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1 Kings 20:25

1 Kings 20:25 in Multiple Translations

And you must raise an army like the one you have lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly.

And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so.

and number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot; and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so.

And get together another army like the one which came to destruction, horse for horse, and carriage for carriage; and let us make war on them in the lowlands, and certainly we will be stronger than they. And he gave ear to what they said, and did so.

You also have to raise another army to replace the one you lost—horse for horse, chariot for chariot. Then we can fight them in the lowlands and we will definitely beat them.” Ben-hadad listened to their advice and did as they said.

And nomber thy selfe an armie, like the armie that thou hast lost, with such horses, and such charets, and we wil fight against them in the plaine, and doubtlesse we shall ouercome them: and he hearkened vnto their voyce, and did so.

and thou, number to thee a force as the force that is fallen from thee, and horse for horse, and chariot for chariot, and we fight with them in the plain; are we not stronger than they?' and he hearkeneth to their voice, and doth so.

Muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. We will fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they are.” He listened to their voice and did so.

And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened to their voice, and did so.

And make up the number of soldiers that have been slain of thine, and horses according to the former horses, and chariots according to the chariots which thou hadst before: and we will fight against them in the plains, and thou shalt see that we shall overcome them. He believed their counsel and did so.

Then gather an army like the army that was defeated. Gather an army that has as many horses and chariots as the first army had. Then we will fight the Israelis in the plains/lowlands, and we will surely defeat them.” Ben-Hadad agreed with them, and he did what they suggested.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:25

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 20:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/אַתָּ֣ה תִֽמְנֶה לְ/ךָ֣ חַ֡יִל כַּ/חַיִל֩ הַ/נֹּפֵ֨ל מֵ/אוֹתָ֜/ךְ וְ/ס֣וּס כַּ/סּ֣וּס וְ/רֶ֣כֶב כָּ/רֶ֗כֶב וְ/נִֽלָּחֲמָ֤ה אוֹתָ/ם֙ בַּ/מִּישׁ֔וֹר אִם לֹ֥א נֶחֱזַ֖ק מֵ/הֶ֑ם וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע לְ/קֹלָ֖/ם וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ כֵּֽן
וְ/אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron
תִֽמְנֶה mânâh H4487 to count V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לְ/ךָ֣ Prep | Suff
חַ֡יִל chayil H2428 Helech N-ms
כַּ/חַיִל֩ chayil H2428 Helech Prep | N-ms
הַ/נֹּפֵ֨ל nâphal H5307 to fall Art | V-Qal
מֵ/אוֹתָ֜/ךְ ʼêth H853 Obj. Prep | DirObjM | Suff
וְ/ס֣וּס çûwç H5483 swallow Conj | N-ms
כַּ/סּ֣וּס çûwç H5483 swallow Prep | N-ms
וְ/רֶ֣כֶב rekeb H7393 chariot Conj | N-ms
כָּ/רֶ֗כֶב rekeb H7393 chariot Prep | N-ms
וְ/נִֽלָּחֲמָ֤ה lâcham H3898 to fight Conj | V-Niphal-1cp
אוֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff
בַּ/מִּישׁ֔וֹר mîyshôwr H4334 plain Prep | N-ms
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נֶחֱזַ֖ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
מֵ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לְ/קֹלָ֖/ם qôwl H6963 voice Prep | N-ms | Suff
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כֵּֽן kên H3651 right Part
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:25

וְ/אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
תִֽמְנֶה mânâh H4487 "to count" V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To count or number something means to weigh it out or assign a value to it. In the Bible, this term is used to describe the act of counting or numbering people, animals, or things. For example, in the book of Numbers, the Israelites are counted and numbered before entering the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) to count, reckon, number, assign, tell, appoint, prepare 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count, number 1a2) reckon, assign, appoint 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be counted, be numbered 1b2) to be reckoned, be assigned 1c) (Piel) to appoint, ordain 1d) (Pual) appointed (participle) Aramaic equivalent: me.nah (מְנָה "to reckon/appoint" H4483)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, count, number, prepare, set, tell. See also: Genesis 13:16; Psalms 61:8; Psalms 90:12.
לְ/ךָ֣ "" Prep | Suff
חַ֡יִל chayil H2428 "Helech" N-ms
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.
כַּ/חַיִל֩ chayil H2428 "Helech" Prep | N-ms
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.
הַ/נֹּפֵ֨ל nâphal H5307 "to fall" Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
מֵ/אוֹתָ֜/ךְ ʼêth H853 "Obj." Prep | DirObjM | Suff
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.
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.
כַּ/סּ֣וּס çûwç H5483 "swallow" Prep | 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.
וְ/רֶ֣כֶב 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.
כָּ/רֶ֗כֶב rekeb H7393 "chariot" Prep | 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.
וְ/נִֽלָּחֲמָ֤ה lâcham H3898 "to fight" Conj | V-Niphal-1cp
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.
אוֹתָ/ם֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff
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.
בַּ/מִּישׁ֔וֹר mîyshôwr H4334 "plain" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a level or plain area, often used to describe a geographical region. It can also mean uprightness or justice, and is sometimes used to describe a place of equity or fairness. In the Bible, it appears in various translations, including plain and straight.
Definition: 1) level place, uprightness 1a) level country, table-land, plain 1b) level place 1c) uprightness
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: equity, even place, plain, right(-eously), (made) straight, uprightness. See also: Deuteronomy 3:10; Psalms 27:11; Psalms 26:12.
אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נֶחֱזַ֖ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
מֵ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff
וַ/יִּשְׁמַ֥ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לְ/קֹלָ֖/ם qôwl H6963 "voice" Prep | N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
וַ/יַּ֥עַשׂ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כֵּֽן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:25

