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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 20:16 They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/11_1Ki_20_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:16 - Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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But Benhadad <i>was</i> drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So they went out at noon. Meanwhile Ben-Hadad and the thirty-two kings helping him were getting drunk at the command post.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />They went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the temporary shelters with the thirty-two kings who were helping him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />They went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the temporary shelters with the thirty-two kings who helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And they went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the temporary shelters with the thirty-two kings who helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And they went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the booths with the thirty-two kings who helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />They went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was getting drunk in the temporary shelters, he and the thirty-two kings who were helping him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the thirty-two kings who were helping him were getting drunk in their quarters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings who were helping him were getting drunk in the tents. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />They attacked at noon, when Benhadad was in his tent getting drunk with the 32 kings who were his allies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The attack began at noon, as Benhadad and his thirty-two allies were getting drunk in their tents. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They attacked at noon, just as Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the battle pavilions, along with the 32 kings who had joined him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />They marched out at noon, while Ben Hadad and the thirty-two kings allied with him were drinking heavily in their quarters.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />They went out at noon. But Ben Hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty-two kings who helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />They went out at noon. But Ben Hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty-two kings who helped him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and they go out at noon, and Ben-Hadad is drinking—drunk in the shelters, he and the kings, the thirty-two kings helping him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and they go out at noon, and Ben-Hadad is drinking -- drunk in the booths, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings, helping him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will go forth at noon. And Ben-hadad was drinking strong drink in the booths, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings helping him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they went out at noon. But Benadad was drinking himself drunk in his pavilion, and the two and thirty kings with him, who were come to help him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they went out at midday. But Benhadad was drinking; he was inebriated in his pavilion, and the thirty-two kings with him, who had arrived in order to assist him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />They marched out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking heavily in the pavilions with the thirty-two kings who were his allies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />They went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the booths, he and the thirty-two kings allied with him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And they went out at noon, but Bar-hadad was drinking old wine in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty-two kings who were come to help him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they went out at noonday, and Bar Hadad was drinking aged wine in huts, he and thirty two Kings who came to his assistance.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the booths, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he went forth at noon, an the son of Ader was drinking <i>and</i> getting drunk in Socchoth, he and the kings, <i>even</i> thirty and two kings, his allies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=7962" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>So Ahab assembled the young officers of the district governors, and there were 232 men. And after them, he assembled the rest of the Israelite troops, 7,000 in all. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣə·’ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">They marched out</a> <a href="/hebrew/6672.htm" title="6672: baṣ·ṣā·ho·rā·yim (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A light, double light, noon. From tsahar; a light: dual double light, i.e. Noon.">at noon</a> <a href="/hebrew/1130.htm" title="1130: ū·ḇen-From ben and Hadad; son of Hadad; Ben-Hadad, the name of several Syrian kings."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1130.htm" title="1130: hă·ḏaḏ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- From ben and Hadad; son of Hadad; Ben-Hadad, the name of several Syrian kings.">while Ben-hadad</a> <a href="/hebrew/7970.htm" title="7970: šə·lō·šîm- (Number-cp) -- Thirty. Or shloshiym; multiple of shalowsh; thirty; or thirtieth.">and the 32</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: ū·šə·na·yim (Conj-w:: Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: wə·ham·mə·lā·ḵîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/5826.htm" title="5826: ‘ō·zêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To help, succor. A primitive root; to surround, i.e. Protect or aid.">allied</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯōw (DirObjM:: 3ms) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/5521.htm" title="5521: bas·suk·kō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fp) -- A thicket, booth. Fem of cok; a hut or lair.">were in their tents</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: šō·ṯeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">getting</a> <a href="/hebrew/7910.htm" title="7910: šik·kō·wr (Adj-ms) -- Drunken. Or shikkor; from shakar; intoxicated, as a state or a habit.">drunk.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>And the young officers of the district governors marched out first. Now Ben-hadad had sent out scouts, who reported to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-32.htm">1 Samuel 15:32-33</a></span><br />Then Samuel said, “Bring me Agag king of the Amalekites.” Agag came to him cheerfully, for he thought, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.” / But Samuel declared: “As your sword has made women childless, so your mother will be childless among women.” And Samuel hacked Agag to pieces before the LORD at Gilgal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/11-13.htm">2 Samuel 11:13</a></span><br />Then David invited Uriah to eat and drink with him, and he got Uriah drunk. And in the evening Uriah went out to lie down on his cot with his master’s servants, but he did not go home.