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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 20:20 and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/11_1Ki_20_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:20 - Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry." /><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/20-20.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/20-20.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 20</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="/ad20.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/20-19.htm" title="1 Kings 20:19">◄</a> 1 Kings 20:20 <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm" title="1 Kings 20:21">►</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">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_kings/20.htm">New International Version</a> and each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen. <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Each Israelite soldier killed his Aramean opponent, and suddenly the entire Aramean army panicked and fled. The Israelites chased them, but King Ben-hadad and a few of his charioteers escaped on horses. <a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> And each struck down his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And each one killed his man; so the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them; and Ben-Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the cavalry. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And they killed, each one, his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> They killed each his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And they killed each his man; and the Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And they each struck his man; and the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, and Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And each one killed his man; and the Arameans (Syrians) fled and Israel pursued them. Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry. <a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And they slew every one his man; and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and each of them attacked and killed an enemy soldier. The rest of the Syrian army turned and ran, and the Israelites went after them. Benhadad and some others escaped on horses, <a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And they slew every one his man; and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with horsemen. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Each officer killed his opponent. The Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them. King Benhadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> and each one killed the man he fought. The Syrians fled, with the Israelites in hot pursuit, but Benhadad escaped on horseback, accompanied by some of the cavalry. <a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Each man struck down his opponent, and the Arameans ran away with Israel in pursuit. King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on horseback with the help of his cavalry. <a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. <a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Each one struck down an enemy soldier; the Syrians fled and Israel chased them. King Ben Hadad of Syria escaped on horseback with some horsemen. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> They each killed his man. The Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them. Ben Hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the horsemen. <a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> They each killed his man. The Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them. Ben Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and each strikes his man, and Aram flees, and Israel pursues them, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram escapes on a horse—and the horsemen; <a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and smite each his man, and Aram fleeth, and Israel pursueth them, and Ben-Hadad king of Aram escapeth on a horse, and the horsemen; <a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And they will strike a man his man: and Aram will flee, and Israel will pursue them: and Ben-hadad king of Aram, will escape upon a horse, and the horsemen.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And every one slew the man that came against him: and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued after them. And Benadad king of Syria fled away on horseback with his horsemen. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And each one struck down the man who came against him. And the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them. Also, Benhadad, the king of Syria, fled on a horse, with his horsemen. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> each of them struck down his man. The Arameans fled with Israel pursuing them, while Ben-hadad, king of Aram, escaped on a chariot horse. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Each killed his man; the Arameans fled and Israel pursued them, but King Ben-hadad of Aram escaped on a horse with the cavalry.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And they slew every one his man; and the Arameans fled; and Israel pursued them; and Bar-hadad the king of Aram escaped in chariots with horsemen. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And they killed every man his man, and Edom fled, and Israel pursued them, and Hadad King of Edom escaped with chariots and horsemen.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And they slew every one his man; and the Arameans fled, and Israel pursued them; and Ben-hadad the king of Aram escaped on a horse with horsemen. <a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> smote each one the man next to him; and each one a second time smote the man next to him: and Syria fled, and Israel pursued them; and the son of Ader, even the king of Syria, escapes on the horse of a horseman. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-20.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=8000" 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> …19Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them, 20<a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">and each</a> <a href="/hebrew/5221.htm" title="5221: way·yak·kū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To smite. A primitive root; to strike.">one struck down</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’î·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">his opponent.</a> <a href="/hebrew/758.htm" title="758: ’ă·rām (N-proper-fs) -- Syria and its inhab., also the names of a son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and an Isr. ">So the Arameans</a> <a href="/hebrew/5127.htm" title="5127: way·yā·nu·sū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To flee, escape. A primitive root; to flit, i.e. Vanish away.">fled,</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.">with the Israelites</a> <a href="/hebrew/7291.htm" title="7291: way·yir·də·p̄êm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3mp) -- To pursue, chase, persecute. A primitive root; to run after (of time) gone by).">in pursuit.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1130.htm" title="1130: hă·ḏaḏ (N-proper-ms) -- From ben and Hadad; son of Hadad; Ben-Hadad, the name of several Syrian kings.">But Ben-hadad</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/758.htm" title="758: ’ă·rām (N-proper-fs) -- Syria and its inhab., also the names of a son of Shem, a grandson of Nahor, and an Isr. ">of Aram</a> <a href="/hebrew/4422.htm" title="4422: way·yim·mā·lêṭ (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be smooth, i.e. to escape; causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth young, emit sparks.">escaped</a> <a href="/hebrew/1130.htm" title="1130: ben- (Prep) -- From ben and Hadad; son of Hadad; Ben-Hadad, the name of several Syrian kings."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/5483.htm" title="5483: sūs (N-ms) -- A swallow, swift (type of bird). Or cuc; from an unused root meaning to skip; a horse; also a swallow.">horseback</a> <a href="/hebrew/6571.htm" title="6571: ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- A steed, a driver, cavalry. From parash; a steed (compare cuwc); also a driver, i.e. cavalry.">with the cavalry.</a> 21Then the king of Israel marched out and attacked the horses and chariots, inflicting a great slaughter on the Arameans.…<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="/judges/7-21.htm">Judges 7:21</a> Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran. <a href="/2_chronicles/13-16.htm">2 Chronicles 13:16-17</a> So the Israelites fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hands. / Then Abijah and his people struck them with a mighty blow, and 500,000 chosen men of Israel fell slain. <a href="/2_samuel/8-6.htm">2 Samuel 8:6</a> Then he placed garrisons in Aram of Damascus, and the Arameans became subject to David and brought him tribute. So the LORD made David victorious wherever he went. <a href="/2_kings/7-7.htm">2 Kings 7:7</a> 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_chronicles/20-22.htm">2 Chronicles 20:22-23</a> The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. / The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had finished off the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. <a href="/exodus/14-25.htm">Exodus 14:25</a> He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!” <a href="/joshua/10-10.htm">Joshua 10:10</a> And the LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great slaughter at Gibeon, pursued them along the ascent to Beth-horon, and struck them down as far as Azekah and Makkedah. <a href="/1_samuel/14-20.htm">1 Samuel 14:20</a> Then Saul and all his troops assembled and marched to the battle, and they found the Philistines in total confusion, with each man wielding the sword against his neighbor. <a href="/2_samuel/10-18.htm">2 Samuel 10:18</a> But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. <a href="/2_kings/3-24.htm">2 Kings 3:24</a> But when the Moabites came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and attacked them, and they fled before them. So the Israelites invaded their land and struck down the Moabites. <a href="/2_chronicles/14-12.htm">2 Chronicles 14:12</a> So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled. <a href="/isaiah/37-36.htm">Isaiah 37:36-37</a> Then 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! / So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. <a href="/matthew/24-16.htm">Matthew 24:16-18</a> then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. / Let no one on the housetop come down to retrieve anything from his house. / And let no one in the field return for his cloak. <a href="/luke/21-21.htm">Luke 21:21</a> Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. <a href="/acts/8-1.htm">Acts 8:1</a> And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.the prophet<a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">1 Kings 20:13,38</a> And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD… <a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">1 Kings 19:10</a> And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.<a href="/1_kings/22-8.htm">1 Kings 22:8</a> And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so.strengthen<a href="/2_chronicles/25-8.htm">2 Chronicles 25:8,11</a> But if thou wilt go, do it, be strong for the battle: God shall make thee fall before the enemy: for God hath power to help, and to cast down… <a href="/psalms/27-14.htm">Psalm 27:14</a> Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.<a href="/proverbs/18-10.htm">Proverbs 18:10</a> The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.at the return<a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">1 Kings 20:26</a> And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.