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 10:3 For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.

1 Kings 20:25 Summary

[This verse tells us that the king of Aram's servants advised him to raise a new army and fight the Israelites on the plain, where they thought they would have an advantage. However, this decision was based on their own strength and strategy, rather than seeking God's guidance. As Christians, we can learn from this example by recognizing the importance of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, rather than our own abilities, as seen in Psalms 20:7-8 and Isaiah 31:1. By seeking God's guidance and trust in His sovereignty, we can avoid the mistakes of the king of Aram and his servants, and instead, experience God's power and presence in our lives.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the king of Aram's servants advising him to fight the Israelites on the plain?

The servants of the king of Aram believed that the Israelites' gods were limited to the hills, and that they would have an advantage on the plain, as seen in 1 Kings 20:23. This shows their lack of understanding of the God of Israel, who is all-powerful and not limited to any particular location, as stated in Psalms 139:7-10.

Why did the king of Aram agree to raise a new army like the one he had lost?

The king of Aram agreed to raise a new army because his servants convinced him that they could defeat the Israelites on the plain, as stated in 1 Kings 20:25. This decision was based on their own strength and strategy, rather than seeking God's guidance, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.

What can we learn from the king of Aram's decision to trust in his own strength and strategy?

The king of Aram's decision to trust in his own strength and strategy serves as a warning against relying on our own abilities rather than seeking God's guidance and trust in His sovereignty, as seen in Isaiah 31:1 and Psalms 20:7-8.

How does this verse relate to the overall story of 1 Kings 20?

This verse is a turning point in the story of 1 Kings 20, as it sets the stage for the upcoming battle between the Arameans and the Israelites, and ultimately, the demonstration of God's power and sovereignty, as seen in 1 Kings 20:26-30 and 1 Kings 20:13-21.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am relying on my own strength and strategy, rather than seeking God's guidance and trust in His sovereignty?
  2. How can I apply the lesson of trusting in God's power and sovereignty, rather than my own abilities, to my daily life and decision-making?
  3. What are some ways that I can seek God's guidance and trust in His sovereignty, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalms 37:3-7?
  4. How can I avoid the mistake of the king of Aram's servants, who limited God's power to a particular location or circumstance, and instead, recognize God's omnipotence and presence in all aspects of my life?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:25

And number thee an army like the army that thou hast lost,.... Raise an army of an equal number, which they supposed he was able to do: horse for horse and chariot for chariot; as many horses and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:25

And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:25

1 Kings 20:25 And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, [and] surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so.Ver. 25. The army that thou hast lost.] Heb., That was fallen. They who are fallen in the field are looked upon as lost. And yet Miles Cobelitz, a Christian soldier, sore wounded and all bloody, rising out of a heap of slain men after a great fight, stabbed to death Amurath, the great Turk, as he took a view of the dead bodies, which without number lay on heaps in the field. And in that memorable fight betwixt the Dauphin of France and the Helvetians near Basle, Burchard Monk, a noble and valiant commander, vaunting of his victory, and putting up his helmet, that he might see what a slaughter had been made there that day, had his death wound given him by a half-dead Helvetian, who, getting up upon his knees, threw a stone at him, and hit him in the forehead. And we will flght against them in the plain.] See on 1 Kings 20:23. Turk. Hist, fol. 200. Lavat. in Proverbs 27:1.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:25

25. and number thee an army] Here we have a different verb from that in 15 and in 26, 27. Here the operation is one of numbering, making the force tally exactly in each arm with that which had been gathered in the previous year. The rendering of this verb by ‘number’ is an additional reason for changing ‘number’ to muster in the other places.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:25

25. Like the army that thou hast lost — Or, like the fallen army. Surely Syria must have been rich in soldiers and horses and chariots, to gather so soon another such army as Ben-hadad boasts of in 1 Kings 20:10.

Sermons on 1 Kings 20:25

SermonDescription
Richard Owen Roberts God's Holiness - Part 4 by Richard Owen Roberts In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the hatred of sin in the eyes of God. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including Luke 1

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