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And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-25.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/11_1Ki_20_25.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:25 - Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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. 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Then surely we will be stronger than they.&#8221 He agreed with them and acted accordingly. <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Recruit another army like the one you lost. Give us the same number of horses, chariots, and men, and we will fight against them on the plains. There’s no doubt that we will beat them.” So King Ben-hadad did as they suggested. <a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. <a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> and you shall muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain; surely we will be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and we will certainly be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they.&#8221 And he listened to their voice and did so. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and you shall number a military force like the military force that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. <a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and assemble an army like the army that you have lost in battle, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their words and did so. <a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Raise another army for yourself like the army you lost—horse for horse, chariot for chariot—and let’s fight with them on the plain; and we will certainly be stronger than they are.” The king listened to them and did it. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Raise another army for yourself like the army you lost—horse for horse, chariot for chariot—and let&#8217s fight with them on the plain; and we will certainly be stronger than they will be.&#8221 The king listened to them and did so. <a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Then get more soldiers, horses, and chariots, so your army will be as strong as it was before. We'll fight Israel's army on flat land and wipe them out. Benhadad agreed and did what they suggested. <a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Recruit an army with as many horses and chariots as the one which was defeated. Then, if we fight them on the plain, we will be stronger than they are." He took their advice and followed it. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then call up an army as large as the one that deserted you, with the same number of horses and chariots. We will fight the Israelites in the plains, and this time we will defeat them." King Benhadad agreed and followed their advice. <a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then replace the army that you lost, horse-for-horse and chariot-for-chariot. We'll fight them on the plains, and we're certain to be the stronger army." Ben-hadad listened to what they had to say and carried out their advice. <a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Muster an army like the one you lost, with the same number of horses and chariots. Then we will fight them in the plains; we will certainly overpower them." He approved their plan and did as they advised. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> 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 them." He listened to their voice, and did so. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> 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. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and you, number for yourself a force as the force that is fallen from you, and horse for horse, and chariot for chariot, and we fight with them in the plain; are we not stronger than they?” And he listens to their voice, and does so. <a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 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. <a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And thou shalt divide out to thee an army, as the army having fallen from thee, and horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will war with them in the plain; surely, shall we not be strong above them? And he will hear to their voice and do so.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> 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. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And replace the number of soldiers who have been cut down of yours, and the horses, in accord with the earlier number of horses, and the chariots, in accord with the number of chariots that you had before. And we will fight against them in the plains, and you will see that we will prevail over them.” And he trusted in their counsel, and he did so. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Raise an army as large as the army you have lost, horse for horse, chariot for chariot. Let us fight them on level ground, and we shall surely defeat them.” He took their advice and did this. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot; then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” He heeded their voice, and did so.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And number for yourself an army like the army that you have 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. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And you number for yourself an army like the army that fell from you, and horses like the horses and chariots like the chariots, and we shall fight with them in the plain, but we will prevail over them.” And he listened to their voice and he did so.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> 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. <a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And we will give thee another army according to the army that was destroyed, and cavalry according to the cavalry, and chariots according to the chariots, and we will fight against them in the plain, and we shall prevail against them. And he hearkened to their voice, and did so. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-25.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=8060" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad</a> …24So do this: Dismiss all the kings from their positions and replace them with other officers. 25<a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">And you</a> <a href="/hebrew/4487.htm" title="4487: ṯim·neh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to weigh out; by implication, to allot or constitute officially; also to enumerate or enroll.">must raise</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ḥa·yil (N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">an army</a> <a href="/hebrew/2428.htm" title="2428: ka·ḥa·yil (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- From chuwl; probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength.">like the one</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: han·nō·p̄êl (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">you have lost—</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: mê·’ō·w·ṯāḵ (Prep-m:: DirObjM:: 2fs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: wə·sūs (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">horse</a> <a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: kas·sūs (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">for horse</a> <a href="/hebrew/7393.htm" title="7393: wə·re·ḵeḇ (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- From rakab; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. The upper millstone.">and chariot</a> <a href="/hebrew/7393.htm" title="7393: kā·re·ḵeḇ (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- From rakab; a vehicle; by implication, a team; by extension, cavalry; by analogy a rider, i.e. The upper millstone.">for chariot—</a> <a href="/hebrew/3898.htm" title="3898: wə·nil·lā·ḥă·māh (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cp) -- To feed on, to consume, to battle. A primitive root; to feed on; figuratively, to consume; by implication, to battle.">so we can fight</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·w·ṯām (DirObjM:: 3mp) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/4334.htm" title="4334: bam·mî·šō·wr (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A level place, uprightness. ">on the plain,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">where we will surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ne·ḥĕ·zaq (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">prevail.