Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans. Then the king of IsraelThis phrase refers to King Ahab, who was the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel during this period. Ahab's reign is often characterized by his complex relationship with God, influenced heavily by his wife Jezebel and the worship of Baal. Historically, Ahab's reign is placed in the 9th century BC, a time when Israel was frequently at odds with neighboring nations, including Aram (Syria). The mention of "the king of Israel" here sets the stage for a significant military engagement, highlighting Ahab's role as a leader despite his spiritual failings. marched out
The Hebrew root for "marched out" is "yatsa," which means to go forth or come out. This action signifies a proactive and bold move by Ahab, indicating a shift from a defensive to an offensive strategy. In the context of ancient warfare, marching out was a demonstration of confidence and readiness to confront the enemy. It reflects a moment of decision and courage, where Ahab takes initiative, perhaps inspired by the prophetic assurance of victory given earlier in the chapter. and attacked the horses and chariots
Horses and chariots were the pinnacle of military technology in the ancient Near East, symbolizing strength and power. The Hebrew word for "attacked" is "nakah," meaning to strike or smite. By targeting the horses and chariots, Ahab strategically aimed to dismantle the core of the Aramean military might. This tactic not only neutralized the immediate threat but also served as a psychological blow to the Arameans, who relied heavily on their chariotry for battlefield dominance. inflicting a great slaughter
The phrase "inflicting a great slaughter" underscores the magnitude of the victory. The Hebrew word for "slaughter" is "makkah," which conveys a sense of a decisive and overwhelming defeat. This victory was not just a minor skirmish but a significant triumph that would have had lasting implications for the balance of power in the region. It highlights the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the Arameans into Israel's hands, showcasing His sovereignty and faithfulness even amidst Israel's unfaithfulness. on the Arameans
The Arameans, also known as Syrians, were a formidable adversary located to the northeast of Israel. They frequently clashed with Israel over territory and influence. The mention of the Arameans here is significant as it reflects the ongoing geopolitical struggles of the time. Historically, the Arameans were known for their skilled warriors and charioteers, making this victory all the more remarkable. This defeat would have temporarily subdued the Aramean threat, providing Israel with a period of respite and demonstrating God's power over Israel's enemies. Persons / Places / Events 1. King of IsraelThis refers to King Ahab, who was the ruler of the northern kingdom of Israel during this time. Despite his reputation for idolatry and wickedness, God granted him victory over the Arameans. 2. ArameansA group of people from Aram, located in modern-day Syria. They were often in conflict with Israel and were led by King Ben-Hadad during this period. 3. Horses and ChariotsThese were significant military assets in ancient warfare, representing the strength and mobility of an army. The destruction of these assets was a major blow to the Aramean forces. 4. Great SlaughterThis phrase indicates a decisive and overwhelming victory for Israel, showcasing God's intervention and power in the battle. 5. Marching OutThis action by King Ahab signifies a proactive and bold move, demonstrating leadership and confidence in the face of the enemy. Teaching Points Divine Sovereignty in Human AffairsGod can use even flawed leaders to accomplish His purposes. Despite Ahab's shortcomings, God granted him victory to demonstrate His power and sovereignty. The Futility of Trusting in Human StrengthThe destruction of the Aramean chariots serves as a reminder that reliance on military might or human resources is futile without God's favor. God's Mercy and PatienceDespite Ahab's idolatry, God showed mercy by granting victory, illustrating His patience and desire for repentance. Leadership and CourageAhab's decision to march out against the Arameans demonstrates the importance of decisive leadership and courage in the face of adversity. The Importance of Obedience to God's WordThe victory was foretold by a prophet, underscoring the importance of listening to and obeying God's word for success in life's battles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the victory over the Arameans in 1 Kings 20:21 demonstrate God's sovereignty, and what does this teach us about His control over our circumstances? 2. In what ways can we be tempted to rely on "horses and chariots" in our own lives, and how can we shift our trust to God instead? 3. Reflect on a time when God showed mercy in your life despite your shortcomings. How can this encourage you to extend mercy to others? 4. What qualities of leadership and courage can we learn from Ahab's actions in this passage, and how can we apply them in our own roles of influence? 5. How does the fulfillment of the prophet's words in this chapter encourage us to trust and obey God's word in our daily lives? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 20:13-14Earlier in the chapter, a prophet assures Ahab of victory, emphasizing that the battle's outcome is orchestrated by God to demonstrate His sovereignty. Exodus 14:23-28The destruction of the Egyptian chariots in the Red Sea parallels the defeat of the Aramean chariots, highlighting God's power over seemingly insurmountable military forces. Psalm 20:7This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, reinforcing the theme of divine reliance over human strength. People Ahab, Aram, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Hadad, Israelites, SyriansPlaces Aphek, Damascus, Samaria, SyriaTopics Aramaeans, Arameans, Captured, Charioteers, Chariots, Destruction, Heavy, Horses, Inflicted, Killed, Losses, Overpowered, Slaughter, Slew, Smiteth, Smiting, Smitten, Smote, Struck, Syrians, War-carriagesDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 20:21 5398 loss 1 Kings 20:13-21 1429 prophecy, OT fulfilment 1 Kings 20:20-21 4657 horse 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 IscariotPutting 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 Links 1 Kings 20:21 NIV1 Kings 20:21 NLT1 Kings 20:21 ESV1 Kings 20:21 NASB1 Kings 20:21 KJV
1 Kings 20:21 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
