In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. In the springThe phrase "in the spring" indicates a time of renewal and new beginnings, often associated with the start of military campaigns in the ancient Near East. This was a common practice due to favorable weather conditions and the availability of resources. The Hebrew word for "spring" is "teshuvah," which can also mean "return" or "turning back," symbolizing a time when kings would return to battle after the winter months. This period was strategic for warfare, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and conflict in biblical times. Ben-hadad
Ben-hadad was a title used by several Aramean kings, similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt. The name means "son of Hadad," with Hadad being the storm and rain god in the Aramean pantheon. This highlights the cultural and religious backdrop of the Arameans, who were often in conflict with Israel. Understanding Ben-hadad's role and identity provides insight into the political and spiritual dynamics at play, as Israel's monotheistic faith clashed with the polytheistic beliefs of their neighbors. mobilized the Arameans
The act of mobilizing an army signifies preparation and intent for battle. The Arameans, originating from the region of modern-day Syria, were a significant power during this period. The Hebrew root "asaph" means to gather or assemble, indicating a deliberate and organized effort to confront Israel. This mobilization reflects the ongoing tension and hostilities between Israel and its surrounding nations, emphasizing the need for vigilance and reliance on God for protection and victory. went up to Aphek
Aphek was a strategic location mentioned several times in the Bible, often associated with military encounters. The phrase "went up" suggests a movement towards a higher or fortified place, indicating the tactical importance of Aphek. Archaeological evidence points to several sites named Aphek, with one located in the Jezreel Valley, a key battleground in Israel's history. This movement towards Aphek underscores the strategic planning involved in ancient warfare and the significance of geography in biblical narratives. to fight against Israel
The phrase "to fight against Israel" encapsulates the ongoing struggle between Israel and its adversaries. The Hebrew word "lacham" means to fight or wage war, reflecting the physical and spiritual battles faced by God's people. This conflict is not just a historical event but also a representation of the spiritual warfare that believers encounter. It serves as a reminder of the need for faith, courage, and reliance on God's promises in the face of opposition. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ben-hadadThe king of Aram (Syria), who is a recurring adversary of Israel. His actions in this passage reflect his persistent opposition to God's people. 2. ArameansThe people of Aram, often at war with Israel. They represent the external threats and challenges faced by Israel. 3. AphekA location significant in Israel's military history, often a battleground between Israel and its enemies. It symbolizes the places of conflict where God's people must rely on Him for victory. 4. IsraelThe nation chosen by God, often finding itself in conflict with surrounding nations. This passage highlights Israel's reliance on God for deliverance. 5. SpringThe time of year when kings traditionally went to war, indicating a strategic and deliberate preparation for battle. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in ConflictDespite the might of earthly kings like Ben-hadad, God remains sovereign over all nations and conflicts. Believers can trust in His ultimate control and plan. The Importance of Spiritual PreparationJust as Ben-hadad prepared for battle in the spring, Christians must be spiritually prepared for the battles they face, through prayer, scripture, and reliance on God. Trust in God's DeliveranceIsrael's history of deliverance from enemies serves as a reminder that God is faithful to deliver His people. Believers should trust in God's promises and His timing. Recognizing Spiritual BattlesAphek represents the battlegrounds in our lives where spiritual battles occur. Christians must recognize these areas and seek God's strength and guidance. The Role of Prophetic AssuranceThe role of prophets in Israel's history underscores the importance of seeking and heeding God's word through scripture and godly counsel. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the preparation for battle in the spring reflect the need for spiritual readiness in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the conflicts we face today? 3. How can the account of Israel's deliverance from the Arameans encourage us in our personal struggles? 4. What are the "Apheks" in your life where you need to rely on God's strength rather than your own? 5. How can we seek and apply prophetic assurance from God's word in our daily decisions and challenges? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Kings 20:13-15Earlier in the chapter, a prophet assures Ahab of victory over Ben-hadad, emphasizing God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises. 2 Kings 13:3-5This passage describes another instance of God's deliverance of Israel from the Arameans, reinforcing the theme of divine intervention. Psalm 20:7This verse contrasts trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord, relevant to Israel's reliance on God rather than military might. People Ahab, Aram, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Hadad, Israelites, SyriansPlaces Aphek, Damascus, Samaria, SyriaTopics Aphek, Aramaeans, Arameans, Battle, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Ben-ha'dad, Fight, Got, Hadad, Inspecteth, Later, Mustered, Numbered, Pass, Return, Spring, Syrians, Turn, WarDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 20:26 4970 seasons, of year
5214 attack
7233 Israel, northern kingdom 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 20:26 NIV1 Kings 20:26 NLT1 Kings 20:26 ESV1 Kings 20:26 NASB1 Kings 20:26 KJV
1 Kings 20:26 Commentaries
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