.

Berean Standard Bible
Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them,

King James Bible
So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them.

New King James Version
Then these young leaders of the provinces went out of the city with the army which followed them.

New American Standard Bible
So these men went out from the city, the young men of the leaders of the provinces, and the army which followed them.

NASB 1995
So these went out from the city, the young men of the rulers of the provinces, and the army which followed them.

NASB 1977
So these went out from the city, the young men of the rulers of the provinces, and the army which followed them.

Legacy Standard Bible
So these went out from the city, the young men of the rulers of the provinces, and the military force which followed them.

Amplified Bible
So these young men of the governors of the districts went out of the city, and the army followed them.

Christian Standard Bible
The young men of the provincial leaders and the army behind them marched out from the city,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The young men of the provincial leaders and the army behind them marched out from the city,

American Standard Version
So these went out of the city, the young men of the princes of the provinces, and the army which followed them.

Contemporary English Version
The young soldiers led Israel's troops into battle,

English Revised Version
So these went out of the city, the young men of the princes of the provinces, and the army which followed them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The young officers of the district governors led an attack, and the troops followed them.

Good News Translation
The young soldiers led the attack, followed by the Israelite army,

International Standard Version
Meanwhile, as the young men who served as officials within the provinces left the city, their army followed after them.

Majority Standard Bible
Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them,

NET Bible
They marched out of the city with the servants of the district governors in the lead and the army behind them.

New Heart English Bible
So these went out of the city, the young men of the governors of the districts, and the army which followed them.

Webster's Bible Translation
So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them.

World English Bible
So these went out of the city, the young men of the princes of the provinces, and the army which followed them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And these have gone out of the city—the young men of the heads of the provinces—and the force that [is] after them,

Young's Literal Translation
And these have gone out of the city -- the young men of the heads of the provinces -- and the force that is after them,

Smith's Literal Translation
And these came forth from the city, the boys of the chiefs of the provinces, and the strength which was after them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So the servants of the princes of the provinces went out, and the rest of the army followed:

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the servants of the leaders of the provinces went out, and the remainder of the army was following.

New American Bible
But when these had come out of the city—the aides of the provincial governors with the army following them—

New Revised Standard Version
But these had already come out of the city: the young men who served the district governors, and the army that followed them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So these young men and these princes came out of the city, and the army followed them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the young men and the Princes of the city went out from the city, and the army after them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So these went out of the city, the young men of the princes of the provinces, and the army which followed them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and let not the young men the heads of the districts go forth of the city. And the force that was behind them

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad
18“If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” 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.…

Cross References
Judges 7:19-22
Gideon and the hundred men with him reached the outskirts of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, just after the changing of the guard. They blew their horns and broke the jars that were in their hands. / The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” / Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. ...

2 Chronicles 13:13-18
Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to ambush from the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah, the ambush was behind them. / When Judah turned and discovered that the battle was both before and behind them, they cried out to the LORD. Then the priests blew the trumpets, / and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. And when they raised the cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. ...

2 Samuel 10:9-14
When Joab saw the battle lines before him and behind him, he selected some of the best men of Israel and arrayed them against the Arameans. / And he placed the rest of the troops under the command of his brother Abishai, who arrayed them against the Ammonites. / “If the Arameans are too strong for me,” said Joab, “then you will come to my rescue. And if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will come to your rescue. ...

2 Kings 3:18-24
This is a simple matter in the sight of the LORD, and He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. / And you shall attack every fortified city and every city of importance. You shall cut down every good tree, stop up every spring, and ruin every good field with stones.” / The next morning, at the time of the morning sacrifice, water suddenly flowed from the direction of Edom and filled the land. ...

2 Chronicles 20:17-24
You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” / Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD to worship Him. / And the Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, shouting in a very loud voice. ...

Joshua 6:20-21
So when the rams’ horns sounded, the people shouted. When they heard the blast of the horn, the people gave a great shout, and the wall collapsed. Then all the people charged straight into the city and captured it. / With the edge of the sword they devoted to destruction everything in the city—man and woman, young and old, oxen, sheep, and donkeys.

1 Samuel 14:6-15
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” / “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. ...

