1 Kings 20:1
1 Kings 20:1 in Multiple Translations
Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it.
And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.
And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together; and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and fought against it.
Now Ben-hadad, king of Aram, got all his army together, and thirty-two kings with him, and horses and carriages of war; he went up and made war on Samaria, shutting it in.
Ben-hadad, king of Aram, called up his entire army. Together with thirty-two kings and their assembled horses and chariots, he marched to besiege Samaria, to fight against it.
Then Ben-hadad the King of Aram assembled all his armie, and two and thirtie Kings with him, with horses, and charets, and went vp and besieged Samaria, and fought against it.
And Ben-Hadad king of Aram hath gathered all his force, and thirty and two kings [are] with him, and horse and chariot, and he goeth up and layeth siege against Samaria, and fighteth with it,
Ben Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together; and there were thirty-two kings with him, with horses and chariots. He went up and besieged Samaria, and fought against it.
And Ben-hadad the king of Syria collected all his army: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.
And Benadad, king of Syria, gathered together all his host, and there were two and thirty kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and going up, he fought against Samaria, and besieged it.
Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria, gathered all his army, and he persuaded 32 other kings to join him with their armies and horses and chariots. They marched to Samaria city, the capital of Israel, and surrounded it, and prepared to attack it.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 20:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/בֶן
הֲדַ֣ד
מֶֽלֶךְ
אֲרָ֗ם
קָבַץ֙
אֶת
כָּל
חֵיל֔/וֹ
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
מֶ֛לֶךְ
אִתּ֖/וֹ
וְ/ס֣וּס
וָ/רָ֑כֶב
וַ/יַּ֗עַל
וַ/יָּ֨צַר֙
עַל
שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
בָּֽ/הּ
וּ/בֶן
Ben-Hădad
H1130
Ben-hadad
Conj | N-proper
הֲדַ֣ד
Ben-Hădad
H1130
Ben-hadad
N-proper
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
אֲרָ֗ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
Aram
N-proper
קָבַץ֙
qâbats
H6908
to gather
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
חֵיל֔/וֹ
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms | Suff
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
thirty
Conj | Adj
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Adj
מֶ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
אִתּ֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
וְ/ס֣וּס
çûwç
H5483
swallow
Conj | N-ms
וָ/רָ֑כֶב
rekeb
H7393
chariot
Conj | N-ms
וַ/יַּ֗עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וַ/יָּ֨צַר֙
tsûwr
H6696
to confine
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
Samaria
N-proper
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
lâcham
H3898
to fight
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בָּֽ/הּ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:1
וּ/בֶן
Ben-Hădad
H1130
"Ben-hadad"
Conj | N-proper
Ben-Hadad was a Syrian king during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3. His name means son of the false god Hadad. He was a contemporary of Asa of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.3; son of: Hazael (H2371) § Ben-hadad = "son of [the false god] Hadad" 1) the king of Syria, contemporary with Asa of Judah 2) the son of Hazael, also king of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Benhadad. See also: 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 20:32; Jeremiah 49:27.
הֲדַ֣ד
Ben-Hădad
H1130
"Ben-hadad"
N-proper
Ben-Hadad was a Syrian king during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3. His name means son of the false god Hadad. He was a contemporary of Asa of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.3; son of: Hazael (H2371) § Ben-hadad = "son of [the false god] Hadad" 1) the king of Syria, contemporary with Asa of Judah 2) the son of Hazael, also king of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Benhadad. See also: 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 20:32; Jeremiah 49:27.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֲרָ֗ם
ʼĂrâm
H758
"Aram"
N-proper
Aram refers to a region in the Bible, also known as Syria, and its people, the Arameans. The grandson of Nahor, an ancestor of Jesus, was also named Aram. The prophet Isaiah wrote about Aram and its relationship with Israel in Isaiah 7:1-9.
Definition: Aram or Arameans = "exalted" Aram or Syrian nation Another name of pad.dan (פַּדָּן "Paddan" H6307)
Usage: Occurs in 118 OT verses. KJV: Aram, Mesopotamia, Syria, Syrians. See also: Genesis 10:22; 2 Kings 8:28; Isaiah 7:1.