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Isaiah 28:1-3</a></span><br />Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine. / Behold, the Lord has one who is strong and mighty. Like a hailstorm or destructive tempest, like a driving rain or flooding downpour, he will smash that crown to the ground. / The majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards will be trampled underfoot.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/7-5.htm">Hosea 7:5</a></span><br />The princes are inflamed with wine on the day of our king; so he joins hands with those who mock him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/20-1.htm">Proverbs 20:1</a></span><br />Wine is a mocker, strong drink is a brawler, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-29.htm">Proverbs 23:29-35</a></span><br />Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has needless wounds? Who has bloodshot eyes? / Those who linger over wine, who go to taste mixed drinks. / Do not gaze at wine while it is red, when it sparkles in the cup and goes down smoothly. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-11.htm">Isaiah 5:11-12</a></span><br />Woe to those who rise early in the morning in pursuit of strong drink, who linger into the evening, to be inflamed by wine. / At their feasts are the lyre and harp, tambourines and flutes and wine. They disregard the actions of the LORD and fail to see the work of His hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/5-22.htm">Isaiah 5:22</a></span><br />Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and champions in mixing strong drink,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/51-39.htm">Jeremiah 51:39</a></span><br />While they are flushed with heat, I will serve them a feast, and I will make them drunk so that they may revel; then they will fall asleep forever and never wake up, declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Daniel 5:1-4</a></span><br />Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. / Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-23.htm">Daniel 5:23</a></span><br />Instead, you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. The vessels from His house were brought to you, and as you drank wine from them with your nobles, wives, and concubines, you praised your gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you have failed to glorify the God who holds in His hand your very breath and all your ways.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nahum/1-10.htm">Nahum 1:10</a></span><br />For they will be entangled as with thorns and consumed like the drink of a drunkard—like stubble that is fully dry.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/24-49.htm">Matthew 24:49</a></span><br />And he begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat and drink with drunkards.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-45.htm">Luke 12:45</a></span><br />But suppose that servant says in his heart, ‘My master will be a long time in coming,’ and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/21-34.htm">Luke 21:34</a></span><br />But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-3.htm">1 Samuel 2:3,4</a></b></br> Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let <i>not</i> arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD <i>is</i> a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-11.htm">1 Samuel 14:11,12</a></b></br> And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/17-44.htm">1 Samuel 17:44</a></b></br> And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/14-17.htm">Allied</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Booths</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-8.htm">Drank</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">Drunk</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/1-7.htm">Helped</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-29.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-27.htm">Noon</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Pavilions</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Shelters</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Temporary</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-15.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-15.htm">Thirty-Two</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_chronicles/18-1.htm">Allied</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/ezra/3-4.htm">Booths</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-23.htm">Drank</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-38.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-17.htm">Drunk</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-20.htm">Helped</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-24.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-20.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-20.htm">Noon</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-12.htm">Pavilions</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-29.htm">Shelters</a> <a href="/mark/4-17.htm">Temporary</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-27.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-31.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-31.htm">Thirty-Two</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-39.htm">making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>They marched out at noon</b><br>In the ancient Near East, battles typically began in the morning when the troops were fresh and the light was optimal. The decision to march out at noon suggests a strategic move by the Israelites, possibly to catch the Arameans off guard. This timing could indicate divine guidance, as God often uses unconventional means to achieve His purposes (<a href="/judges/7-19.htm">Judges 7:19-22</a>, the story of Gideon). The midday heat would also be a factor, potentially affecting the readiness and alertness of the opposing forces.<p><b>while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him</b><br>Ben-hadad was the king of Aram (Syria), a powerful nation to the north of Israel. The mention of "32 kings" indicates a coalition of city-states or smaller kingdoms under his leadership, highlighting the significant threat posed to Israel. This alliance reflects the common practice of forming coalitions for military campaigns in the ancient world. The number 32 may symbolize completeness or a formidable force, emphasizing the odds against Israel. This coalition can be compared to other biblical alliances, such as those seen in <a href="/genesis/14.htm">Genesis 14:1-16</a>, where multiple kings joined forces.<p><b>were in their tents getting drunk</b><br>The image of Ben-hadad and his allies getting drunk in their tents suggests a lack of discipline and overconfidence. In the Bible, drunkenness often symbolizes moral and spiritual decay (<a href="/proverbs/20.htm">Proverbs 20:1</a>, <a href="/isaiah/28-7.htm">Isaiah 28:7</a>). This behavior contrasts with the sobriety and readiness expected of leaders in times of war. The scene foreshadows their impending defeat, as God often uses the weaknesses of the proud to bring about their downfall (<a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>). This moment can be seen as a divine setup for Israel's victory, reminiscent of other biblical narratives where God intervenes against overwhelming odds (<a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a>, the story of David and Goliath).