2 Kings 19:35-37
And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.

Exodus 17:9-13
So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.” / Joshua did as Moses had instructed him and fought against the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. / As long as Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; but when he lowered them, Amalek prevailed. ...

Isaiah 37:36-38
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.

Matthew 10:20
For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Acts 7:55-56
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. / “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Hebrews 11:32-34
And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

Revelation 19:11-16
Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. / He has eyes like blazing fire, and many royal crowns on His head. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. / He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God. ...


Treasury of Scripture

So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them.

went out

Judges 3:28
And he said unto them, Follow after me: for the LORD hath delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. And they went down after him, and took the fords of Jordan toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over.

Judges 7:23-25
And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites…

1 Samuel 14:20-22
And Saul and all the people that were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle: and, behold, every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great discomfiture…

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Army Chiefs City Commanders Districts Divisions Followed Force Governors Heads Marched Officers Princes Provinces Provincial Rulers Servants Young
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Army Chiefs City Commanders Districts Divisions Followed Force Governors Heads Marched Officers Princes Provinces Provincial Rulers Servants Young
1 Kings 20
1. Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria
13. 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














Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors
The term "young officers" refers to the junior leaders or aides serving under the district governors. In the context of ancient Israel, district governors were regional leaders appointed to manage specific areas, often responsible for local administration and military organization. The use of young officers suggests a reliance on emerging leaders, possibly indicating a strategic move to inspire courage and innovation in battle. This phrase highlights the decentralized nature of Israel's military structure at the time, where local leaders played significant roles in national defense. The involvement of young officers can be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Testament's emphasis on the importance of youth and new leadership, as seen in Paul's letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12).

marched out of the city
The act of marching out of the city signifies a proactive military strategy. Cities in ancient times were often fortified, providing a defensive advantage. By marching out, these officers and their troops were taking the offensive, demonstrating confidence and readiness to confront the enemy. This action can be compared to the Israelites' march around Jericho (Joshua 6), where faith and obedience led to victory. The city in question is likely Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was a significant center of political and military activity during this period.

with the army behind them
The phrase indicates that the young officers were leading the charge, with the main body of the army following. This leadership structure underscores the importance of hierarchy and order in military operations. The positioning of the army behind the officers suggests a unified front, essential for maintaining morale and effectiveness in battle. This mirrors the biblical principle of leadership and followership seen throughout Scripture, such as Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 14). The army's support of the young officers also reflects the collective effort required to achieve victory, a theme echoed in the New Testament's depiction of the Church as one body with many parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Young Men of the District Governors
These were likely young officers or soldiers chosen by the regional leaders of Israel. They were tasked with leading the charge against the Aramean forces.

2. The City
This refers to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where King Ahab was reigning at the time.

3. The Army
The larger force of Israelite soldiers who followed the young men into battle against the Arameans.

4. King Ahab
The king of Israel during this time, known for his complex relationship with God, often swaying between obedience and idolatry.

5. Arameans
The opposing force led by Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, who was besieging Samaria.
Teaching Points
God Uses the Unlikely
Just as God used the young men of the district governors, He often chooses those who seem least likely to succeed by worldly standards to accomplish His purposes.

Faith in Action
The young men stepping out in faith, leading the charge, is a reminder that faith often requires action and courage.

Leadership and Responsibility
The district governors' young men were entrusted with leadership roles, highlighting the importance of preparing and trusting the next generation.

Divine Strategy Over Human Strategy
God's plans often defy human logic, reminding us to seek His guidance rather than relying solely on our understanding.

Unity and Support
The army following the young men illustrates the importance of unity and support within the body of believers when facing challenges.Verse 19. - So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them. [i.e., the 7000. They "came out" after the young men.]

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Meanwhile, these
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

young officers
נַעֲרֵ֖י (na·‘ă·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

of the district
הַמְּדִינ֑וֹת (ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region

governors
שָׂרֵ֣י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

marched out
יָצְא֣וּ (yā·ṣə·’ū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the city,
הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

with the army
וְהַחַ֖יִל (wə·ha·ḥa·yil)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

behind them,
אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם׃ (’a·ḥă·rê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 310: The hind or following part


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OT History: 1 Kings 20:19 So these went out of the city (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 20:18
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