קָבַץ֙
qâbats
H6908
"to gather"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.
Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חֵיל֔/וֹ
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms | Suff
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
וּ/שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים
shᵉlôwshîym
H7970
"thirty"
Conj | Adj
Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.
Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)
Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.
וּ/שְׁנַ֥יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
מֶ֛לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אִתּ֖/וֹ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
וְ/ס֣וּס
çûwç
H5483
"swallow"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a horse, often referring to chariot horses. It also describes a swallow due to its swift flight, as seen in the book of Jeremiah. The word is used to describe strong and fast animals.
Definition: swallow, swift
Usage: Occurs in 130 OT verses. KJV: crane, horse (-back, -hoof). Compare H6571 (פָּרָשׁ). See also: Genesis 47:17; Psalms 76:7; Psalms 20:8.
וָ/רָ֑כֶב
rekeb
H7393
"chariot"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for chariot refers to a vehicle, team of horses, or cavalry. It is also used to describe the upper millstone in a grinding mill. Chariots were important in biblical times for transportation and war.
Definition: : chariot 1) a team, chariot, chariotry, mill-stone, riders 1a) chariotry, chariots 1b) chariot (single) 1c) upper millstone (as riding on lower millstone) 1d) riders, troop (of riders), horsemen, pair of horsemen, men riding, ass-riders, camel-riders Also means: re.khev (רֶ֫כֶב ": millstone" H7393H)
Usage: Occurs in 104 OT verses. KJV: chariot, (upper) millstone, multitude (from the margin), wagon. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Kings 8:21; Psalms 20:8.
וַ/יַּ֗עַל
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
וַ/יָּ֨צַר֙
tsûwr
H6696
"to confine"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To form or shape something, like a potter molds clay, as in Isaiah 29:16.
Definition: 1) to bind, besiege, confine, cramp 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to confine, secure 1a2) to shut in, beseige 1a3) to shut up, enclose
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: adversary, assault, beset, besiege, bind (up), cast, distress, fashion, fortify, inclose, lay siege, put up in bags. See also: Exodus 23:22; 2 Kings 18:9; Psalms 139:5.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
שֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
"Samaria"
N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
וַ/יִּלָּ֖חֶם
lâcham
H3898
"to fight"
Conj | V-Niphal-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this word means to feed on or consume something, often referring to eating food or battling against someone. It's used in stories like David's battles and the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness.
Definition: 1) to fight, do battle, make war 1a) (Qal) to fight, do battle 1b) (Niphal) to engage in battle, wage war
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: devour, eat, [idiom] ever, fight(-ing), overcome, prevail, (make) war(-ring). See also: Exodus 1:10; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 35:1.
בָּֽ/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:1
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:1
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:1
Context — Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria
1Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it.
2Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, 3saying, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and your best wives and children are mine!’”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 15:18 | So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: |
| 2 | 1 Kings 15:20 | And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth. |
| 3 | 1 Kings 22:31 | Now the king of Aram had ordered his thirty-two chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” |
| 4 | 1 Kings 20:24 | So do this: Dismiss all the kings from their positions and replace them with other officers. |
| 5 | Judges 4:3 | Then the Israelites cried out to the LORD, because Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and he had harshly oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 8:7–10 | Then Elisha came to Damascus while Ben-hadad king of Aram was sick, and the king was told, “The man of God has come here.” So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’” Elisha answered, “Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But the LORD has shown me that in fact he will die.” |
| 7 | Daniel 2:37 | You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given sovereignty, power, strength, and glory. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 49:27 | “I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-hadad.” |
| 9 | 2 Kings 17:5–6 | Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. |
| 10 | Isaiah 37:24 | Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests. |
1 Kings 20:1 Summary
This verse tells us that Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, gathered his army and thirty-two other kings to attack the city of Samaria in Israel. This was a big threat to the people of Israel, but it also shows us that even in the midst of great danger, God is still in control (as seen in Psalm 46:1-3). We can trust in God's power and deliverance, just like the Israelites did, and remember that He is our refuge and strength (as promised in Psalm 91:2). By trusting in God, we can stand firm in our faith, even when faced with overwhelming opposition or adversity, and trust in His plan for our lives (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ben-hadad king of Aram assemble his entire army to attack Samaria?
