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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 20:15 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/11_1Ki_20_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:15 - Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_kings/20-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_kings/20-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_kings/">1 Kings</a> > <a href="/1_kings/20.htm">Chapter 20</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm" title="1 Kings 20:14">◄</a> 1 Kings 20:15 <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm" title="1 Kings 20:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So Ahab summoned the 232 junior officers under the provincial commanders. Then he assembled the rest of the Israelites, 7,000 in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So Ahab mustered the troops of the 232 provincial commanders. Then he called out the rest of the army of Israel, some 7,000 men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he mustered the servants of the governors of the districts, and they were 232. And after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two: and after them he numbered all the people, <i>even</i> all the children of Israel, <i>being</i> seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he mustered the young leaders of the provinces, and there were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he mustered all the people, all the children of Israel—seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he mustered the young men of the leaders of the provinces, and there were 232; and after them he mustered all the people, all the sons of Israel: seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he mustered the young men of the rulers of the provinces, and there were 232; and after them he mustered all the people, even all the sons of Israel, 7,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he mustered the young men of the rulers of the provinces, and there were 232; and after them he mustered all the people, <i>even</i> all the sons of Israel, 7,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he mustered the young men of the rulers of the provinces, and there were 232; and after them he mustered all the people, <i>even</i> all the sons of Israel, 7,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Ahab assembled <i>and</i> counted the young men of the governors of the districts, and there were 232. After them he assembled <i>and</i> counted all the people, all the sons of Israel, 7,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Ahab mobilized the young men of the provincial leaders, and there were 232. After them he mobilized all the Israelite troops: 7,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So Ahab counted the young men of the provincial leaders, and there were 232. After them he counted all the Israelite troops: 7,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he mustered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty-two: and after them he mustered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So Ahab called together the 232 young soldiers and the 7,000 troops in Israel's army, and he got them ready to fight the Syrians. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then he mustered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two: and after them he mustered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Ahab counted the young officers of the district governors. There were 232. After counting them, he counted all the Israelite soldiers. There were 7,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So the king called out the young soldiers who were under the district commanders, 232 in all. Then he called out the Israelite army, a total of seven thousand men. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So Ahab gathered together 232 young men who served as officials within the provinces and then mustered 7,000 soldiers from among the Israelis. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So Ahab assembled the 232 servants of the district governors. After that he assembled all the Israelite army, numbering 7,000.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then he mustered the young men of the governors of the districts, and they were two hundred and thirty-two. After them, he mustered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two: and after them he numbered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then he mustered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty-two. After them, he mustered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand. <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 he inspects the young men of the heads of the provinces, and they are two hundred and thirty-two, and after them he has mustered all the people, all the sons of Israel—seven thousand,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he inspecteth the young men of the heads of the provinces, and they are two hundred, two and thirty, and after them he hath inspecteth the whole of the people, all the sons of Israel, seven thousand,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will review the boys of the chiefs of the provinces, and they will be two hundred and thirty: and after them he reviewed all the people, all the sons of Israel, seven thousand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So he mustered the servants of the princes of the provinces, and he found the number of two hundred and thirty-two: and he mustered after them the people, all the children of Israel, seven thousand: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, he took a count of the servants of the leaders of the provinces. And he found the number to be two hundred thirty-two. And he set them in order after the people, all the sons of Israel, who were seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So Ahab mustered the aides of the provincial governors, two hundred thirty-two of them. Behind them he mustered all the Israelite soldiery, who numbered seven thousand in all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he mustered the young men who served the district governors, two hundred thirty-two; after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then he numbered the young men and the princes of the city, and they were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he numbered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he numbered the youth and the Princes of the city, and there were two hundred and thirty and two, and after them he numbered all the people and all the sons of Israel, seven thousand.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he numbered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Achaab numbered the young men the heads of the districts, and they were two hundred and thirty: and afterwards he numbered the people, <i>even</i> every man fit for war, seven thousand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-15.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=7947" 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">14</span>“By whom?” Ahab asked. And the prophet replied, “This is what the LORD says: ‘By the young officers of the district governors.’ ” “Who will start the battle?” asked Ahab. “You will,” answered the prophet. <span class="reftext">15</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: way·yip̄·qōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">So Ahab assembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: na·‘ă·rê (N-mpc) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">the young officers</a> <a href="/hebrew/4082.htm" title="4082: ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ (Art:: N-fp) -- A province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, i.e. Jurisdiction; by implication, a district; generally, a region.">of the district</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śā·rê (N-mpc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">governors,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·yih·yū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">and there were</a> <a href="/hebrew/3967.htm" title="3967: mā·ṯa·yim (Number-fd) -- Hundred. Or metyah; properly, a primitive numeral; a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction.">232 men.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: šə·na·yim (Number-md) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7970.htm" title="7970: ū·šə·lō·šîm (Conj-w:: Number-cp) -- Thirty. Or shloshiym; multiple of shalowsh; thirty; or thirtieth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: wə·’a·ḥă·rê·hem (Conj-w:: Prep:: 3mp) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">And after them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: pā·qaḏ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">he assembled</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">the rest of</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: bə·nê (N-mpc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the Israelite</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">troops,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: šiḇ·‘aṯ (Number-msc) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">7,000</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">in all.</a> </span><span class="reftext">16</span>They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk.…<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="/judges/7-7.htm">Judges 7:7</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men who lapped the water I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand. But all the others are to go home.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6</a></span><br />Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/14-11.htm">2 Chronicles 14:11</a></span><br />Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-16.htm">2 Kings 6:16-17</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/20-15.htm">2 Chronicles 20:15</a></span><br />And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a></span><br />So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-9.htm">2 Corinthians 12:9</a></span><br />But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a></span><br />I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32-34</a></span><br />And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/23-10.htm">Joshua 23:10</a></span><br />One of you can put a thousand to flight, because the LORD your God fights for you, just as He promised.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/20-1.htm">Deuteronomy 20:1</a></span><br />When you go out to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two: and after them he numbered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">1 Kings 20:14,15,19</a></b></br> And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, <i>Even</i> by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Districts</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Governors</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-22.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Mustered</a> <a href="/1_kings/8-5.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-18.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-7.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Thirty-Two</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-18.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-27.htm">Children</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Districts</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Governors</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-29.htm">Hundred</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Mustered</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Numbered</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Princes</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-29.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-9.htm">Summoned</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Thirty-Two</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-29.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Young</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>So Ahab assembled the young officers of the district governors</b><br>Ahab, the king of Israel, is depicted here as taking decisive military action. The "young officers" likely refers to junior military leaders or aides, indicating a strategy to involve fresh leadership in the battle against Ben-Hadad of Aram. The "district governors" were regional leaders, suggesting a structured and organized approach to governance and military mobilization. This reflects the administrative divisions within the kingdom of Israel, which were necessary for managing resources and defense. The involvement of these officers highlights the importance of leadership and delegation in times of crisis.<p><b>and there were 232 men</b><br>The specific number of 232 men suggests a small, elite group, possibly chosen for their skills or loyalty. This number, while small, indicates a strategic selection rather than a reliance on sheer numbers. In biblical numerology, the number two can symbolize witness or testimony, and three can represent divine completeness, though such interpretations should be approached with caution. The small size of this group contrasts with the larger force assembled later, emphasizing the role of quality over quantity in certain military strategies.<p><b>And after them, he assembled the rest of the Israelite troops</b><br>This phrase indicates a two-phase mobilization strategy. After gathering the elite officers, Ahab calls upon the broader military forces of Israel. This reflects a common ancient Near Eastern practice of assembling troops in stages, often starting with the most capable or strategically important units. The broader assembly of troops underscores the seriousness of the threat posed by Ben-Hadad and the need for a comprehensive defense.<p><b>7,000 in all</b><br>The number 7,000 is significant, as it echoes the remnant of faithful Israelites mentioned in <a href="/1_kings/19-18.htm">1 Kings 19:18</a>, where God tells Elijah that He has preserved 7,000 who have not bowed to Baal. This connection may suggest divine preservation and support for Israel despite Ahab's previous idolatry. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible, which could imply a divinely ordained completeness to the force assembled by Ahab. This assembly of 7,000 men represents the totality of Israel's military readiness at that time, highlighting both the nation's vulnerability and its reliance on divine intervention for victory.