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-hadad</a></b><br>The king of Aram (Syria) who led a coalition of 32 kings against Israel. His actions and decisions are central to the events of this chapter.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/3/32_kings.htm">32 Kings</a></b><br>These were allied rulers who supported Ben-hadad in his campaign against Israel. Their presence signifies a formidable force against the Israelites.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of Israel, led by King Ahab at this time, who were under threat from Ben-hadad's coalition.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/n/noon.htm">Noon</a></b><br>The time of day when the Israelites marched out, which is significant because it was an unexpected time for battle, catching the enemy off guard.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/tents.htm">Tents</a></b><br>The location where Ben-hadad and his allies were drinking, indicating a lack of preparedness and vigilance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_complacency.htm">The Dangers of Complacency</a></b><br>Ben-hadad's drunkenness highlights the risks of complacency and lack of vigilance. As Christians, we must remain spiritually alert and prepared for the challenges we face.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_divine_strategy.htm">The Power of Divine Strategy</a></b><br>The timing of the Israelite march demonstrates God's wisdom in strategy. Trusting in God's timing and methods can lead to victory even against overwhelming odds.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_intemperance.htm">The Consequences of Intemperance</a></b><br>The state of Ben-hadad and his allies serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of intemperance. Christians are called to live soberly and righteously.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_battle.htm">God's Sovereignty in Battle</a></b><br>Despite the odds, God delivered Israel from their enemies. This reminds us of God's sovereignty and ability to deliver us from our own battles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_readiness.htm">The Importance of Readiness</a></b><br>The Israelites' readiness to march at an unexpected time underscores the importance of being prepared to act when God calls us to move.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/could_232_officers_defeat_a_large_army.htm">How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_lying_ever_justified.htm">Is it okay to lie? (Exodus 20:16 vs. 1 Kings 22:21-22)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_1_kings_16_15-22_timelines_match_history.htm">(1 Kings 16:15-22) Are the conflicting timelines and sudden shifts of power consistent with other historical sources, or do they indicate a biblical exaggeration?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_did_king_baasha_die.htm">In what year of King Asa's reign did Baasha, King of Israel die? Twenty-sixth year (I Kings 15:33 - 16:8) Still alive in the thirty-sixth year (2 Chronicles 16:1)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And they went out at noon.</span> ["At the time when Ben-hadad, haughty and confident, had given himself up with his vassals, to the table, news of which had probably been received in the city" (Bahr). But it seems at least equally probable that the noon hour was selected either in obedience to the unrecorded directions of the prophet, or as being a time for rest and sleep, as it still is in the East.] <span class="cmt_word">But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.</span> [Strong drink would seem to have been a besetment of the monarchs of that age (cf. <a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">1 Kings 16:9</a>; <a href="/proverbs/31-4.htm">Proverbs 31:4</a>; <a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Daniel 5:1</a> sqq.; <a href="/esther/1-10.htm">Esther 1:10</a>; <a href="/esther/7-2.htm">Esther 7:2</a>; <a href="/habakkuk/2-5.htm">Habakkuk 2:5</a>). It can hardly have been to "mark his utter contempt of the foe," Rawlinson, who compares Belshazzar's feast (<a href="/daniel/5-1.htm">Daniel 5:1-4</a>) when besieged by Cyrus. But Ben-hadad was the besieger. We are rather reminded of Alexander's carouse at Babylon.] <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">They marched out</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֵּצְא֖וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yê·ṣə·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at noon</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִם</span> <span class="translit">(baṣ·ṣā·ho·rā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6672.htm">Strong's 6672: </a> </span><span class="str2">A light, double light, noon</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while Ben-hadad</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲדַד֩</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ḏaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1130.htm">Strong's 1130: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ben-hadad -- 'son of Hadad', the name of several Aramean (Syrian) kings</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the 32</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁלֹשִֽׁים־</span> <span class="translit">(šə·lō·šîm-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7970.htm">Strong's 7970: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thirty, thirtieth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">kings</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַמְּלָכִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ham·mə·lā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">allied</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹזֵ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·zêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5826.htm">Strong's 5826: </a> </span><span class="str2">To surround, protect, aid</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with him</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">were in their tents</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּסֻּכּ֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(bas·suk·kō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5521.htm">Strong's 5521: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thicket, booth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">getting</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁתֶ֨ה</span> <span class="translit">(šō·ṯeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> </span><span class="str2">To imbibe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">drunk.</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁכּ֜וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(šik·kō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7910.htm">Strong's 7910: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intoxicated, as a, state, a habit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:16 They went out at noon (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>