Ben-hadad assembled his army to attack Samaria because he wanted to expand his kingdom and gain control over Israel, as seen in his demands for silver, gold, wives, and children in 1 Kings 20:3, similar to other conquests in the Bible, such as in Joshua 10:1-4.
What is the significance of the thirty-two kings accompanying Ben-hadad?
The thirty-two kings accompanying Ben-hadad represent the vast array of kingdoms and armies that Ben-hadad had under his control, emphasizing his power and influence, much like the coalition of kings in Genesis 14:1-16.
How does this event relate to God's plan for Israel?
This event is part of God's plan to test the faith of Israel, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2, and to demonstrate His power and deliverance, as promised in Deuteronomy 31:6.
What can we learn from Ahab's situation in this verse?
We can learn from Ahab's situation that even in the midst of great adversity, God is still in control, as seen in Psalm 23:4, and that our trust and faith in Him can lead to victory, as in 1 Samuel 17:45-47.
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas in my life where I feel besieged, and how can I trust in God's power and deliverance?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in this verse, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are the 'silver and gold' in my life that I need to surrender to God, and how can I trust in His provision and care?
- How can I stand firm in my faith, like the Israelites in this verse, when faced with overwhelming opposition or adversity?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:1
And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together,.... This was Benhadad the second, the son of that Benhadad, to whom Asa sent to help him against Baasha, 1 Kings 15:18 and there were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:1
And Ben-ha'dad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it. Ben-hadad the king of Syria.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
1 KINGS CHAPTER 20 Ben-hadad, not content with Ahab’ s homage, besiegeth Samaria, . By the direction of a prophet the Syrians are twice beaten, and Ben-hadad hides himself, . The Syrians submit themselves, and Ahab maketh a covenant with Ben-hadad, . The prophet by a parable reproveth Ahab, and denounceth judgments against him . Ben-hadad; called Adad by Josephus, and Ader by the LXX., and Adores by Justin; such changes of names being usual in their translations into other languages, and by other authors. Gathered all his host together, to war against Israel; wherein his design was to amplify the conquests which his father had made, , but God’ s design was to punish Israel for their apostacy and idolatry. Thirty and two kings; petty kings, such as were in Canaan in Joshua’ s time, who indeed were no more than governors of cities or small territories. These were either subject or tributary to Ben-hadad, or hired by him.
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
1 Kings 20:1 And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and [there were] thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.Ver. 1. And there were thirty and two kings with him.] Reguli; petty kings, such as once were the kings of Canaan, thirty-two likewise in number; such as were once the kings of this land. Caesar telleth us of four kings of Kent in his time, viz., Cingentorix, Carvilius, Taximagulus, and Segonax, who shared that country amongst them. And he went up and besieged Samaria.] Some towns of Israel Benhadad or his father had taken thirty years before, and now he would have all; like as the Gauls, having once tasted of the sweet wines of Italy, would never be at rest till they had got that whole country. Plutarch in Camillo.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
(1) Ben-hadad.—This is the inherited title of the Syrian kings. (See Amos 1:4; Jeremiah 49:27.) From the allusion in 1 Kings 20:34 it appears that this Ben-hadad was the son of a king who had been victorious against Omri—possibly pushing still further the advantage gained in the time of Baasha. It is evident that he assumed, perhaps by inheritance, a sovereignty over Israel. Thirty and two kings.—All the notices of Syria show it as divided into small kingdoms, confederated from time to time under some leading power. In the days of David this leading power was that of Hadadezer of Zobah (2 Samuel 8:3-13; 2 Samuel 10:19), although Hamath was apparently independent. Now Damascus, under the dynasty of Hadad, assumes a most formidable predominance. Ahab cannot stand before it, but shuts himself up, probably after defeat, within the strong walls of Samaria. (2–4) And he sent.—This message and the answer of Ahab (“My lord, O king”) are the assertion and acceptance of Syrian sovereignty over Israel: all the possessions and the family of the vassal are acknowledged to be the property of his superior lord. Ahab surrenders, but not at discretion. Ben-hadad refuses all qualified submission.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
CHAPTER XX Ben-hadad, king of Syria, and thirty-two kings, besiege Samaria, 1. He sends an insulting message to Ahab; and insists on pillaging the whole city, 2-7. The elders of Israel counsel the king not to submit to such shameful conditions, 8. He sends a refusal to Ben-hadad; who, being enraged, vows revenge, 9-12. A prophet comes to Ahab, and promises him victory, and gives him directions how he should order the battle, 13-19. The Syrians are discomfited, and Ben-hadad scarcely escapes, 20, 21. The prophet warns Ahab to be on his guard, for the Syrians would return next year, 22. The counsellors of the king of Syria instruct him how he may successfully invade Israel, 23-25. He leads an immense army to Aphek, to fight with Ahab, 26, 27. A man of God encourages Ahab, who attacks the Syrians, and kills one hundred thousand of them, 28, 29.
