Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside. New Living Translation Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside! English Standard Version And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. Berean Standard Bible The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside. Berean Literal Bible And the sons of Israel were mustered and were sustained, and they went against them. And the sons of Israel encamped before them like two small flocks of goats, and the Aramaeans filled the countryside. King James Bible And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. New King James Version And the children of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and they went against them. Now the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the countryside. New American Standard Bible And the sons of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and they went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped opposite them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the country. NASB 1995 The sons of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Arameans filled the country. NASB 1977 And the sons of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Arameans filled the country. Legacy Standard Bible Now the sons of Israel were mustered and were provided for and went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Arameans filled the land. Amplified Bible The sons of Israel were counted and given provisions, and they went to meet them. The Israelites camped before the enemy like two little flocks of goats [with everything against them, except God], and the Arameans filled the country. Berean Annotated Bible The Israelites (God prevails) also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans (exalted) covered the countryside. Christian Standard Bible The Israelites mobilized, gathered supplies, and went to fight them. The Israelites camped in front of them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the landscape. Holman Christian Standard Bible The Israelites mobilized, gathered supplies, and went to fight them. The Israelites camped in front of them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the landscape. American Standard Version And the children of Israel were mustered, and were victualled, and went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. Contemporary English Version The Israelites also prepared to fight. They marched out to meet the Syrians, and the two armies camped across from each other. The Syrians covered the whole area, but the Israelites looked like two little flocks of goats. English Revised Version And the children of Israel were mustered, and were victualled, and went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. GOD'S WORD® Translation When the Israelite [troops] had been organized and given provisions, they went to meet the enemy. The Israelites, while camped opposite the Arameans who filled the country, seemed like two newborn goats. Good News Translation The Israelites were called up and equipped; they marched out and camped in two groups facing the Syrians. The Israelites looked like two small flocks of goats compared to the Syrians, who spread out over the countryside. International Standard Version The Israelis were mustered, equipped with provisions, and sent out to fight. The Israeli encampment looked like two little flocks of goats compared to how the Aramean encampments filled the countryside! NET Bible When the Israelites had mustered and had received their supplies, they marched out to face them in battle. When the Israelites deployed opposite them, they were like two small flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the land. New Heart English Bible The children of Israel were mustered, and were provisioned, and went against them. The children of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of young goats; but the Arameans filled the country. Webster's Bible Translation And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside. World English Bible The children of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and went against them. The children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of young goats, but the Syrians filled the country. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the sons of Israel have been inspected, and supported, and go to meet them, and the sons of Israel encamp before them, like two flocks of goats, and the Arameans have filled the land. Berean Literal Bible And the sons of Israel were mustered and were sustained, and they went against them. And the sons of Israel encamped before them like two small flocks of goats, and the Aramaeans filled the countryside. Young's Literal Translation and the sons of Israel have been inspected, and supported, and go to meet them, and the sons of Israel encamp before them, like two flocks of goats, and the Aramaeans have filled the land. Smith's Literal Translation And the sons of Israel were reviewed, and were nourished, and they will go up to their meeting: and the sons of Israel will encamp over against them as two flocks of she goats; and Aram filled the land. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the children of Israel were mustered, and taking victuals went out on the other side, and camped over against them, like two little hocks of goats: but the Syrians filled the land. Catholic Public Domain Version Then the sons of Israel were numbered, and taking provisions, they set out to the opposite side. And they stretched out the camp facing them, like two little flocks of goats. But the Syrians filled the land. New American Bible The Israelites, too, were mustered and supplied with provisions; then they went out to meet the enemy. The Israelites, encamped opposite, looked like little flocks of goats, while Aram covered the land. New Revised Standard Version After the Israelites had been mustered and provisioned, they went out to engage them; the people of Israel encamped opposite them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the country. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the children of Israel were mustered and set in array against them, like two little flocks of goats; but the Arameans filled the country. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the sons of Israel were numbered and were arrayed, and they stood against them as two flocks of kids of goats, and the Edomites filled the land. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the children of Israel were mustered, and were victualled, and went against them; and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Arameans filled the country. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the children of Israel were numbered, and came to meet them: and Israel encamped before them as two little flocks of goats, but Syria filled the land. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Another War with Ben-hadad26In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside. 28Then the man of God approached the king of Israel and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not of the valleys, I will deliver all this great army into your hand. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ”… Cross References The Israelites also mobilized, Judges 20:1 Then all the Israelites from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came out, and the congregation assembled as one man before the LORD at Mizpah. 1 Samuel 11:7-8 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent them by messengers throughout the land of Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not march behind Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the LORD fell upon the people, and they came out together as one man. / And when Saul numbered them at Bezek, there were 300,000 Israelites and 30,000 men of Judah. 2 Chronicles 25:5 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah and assigned them according to their families to commanders of thousands and of hundreds. And he numbered those twenty years of age or older throughout Judah and Benjamin and found 300,000 chosen men able to serve in the army, bearing the spear and shield. gathered supplies, 1 Samuel 17:20-22 So David got up early in the morning, left the flock with a keeper, loaded up, and set out as Jesse had instructed him. He reached the camp as the army was marching out to its position and shouting the battle cry. / And Israel and the Philistines arrayed in formation against each other. / Then David left his supplies in the care of the quartermaster and ran to the battle line. When he arrived, he asked his brothers how they were doing. 1 Samuel 25:18 Then Abigail hurried and took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five butchered sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs. She loaded them on donkeys Joshua 9:14 Then the men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not seek the counsel of the LORD. and marched out to meet them. Joshua 8:14-15 When the king of Ai saw the Israelites, he hurried out early in the morning with the men of the city to engage them in battle at an appointed place overlooking the Arabah. But he did not know that an ambush had been set up against him behind the city. / Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness. 1 Samuel 17:48 As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 2 Samuel 10:17 When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. Then the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, Judges 7:2-7 Then the LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for Me to deliver Midian into their hands, lest Israel glorify themselves over Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’ / Now, therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the men: ‘Whoever is fearful and trembling may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” So twenty-two thousand of them turned back, but ten thousand remained. / Then the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go. But if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” … 1 Samuel 14:6 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.” 2 Chronicles 14:11 Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” while the Arameans covered the countryside. Judges 6:5 For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. Joshua 11:4 So these kings came out with all their armies, a multitude as numerous as the sand on the seashore, along with a great number of horses and chariots. Exodus 10:5 They will cover the face of the land so that no one can see it. They will devour whatever is left after the hail and eat every tree that grows in your fields. Judges 7:12 Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore. Treasury of Scripture And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. seven days Joshua 6:15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times. 1 Samuel 17:16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. Psalm 10:16 The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land. an hundred thousand 2 Samuel 10:18 And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there. 2 Chronicles 13:17 And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men. 2 Chronicles 20:23-25 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another… Jump to Previous Aramaeans Arameans Camped Children Country Countryside Covered Encamped Filled Flocks Food Full Goats Israel Israelites Kids Little Marched Meet Mustered Numbered Opposite Pitched Present Provisions Ready Small Syrians Tents Themselves TogetherJump to Next Aramaeans Arameans Camped Children Country Countryside Covered Encamped Filled Flocks Food Full Goats Israel Israelites Kids Little Marched Meet Mustered Numbered Opposite Pitched Present Provisions Ready Small Syrians Tents Themselves Together1 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 The Israelites also mobilized The Israelites, under King Ahab, were preparing for battle against the Arameans. This mobilization indicates a response to a threat, reflecting the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram. Mobilization in ancient times involved gathering troops, weapons, and resources, often requiring divine guidance and leadership, as seen in other biblical battles (e.g., Judges 7 with Gideon). gathered supplies and marched out to meet them The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats while the Arameans covered the countryside Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe people of Israel, God's chosen nation, who are preparing for battle against the Arameans. 2. Arameans The opposing army, led by Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, who are numerous and cover the countryside. 3. Battle The impending conflict between the Israelites and the Arameans, highlighting the disparity in numbers and strength. 4. Two Small Flocks of Goats A metaphor describing the Israelites' seemingly insignificant presence compared to the vast Aramean army. 5. Countryside The location of the battle, emphasizing the vastness of the Aramean forces. Teaching Points God's Power in WeaknessDespite their small numbers, the Israelites' strength lies in their reliance on God. This teaches us that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Faith Over Fear The Israelites' willingness to face a much larger army demonstrates faith over fear. We are called to trust God even when circumstances seem overwhelming. Divine Perspective The metaphor of "two small flocks of goats" reminds us to see our situations from God's perspective, where He can turn the insignificant into significant. Preparation and Obedience The Israelites mobilized and gathered supplies, showing the importance of preparation and obedience in following God's direction. God's Sovereignty The vastness of the Aramean army versus the smallness of the Israelites highlights God's sovereignty and ability to control outcomes beyond human understanding. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 20:27?2. How does 1 Kings 20:27 demonstrate God's provision for Israel despite their fear? 3. What can we learn about faith from Israel's preparation for battle in 1 Kings 20:27? 4. How does Israel's situation in 1 Kings 20:27 connect to Ephesians 6:10-18 on spiritual armor? 5. How can we apply Israel's reliance on God in 1 Kings 20:27 today? 6. What does Israel's "like two little flocks of goats" teach about God's power? 7. What does 1 Kings 20:27 reveal about God's support for Israel despite their disobedience? 8. How does 1 Kings 20:27 demonstrate God's sovereignty in battles? 9. Why were the Israelites compared to "two small flocks of goats" in 1 Kings 20:27? 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. Could a single city wall realistically collapse and kill 27,000 men, as the text asserts (1 Kings 20:30)? 14. What does 'God of the hills and valleys' mean? What Does 1 Kings 20:27 Mean Mobilized in Obedience“The Israelites also mobilized…” (1 Kings 20:27) • Israel responds immediately to the prophet’s word that God will give victory again (1 Kings 20:13–15, 22). • Their willingness to assemble shows trust in the Lord despite a previous, fragile win over Aram (v. 21). • Similar faith-filled mobilizations: Exodus 14:8; 2 Chronicles 20:4. • The verse reminds us that God’s people act first in obedience, not in confidence of numbers or weapons. Gathered Supplies “…gathered supplies…” • Provisioning demonstrates practical stewardship; faith does not ignore logistics (Nehemiah 4:16–18). • Supplies imply preparation for a prolonged conflict, yet the outcome rests on God (Proverbs 21:31). • The contrast with their small force underscores that God, not resources, will secure victory (1 Samuel 14:6). Marched Out to Meet Them “…and marched out to meet them.” • Israel advances, refusing to hide behind city walls—an act of courage rooted in God’s promise (Deuteronomy 20:4). • Meeting the enemy on his terms echoes David confronting Goliath (1 Samuel 17:48); the weak face the strong because the Lord fights for them (Exodus 14:14). • Their movement signals confidence that the battle belongs to the Lord, not strategic positioning. Two Small Flocks of Goats “The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats…” • The simile paints Israel as tiny, exposed, and seemingly insignificant—goats are harmless and easily scattered (Psalm 44:11). • “Two” hints at divided contingents or tribal groups, accentuating weakness (Judges 7:6–7). • God frequently sets the stage so that His deliverance is unmistakable (2 Corinthians 12:9). Arameans Covered the Countryside “…while the Arameans covered the countryside.” • Aram’s vast army blankets the valley, evoking intimidation (Isaiah 8:9–10). • Human odds favor Aram, paralleling earlier moments where God defeats overwhelming forces (2 Kings 19:32–36). • The contrast heightens the forthcoming miracle; victory will showcase God’s sovereignty over nations (Psalm 46:6–11). summary 1 Kings 20:27 highlights Israel’s obedience, preparation, and courage despite glaring inadequacy. Described as “two small flocks of goats” before an army that “covered the countryside,” the scene magnifies the disparity between human weakness and divine power. God deliberately arranges disproportionate odds so His people—and their enemies—recognize that victory comes from Him alone. (27) Were all present.--The marginal reading "were victualled," or, perhaps, more generally, "were supplied," with all things necessary for war, seems correct. The comparatively small number of the Israelite forces, even after the great victory of the year before, appears to show that, previous to the siege of Samaria, Ahab had suffered some great defeats, which had broken the strength of Israel.Verse 27. - And the children of Israel were numbered [lit., numbered themselves. Hith-pael], and were all present [Rather, and were provided with food, כּוּל = to nourish. The Alex. LXX. inserts καὶ διοικήθησαν. Vulgate accepetis cibariis. Marg. were victualled. This word of itself suggests that they were at a distance from their capital or other city], and went against them [Heb. to meet them]: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks חֲשִׂיפstrictly means separate& It is rightly translated "little flocks" (not "flocks," Rawlinson ), because the idea is that of two bands of stragglers separated from the main body of the flock. So the Vulgate, duo parvi greges caprarum; but LXX., δύο ποίμνια άγὧν. Ewald thinks the "two flocks" points to an an auxiliary fores furnished by Jehoshaphat, fighting with Israel. He also thinks goats are mentioned to convey the exalted position of the camp upon the hills. Flocks of goats as a rule are smaller than those of sheep, the former being more given to straying] of kids [lit., she-goats. "These flocks pasture mostly on the cliffs, and are smaller than the flocks of sheep" (Bahr)]; but the Syrians filled the country. [The whole plain swarmed with their legions in striking contrast to the two insignificant Bodies of Israelites.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The Israelitesוּבְנֵ֣י (ū·ḇə·nê) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son also mobilized, הָתְפָּקְדוּ֙ (hā·ṯə·pā·qə·ḏū) Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit gathered supplies, וְכָלְכְּל֔וּ (wə·ḵā·lə·kə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain and marched out וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to meet them. לִקְרָאתָ֑ם (liq·rā·ṯām) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way The Israelites בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son camped וַיַּחֲנ֨וּ (way·ya·ḥă·nū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp before them נֶגְדָּ֗ם (neḡ·dām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before like two כִּשְׁנֵי֙ (kiš·nê) Preposition-k | Number - mdc Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) small flocks חֲשִׂפֵ֣י (ḥă·śi·p̄ê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 2835: Drawn off, separated, a small company of goats, עִזִּ֔ים (‘iz·zîm) Noun - feminine plural Strong's 5795: Female goat while the Arameans וַאֲרָ֖ם (wa·’ă·rām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria covered מִלְא֥וּ (mil·’ū) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of the countryside. הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land Links 1 Kings 20:27 NIV1 Kings 20:27 NLT 1 Kings 20:27 ESV 1 Kings 20:27 NASB 1 Kings 20:27 KJV 1 Kings 20:27 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 20:27 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 20:27 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 20:27 French Bible 1 Kings 20:27 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 20:27 The children of Israel were mustered (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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