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/mê·hem (Prep-m:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: way·yiš·ma‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">And the king approved</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: lə·qō·lām (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">their plan</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: way·ya·‘aś (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">and acted</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">accordingly.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_chronicles/18-30.htm">2 Chronicles 18:30-32</a> Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” / When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him. / And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. <a href="/2_kings/6-15.htm">2 Kings 6:15-17</a> When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. <a href="/2_kings/13-7.htm">2 Kings 13:7</a> Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing. <a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">2 Kings 7:6-7</a> For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">2 Kings 3:21-23</a> Now all the Moabites had heard that the kings had come up to fight against them. So all who could bear arms, young and old, were summoned and stationed at the border. / When they got up early in the morning, the sun was shining on the water, and it looked as red as blood to the Moabites across the way. / “This is blood!” they exclaimed. “The kings have clashed swords and slaughtered one another. Now to the plunder, Moab!” <a href="/2_kings/19-35.htm">2 Kings 19:35</a> And that very night the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! <a href="/2_samuel/10-6.htm">2 Samuel 10:6-8</a> When the Ammonites realized that they had become a stench to David, they hired twenty thousand Aramean foot soldiers from Beth-rehob and Zoba, as well as a thousand men from the king of Maacah and twelve thousand men from Tob. / On hearing this, David sent Joab and the entire army of mighty men. / The Ammonites marched out and arrayed themselves for battle at the entrance of the city gate, while the Arameans of Zobah and Rehob and the men of Tob and Maacah were by themselves in the open country. <a href="/judges/7-12.htm">Judges 7:12</a> Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore. <a href="/isaiah/31-1.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a> Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD. <a href="/isaiah/36-8.htm">Isaiah 36:8-9</a> Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! / For how can you repel a single officer among the least of my master’s servants when you depend on Egypt for chariots and horsemen? <a href="/jeremiah/46-9.htm">Jeremiah 46:9</a> Advance, O horses! Race furiously, O chariots! Let the warriors come forth—Cush and Put carrying their shields, men of Lydia drawing the bow. <a href="/ezekiel/38-4.htm">Ezekiel 38:4</a> I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws, and bring you out with all your army—your horses, your horsemen in full armor, and a great company armed with shields and bucklers, all brandishing their swords. <a href="/ezekiel/39-20.htm">Ezekiel 39:20</a> And at My table you will eat your fill of horses and riders, of mighty men and warriors of every kind,’ declares the Lord GOD. <a href="/matthew/26-53.htm">Matthew 26:53</a> Are you not aware that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? <a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31</a> Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand?</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And number you an army, like the army that you have 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 listened to their voice, and did so.were all present.<a href="/joshua/1-11.htm">Joshua 1:11</a> Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it.<a href="/judges/7-8.htm">Judges 7:8</a> So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.like two<a href="/deuteronomy/32-30.htm">Deuteronomy 32:30</a> How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?<a href="/judges/6-5.htm">Judges 6:5</a> For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it.<a href="/1_samuel/13-5.htm">1 Samuel 13:5-8</a> And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/16-25.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-20.htm">Agreed</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-19.htm">Army</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-1.htm">Carriage</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Chariot</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-22.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/4-1.htm">Lost</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Plains</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-4.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Together</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-18.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/21-26.htm">Acted</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-8.htm">Agreed</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-19.htm">Army</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-35.htm">Carriage</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Chariot</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Fight</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-36.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-15.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Lost</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">Plain</a> <a href="/2_kings/25-5.htm">Plains</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-28.htm">Raise</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/5-2.htm">Stronger</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-25.