They retreat to Aphek, where twenty-seven thousand of them are slain by a casualty, 30. Ben-hadad and his courtiers, being closely besieged in Aphek, and unable to escape, surrender themselves with sackcloth on their loins, and halters on their heads; the king of Israel receives them in a friendly manner, and makes a covenant with Ben-hadad, 31-34. A prophet, by a symbolical action, shows him the impolicy of his conduct in permitting Ben-hadad to escape, and predicts his death and the slaughter of Israel, 35-43. NOTES ON CHAP. XX Verse 1. Ben-hadad] Several MSS., and some early printed editions, have Ben-hadar, or the son of Hadar, as the Septuagint. He is supposed to be the same whom Asa stirred up against the king of Israel, 1Kg 15:18; or, as others, his son or grandson. Thirty and two kings] Tributary chieftains of Syria and the adjacent countries. In former times every town and city had its independent chieftain. Both the Septuagint and Josephus place this war after the history of Naboth.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:1
Ch. 1 Kings 20:1-12. Ben-hadad king of Syria besieges Samaria. His messages to Ahab (Not in Chronicles) 1. In the LXX. Chapters 20. and 21. are transposed, apparently with a view of bringing the history in which Elijah plays a part into closer connexion. Josephus also adopts the same order of events in his history. See Ant. viii. 13. 8 and viii. 14. i. Ben-hadad the king of Syria] See above on 1 Kings 15:18. The LXX. always translates the first syllable of this name, writing υἱὸςἌδερ. There is nothing to help us to conclude with certainty whether the Ben-hadad of this verse was the same who made a treaty with Asa king of Judah against Baasha king of Israel.
Between the death of Baasha and the beginning of Ahab’s reign was only about 14 years, so that it is not impossible that he may be the same Ben-hadad mentioned before, but perhaps the probability is in favour of his being a son or grandson with the same name. gathered all his host together] The LXX. adds here ‘and went up and besieged Samaria,’ and repeats nearly the same words in the next verse. thirty and two kings with him] These would be princes from the different provinces of Aram (Syria) over whom Ben-hadad at Damascus would be lord superior. They would probably include princes from among the Hittites and Hamathites, who dwelt near at hand and who would be in alliance or perhaps tributaries. and horses] The LXX. gives πᾶςἵππος ‘all his cavalry.’ besieged Samaria] Josephus says that Ahab did not feel equal to meeting his powerful adversary in the field and so shut up himself, and all that he could collect, in the strongest fortresses in the land, himself continuing in Samaria as the best defended. and warred (R.V. fought) against it] The change of rendering is made because the verb is nearly always translated ‘fight’ elsewhere. It is so rendered in 1 Kings 20:23; 1 Kings 20:25 of this chapter.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:1
Ben-hadad, the king of Syria - Probably the son of the Ben-hadad who assisted Asa against Baasha (1 Kings 15:18 note). Thirty and two kings with him - Not allies, but feudatories 1 Kings 20:24.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:1
BEN-HADAD’S WARS AGAINST AHAB, 1 Kings 20:1-34. 1. Ben-hadad the king of Syria — He reigned at Damascus, and was probably son of the king of the same name whom Asa hired with the treasures of the
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