<a href="/2_samuel/11-1.htm">2 Samuel 11:1</a> And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.<a href="/1_chronicles/20-1.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1</a> And it came to pass, that after the year was expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried at Jerusalem. And Joab smote Rabbah, and destroyed it.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Aram</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Aramaeans</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-29.htm">Arameans</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="/1_kings/19-17.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-17.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-2.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/1_kings/11-17.htm">Fleeth</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/ezekiel/38-15.htm">Horseback</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-26.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-15.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-17.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-16.htm">Opponent</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-38.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-19.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-30.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-25.htm">Safely</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-21.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/1_kings/14-15.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-16.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Syria</a> <a href="/2_samuel/10-19.htm">Syrians</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">Aram</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Aramaeans</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Arameans</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-36.htm">Death</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-30.htm">Escaped</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-30.htm">Fled</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-10.htm">Fleeth</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-30.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-25.htm">Horse</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-18.htm">Horseback</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-12.htm">Horsemen</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-27.htm">Israelites</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Killed</a> <a href="/job/16-9.htm">Opponent</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-21.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-21.htm">Pursueth</a> <a href="/proverbs/21-6.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-27.htm">Safely</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Slew</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">Smite</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Struck</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">Syria</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm">Syrians</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 each one struck down his opponent. This phrase highlights the individual combat prowess of the Israelites, suggesting a divinely inspired victory. The context is a battle between the Israelites and the Arameans, where God promised victory to Ahab despite the odds. This mirrors other biblical instances where God grants victory to His people, such as David's triumph over Goliath (1 Samuel 17). The personal nature of the combat underscores the courage and skill of the Israelite soldiers, reminiscent of the judges like Gideon who led Israel to victory against overwhelming forces (Judges 7).So the Arameans fled, The flight of the Arameans signifies a turning point in the battle, demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the Arameans into the hands of Israel (<a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">1 Kings 20:13</a>). This retreat is a common motif in biblical battles where God intervenes, as seen in the Exodus narrative when the Egyptians fled before the Israelites (<a href="/exodus/14-25.htm">Exodus 14:25</a>). The Arameans' retreat also reflects the fear and confusion that often accompany divine intervention in warfare.with the Israelites in pursuit. The pursuit by the Israelites indicates their complete dominance in the battle, a common practice in ancient warfare to ensure a decisive victory. This pursuit can be compared to Joshua's campaigns, where the Israelites chased their enemies to secure the land promised by God (<a href="/joshua/10-10.htm">Joshua 10:10</a>). The relentless pursuit underscores the Israelites' obedience to God's command to defeat their enemies completely.But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry. Ben-hadad's escape highlights the incomplete nature of the victory, as the enemy king survives. This escape sets the stage for future conflicts between Israel and Aram. The use of cavalry indicates the wealth and military sophistication of the Arameans, as horses were valuable assets in ancient warfare. Ben-hadad's survival can be seen as a test for Ahab, who later fails to fully obey God's command regarding Ben-hadad, leading to future consequences (<a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">1 Kings 20:42</a>). This escape also foreshadows the recurring theme of incomplete obedience leading to future troubles, as seen in Saul's failure to fully destroy the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-hadad</a> The king of Aram (Syria) who led a coalition against Israel. His escape signifies a temporary reprieve from defeat. 2. <a href="/topical/a/arameans.htm">Arameans</a> The army of Aram, who were defeated by the Israelites in this battle. 3. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The people of Israel, led by King Ahab, who were victorious in this encounter. 4. <a href="/topical/k/king_ahab.htm">King Ahab</a> The king of Israel at the time, who, despite his flaws, was used by God to achieve victory over the Arameans. 