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Together</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-36.htm">Voice</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">War</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 20</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria</a> 13. <a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain</a> 22. <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek</a> 28. <a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again</a> 31. <a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant</a> 35. <a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, </a> 39. <a href="/1_kings/20-39.htm">making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>And you must raise an army like the one you have lost— This phrase refers to the need to rebuild the military forces that were previously defeated. In the context of <a href="/1_kings/20.htm">1 Kings 20</a>, the Arameans, led by King Ben-Hadad, had suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the Israelites. The call to raise an army "like the one you have lost" indicates a strategy to match the previous military strength, suggesting a reliance on human power and resources rather than seeking divine guidance. This reflects a common theme in the Old Testament where reliance on military might is often contrasted with reliance on God (<a href="/psalms/20-7.htm">Psalm 20:7</a>).horse for horse and chariot for chariot— Horses and chariots were symbols of military power and technological advancement in ancient Near Eastern warfare. The emphasis on matching the number of horses and chariots highlights the importance of these assets in battle. In biblical times, chariots were a significant advantage in warfare, especially on flat terrain. This phrase underscores the Arameans' belief in the superiority of their military technology. The Bible often warns against placing trust in chariots and horses instead of God (<a href="/isaiah/31.htm">Isaiah 31:1</a>).so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, The Arameans believed that their previous defeat was due to the mountainous terrain, which favored the Israelites. By choosing to fight on the plain, they hoped to leverage their chariots' effectiveness. This reflects a common ancient belief that gods were territorial, and the Arameans thought they could defeat Israel's God by changing the battlefield. This underestimates the omnipotence of the God of Israel, who is not limited by geography (<a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">1 Kings 20:28</a>).where we will surely prevail.” This statement reveals the Arameans' confidence in their revised strategy. It also highlights a recurring biblical theme of human arrogance and the presumption of victory based on worldly wisdom and strength. The belief that they would "surely prevail" demonstrates a lack of understanding of God's sovereignty and power, which is a central lesson in the narrative of <a href="/1_kings/20.htm">1 Kings 20</a>.And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly. King Ben-Hadad's approval of the plan shows his agreement with the advisors' assessment and his willingness to rely on human strategy rather than seeking divine counsel. This decision sets the stage for the subsequent events where God's power is demonstrated despite human plans. The king's actions reflect a broader biblical narrative where leaders often face the consequences of ignoring God's will (<a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> The king of Aram (Syria) who seeks to rebuild his army after a defeat by the Israelites. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel, led by King Ahab during this period, who are the opponents of Ben-Hadad. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_plains.htm">The Plains</a> The geographical setting where Ben-Hadad believes he can defeat the Israelites, contrasting with the hills where he previously lost. 4. <a href="/topical/a/advisors_of_ben-hadad.htm">Advisors of Ben-Hadad</a> They counsel him to fight the Israelites on the plains, believing that the gods of Israel are gods of the hills. 5. <a href="/topical/k/king_ahab.htm">King Ahab</a> The king of Israel at the time, who is involved in the conflict with Ben-Hadad.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_human_wisdom.htm">Reliance on Human Wisdom</a> Ben-Hadad's decision to follow his advisors' counsel without seeking divine guidance highlights the danger of relying solely on human wisdom. <a href="/topical/m/misunderstanding_god's_power.htm">Misunderstanding God's Power</a> The Arameans' belief that God is limited to certain geographical areas reflects a misunderstanding of God's omnipotence and sovereignty. <a href="/topical/s/strategic_planning_vs._divine_will.htm">Strategic Planning vs. Divine Will</a> While strategic planning is important, it should not replace seeking God's will and guidance in our decisions. <a href="/topical/t/the_folly_of_repeating_mistakes.htm">The Folly of Repeating Mistakes</a> Ben-Hadad's attempt to rebuild his army in the same manner as before shows the folly of repeating past mistakes without learning from them. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_all_circumstances.htm">God's Sovereignty in All Circumstances</a> This passage reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation, and His power is not confined to specific locations or situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20</a> <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> <a href="/q/why_do_2_chr_9_25_and_1_kgs_4_26_differ.htm">Why do the numbers listed in 2 Chronicles 9:25 about Solomon's horses and chariots differ from related passages like 1 Kings 4:26?</a> <a href="/q/is_1_kings_20_29_historically_supported.htm">Does the claim that 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers were struck down in one day align with any historical or archaeological data (1 Kings 20:29)?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_israelites_request_a_king.htm">Why did Israelites request a king?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 25. — And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost [Heb. that is fallen from thee, not as marg., that was fallen. For the form מֵאותָך. see Ewald, 264 b)], horse for [Heb. as] 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. <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-25.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And you וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you must raise תִֽמְנֶה־ (ṯim·neh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4487.htm">Strong's 4487: </a> To weigh out, to allot, constitute officially, to enumerate, enroll an army חַ֡יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2428.htm">Strong's 2428: </a> A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength like the [one] כַּחַיִל֩ (ka·ḥa·yil) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2428.htm">Strong's 2428: </a> A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength you have lost— הַנֹּפֵ֨ל (han·nō·p̄êl) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie horse וְס֣וּס (wə·sūs) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> A swallow, swift (type of bird) for horse כַּסּ֣וּס ׀ (kas·sūs) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> A swallow, swift (type of bird) and chariot וְרֶ֣כֶב (wə·re·ḵeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7393.htm">Strong's 7393: </a> A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone for chariot— כָּרֶ֗כֶב (kā·re·ḵeḇ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7393.htm">Strong's 7393: </a> A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone so we can fight וְנִֽלָּחֲמָ֤ה (wə·nil·lā·ḥă·māh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3898.htm">Strong's 3898: </a> To feed on, to consume, to battle [the Israelites] אוֹתָם֙ (’ō·w·ṯām) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case on the plain, בַּמִּישׁ֔וֹר (bam·mî·šō·wr) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> A level, a plain, as a, straightness, justice where we will surely אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not prevail. נֶחֱזַ֖ק (ne·ḥĕ·zaq) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer And [the king] approved וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently their plan לְקֹלָ֖ם (lə·qō·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> A voice, sound and acted וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make accordingly. כֵּֽן׃ (kên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-25.htm">1 Kings 20:25 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-25.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:25 And number you an army like (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:26" /></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>