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a></b><br>The king of Israel at the time, known for his idolatry and being influenced by his wife Jezebel. Despite his flaws, God still used him to achieve His purposes.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/y/young_men_of_the_princes_of_the_provinces.htm">Young Men of the Princes of the Provinces</a></b><br>These were likely the sons of regional leaders or officials, indicating a group of elite or noble young men who were mustered for battle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_israel.htm">Sons of Israel</a></b><br>Refers to the broader population of Israel, specifically the 7,000 men who were mustered for battle. This number may symbolize completeness or a remnant preserved by God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-Hadad</a></b><br>Though not mentioned in this specific verse, he is the king of Aram (Syria) who was preparing to attack Israel, setting the stage for the events in this chapter.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Ahab reigned and where these events took place.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>Despite Ahab's flaws, God used him to lead Israel to victory. This reminds us that God can work through imperfect leaders to fulfill His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_remnant.htm">The Power of a Remnant</a></b><br>The 7,000 men symbolize a faithful remnant. God often works through a small, faithful group to accomplish His will, encouraging us to remain faithful even when we feel outnumbered.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_over_numbers.htm">Faith Over Numbers</a></b><br>The victory was not due to the size of the army but God's intervention. We should trust in God's power rather than our resources or numbers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_and_obedience.htm">Preparation and Obedience</a></b><br>Ahab's mustering of the troops shows the importance of preparation and obedience to God's instructions, even when the odds seem against us.<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/is_there_non-biblical_proof_of_israel's_win.htm">Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 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/how_do_1_kings_20_and_other_texts_on_ahab_compare.htm">How do the details of King Ahab's military campaigns in 1 Kings 20 align or conflict with other biblical passages about his reign?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) <span class= "bld">The young men</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e., </span>the attendants or armour-bearers of the territorial chiefs, no doubt picked men and well armed. The whole garrison is stated as seven thousand--enough, perhaps, to man the walls, but wholly unfit to take the field. The sally is made at noon, when (as Josephus relates) the besiegers were resting unarmed in the heat of the day.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 15.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then</span> <span class="cmt_word">he numbered</span> [or <span class="accented">reviewed</span> (cf. <a href="/numbers/1-44.htm">Numbers 1:44</a> sqq.; Numbers 3:39-43)] <span class="cmt_word">the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty-two</span> [cf. <a href="/2_chronicles/14-11.htm">2 Chronicles 14:11</a>; <a href="/psalms/33-16.htm">Psalm 33:16</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/32-30.htm">Deuteronomy 32:30</a>, etc. LXX. <span class="greek">διακόσια τριάκοντα</span>. Theodoret remarks that by this band - 230, as he understood it - Almighty God would destroy the hosts of thirty and two kings. The numbers may have been recorded because of the correspondency]: <span class="cmt_word">and after them he numbered all the people, even all</span> <span class="cmt_word">the children of Israel, being seven thousand</span>. [This number is of course to be understood, unlike that of ch. 19:18, literally. And the context (cf. ver. 19) shows that this was the number of fighting men. But this small army can hardly fail to create surprise, especially if we compare it with the statistics of the soldiery of an earlier age (<a href="/2_samuel/24-9.htm">2 Samuel 24:9</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/21-5.htm">1 Chronicles 21:5</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/13-3.htm">2 Chronicles 13:3</a>; <a href="/2_chronicles/14-8.htm">2 Chronicles 14:8</a>). It is true this was not strictly an army, but a garrison for the defence of the capital. But it looks very much as if, under the feeble rule of Ahab, the kingdom of Israel had become thoroughly disorganized. "The position of Jarchi is that of a true Rabbi, viz., that the 7000 were those who had not bowed the knee unto Baal (<a href="/1_kings/19-18.htm">1 Kings 19:18</a>)," Bahr.] <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-15.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">So Ahab assembled</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּפְקֹ֗ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·yip̄·qōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the young officers</span><br /><span class="heb">נַעֲרֵי֙</span> <span class="translit">(na·‘ă·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> </span><span class="str2">A boy, lad, youth, retainer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the district</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמְּדִינ֔וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4082.htm">Strong's 4082: </a> </span><span class="str2">A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region</span><br /><br /><span class="word">governors,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(śā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and there were</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּהְי֕וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yih·yū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">232 men.</span><br /><span class="heb">מָאתַ֖יִם</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ṯa·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3967.htm">Strong's 3967: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hundred</span><br /><br /><span class="word">And after them,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַחֲרֵיהֶ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’a·ḥă·rê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he assembled</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּקַ֧ד</span> <span class="translit">(pā·qaḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the rest of]</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Israelite</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(bə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">troops,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֛ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">7,000</span><br /><span class="heb">שִׁבְעַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(šiḇ·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in all.</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּל־</span> <span class="translit">(kāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-15.htm">1 Kings 20:15 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/20-15.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:15 Then he mustered the young men (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:16" /></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>