5. <a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a> The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was under threat from the Aramean forces.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_battle.htm">God's Sovereignty in Battle</a> Despite human plans and strength, it is God who grants victory. This passage reminds us to rely on God's power rather than our own abilities. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_obedience_and_faith.htm">The Role of Obedience and Faith</a> Ahab's victory was preceded by a prophetic word. Obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem unlikely, is crucial for success. <a href="/topical/t/the_fleeting_nature_of_human_power.htm">The Fleeting Nature of Human Power</a> Ben-hadad's escape on horseback symbolizes the temporary nature of human power and plans. Trust in God provides lasting security. <a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_god's_enemies.htm">Pursuit of God's Enemies</a> The Israelites' pursuit of the Arameans can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian's call to actively resist and overcome sin and evil in their lives. <a href="/topical/g/god's_mercy_and_justice.htm">God's Mercy and Justice</a> Even in victory, God’s justice is tempered with mercy, as seen in the opportunity for Ben-hadad to escape, which later leads to further interactions with Israel.<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/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_the_discrepancy_on_jehoshaphat's_actions.htm">In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise?</a> <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><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>(20) And they slew . . .--The attack of this handful of men, supported by a sally of the whole garrison, is not unlike the slaughter of the Philistine garrison and host in the days of Saul (1 Samuel 14), or the still earlier rout of the army of Midian by the night attack of Gideon (<a href="/context/judges/7-16.htm" title="And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man's hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers.">Judges 7:16-23</a>). Probably, as in these cases, the Israelites may have risen from various lurking-places to join in the pursuit and slaughter. It does not necessarily follow that the event was miraculous. Such dispersions of vast Oriental armies are not uncommon in history. The lesson is that drawn with noble simplicity by Jonathan: "There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few" (<a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm" title="And Jonathan said to the young man that bore his armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.">1Samuel 14:6</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 20. - And they slew every one his man [The LXX., which differs here considerably from the Hebrew, inserts at this point καὶ ἐδευτέρωσεν ἕκαστος τὸν παρ αὐτοῦ. Ewald thinks the Hebrew text ought to be made to correspond, and would read ׃ך׃ך וַיּשְׁנוּ אישׁ אישׁו, each repeatedly killed his man, as in <a href="/1_samuel/14-16.htm">1 Samuel 14:16</a>]: and the Syrians fled [When a few had fallen, utter panic seized the rest. The separate kings, with their divided interests, thought only of their own safety. It was a sauve qui pout. "The hasty and disordered flight of a vast Oriental army before an enemy contemptible in numbers is no uncommon occurrence. Above 1,000,000 of Persians fled before 47,000 Greeks at Arbela" (Rawlinson). The very size of such hosts, especially where the command is divided and where the generals are drunk or incapable, contributes to their defeat]; and Israel pursued them: and Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse [Thenius suggests that this was a chariot horse, the first that presented] with the horsemen. [Heb. and horsemen; sc., escaped with him Keil). He had an escort in some of his fugitive cavalry.] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and each אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person one struck down וַיַּכּוּ֙ (way·yak·kū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5221.htm">Strong's 5221: </a> To strike his opponent. אִישׁ֔וֹ (’î·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person So the Arameans אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_758.htm">Strong's 758: </a> Aram -- Syria fled, וַיָּנֻ֣סוּ (way·yā·nu·sū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5127.htm">Strong's 5127: </a> To flit, vanish away with the Israelites יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc in pursuit. וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵ֖ם (way·yir·də·p̄êm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7291.htm">Strong's 7291: </a> To pursue, chase, persecute But Ben-hadad הֲדַד֙ (hă·ḏaḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1130.htm">Strong's 1130: </a> Ben-hadad -- 'son of Hadad', the name of several Aramean (Syrian) kings king מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Aram אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_758.htm">Strong's 758: </a> Aram -- Syria escaped וַיִּמָּלֵ֗ט (way·yim·mā·lêṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4422.htm">Strong's 4422: </a> To be smooth, to escape, to release, rescue, to bring forth young, emit sparks on עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against horseback ס֖וּס (sūs) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5483.htm">Strong's 5483: </a> A swallow, swift (type of bird) with the cavalry. וּפָרָשִֽׁים׃ (ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6571.htm">Strong's 6571: </a> A steed, a driver, cavalry <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-20.htm">1 Kings 20:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-20.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:20 They killed everyone his man (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:21" /></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>