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So they stationed themselves against the city.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/11_1Ki_20_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:12 - Ben-Hadad Attacks Samaria" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, Take your positions. 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So they prepared to attack the city. <a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> When Ben-hadad heard this message as he was drinking with the kings in the booths, he said to his men, “Take your positions.” And they took their positions against the city. <a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city. <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> And it happened when Ben-Hadad heard this message, as he and the kings were drinking at the command post, that he said to his servants, “Get ready.” And they got ready to attack the city. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And when Ben-hadad heard this message, while he was drinking with the kings in the temporary shelters, he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they took their positions against the city. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> When Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking with the kings in the temporary shelters, he said to his servants, &#8220Station yourselves.&#8221 So they stationed themselves against the city. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And it came about when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking with the kings in the temporary shelters, that he said to his servants, “Station yourselves.” So they stationed themselves against the city. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now it happened that when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking with the kings in the booths, he said to his servants, “Station yourselves.” So they stationed themselves against the city. <a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When Ben-hadad heard this message, as he and the kings were drinking in the temporary shelters, he said to his servants, “Station yourselves.” So they stationed themselves against the city [of Samaria]. <a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Ben-hadad heard this response, while he and the kings were drinking in their quarters, he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they took their positions against the city. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Ben-hadad heard this response, while he and the kings were drinking in the tents, he said to his servants, &#8220Take your positions.&#8221 So they took their positions against the city. <a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city. <a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Meanwhile, Benhadad and the other kings had been drinking in their tents. But when Ahab's reply came, he ordered his soldiers to prepare to attack Samaria, and they all got ready. <a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Benhadad heard this as he and his allies were drinking in their tents. He told his officers to get ready. So they got ready [to attack] the city. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Benhadad received Ahab's answer as he and his allies, the other rulers, were drinking in their tents. He ordered his men to get ready to attack the city, and so they moved into position. <a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Ben-hadad received Ahab's response while he was celebrating with his kings in the battle pavilions. "Sound 'Battle Stations!'" he ordered, and the army began to prepare their attack. <a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> When Ben Hadad received this reply, he and the other kings were drinking in their quarters. He ordered his servants, "Get ready to attack!" So they got ready to attack the city. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened, when Ben Hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the pavilions, that he said to his servants, "Prepare to attack." They prepared to attack the city. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad heard this message as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said to his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city. <a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> When Ben Hadad heard this message as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, he said to his servants, “Prepare to attack!” So they prepared to attack the city. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And it comes to pass at the hearing of this word—and he is drinking, he and the kings, in the shelters—that he says to his servants, “Set yourselves”; and they set themselves against the city. <a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And it cometh to pass at the hearing of this word -- and he is drinking, he and the kings, in the booths -- that he saith unto his servants, 'Set yourselves;' and they set themselves against the city. <a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be when he heard this word he was drinking, and the kings in the booths; and he will say to his servants, Set ye. And they will set against the city.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it came to pass, when Benadad heard this word, that he and the kings were drinking in pavilions, and he said to his servants: Beset the city. And they beset it. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then it happened that, when Benhadad had heard this word, he and the kings were drinking in a pavilion. And he said to his servants, “Encircle the city.” And they encircled it. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Ben-hadad was drinking in the pavilions with the kings when he heard this reply. He commanded his servants, “Get ready!”; and they got ready to storm the city. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Ben-hadad heard this message—now he had been drinking with the kings in the booths—he said to his men, “Take your positions!” And they took their positions against the city.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And when Bar-hadad heard this message as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, he said to his servants, Set yourselves in array against the city. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And when he heard this answer and he was drinking, and the Kings in huts, he said to his Servants: “Set an array against the city!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass, when [Ben-hadad] heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the booths, that he said unto his servants: 'Set yourselves in array.' And they set themselves in array against the city. <a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass when he returned him this answer, he and all the kings with him were drinking in tents: and he said to his servants, Form a trench. And they made a trench against the city. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-12.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=7897" 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">Ben-Hadad Attacks Samaria</a> …11And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’ ” 12<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: kiš·mō·a‘ (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">Ben-hadad received</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/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">message</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">while he</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: wə·ham·mə·lā·ḵîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">and the kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: šō·ṯeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">were drinking</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5521.htm" title="5521: bas·suk·kō·wṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fp) -- A thicket, booth. Fem of cok; a hut or lair.">in their tents,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and he said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">his servants,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śî·mū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">“Take your positions.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: way·yā·śî·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">So they stationed themselves</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.">against</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city.</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_kings/6-8.htm">2 Kings 6:8-23</a> Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/18-28.htm">2 Chronicles 18:28-34</a> So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. / And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. / Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” ... <a href="/isaiah/10-5.htm">Isaiah 10:5-19</a> Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger; the staff in their hands is My wrath. / I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. / But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. ... <a href="/jeremiah/49-28.htm">Jeremiah 49:28-33</a> Concerning Kedar and the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon defeated, this is what the LORD says: “Rise up, advance against Kedar, and destroy the people of the east! / They will take their tents and flocks, their tent curtains and all their goods. They will take their camels for themselves. They will shout to them: ‘Terror is on every side!’ / Run! Escape quickly! Lie low, O residents of Hazor,” declares the LORD, “for Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon has drawn up a plan against you; he has devised a strategy against you. ... <a href="/ezekiel/38-10.htm">Ezekiel 38:10-23</a> This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. / You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a quiet people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— / in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’ ... <a href="/amos/1-3.htm">Amos 1:3-5</a> This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. / So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</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? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace. <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Romans 12:18-21</a> If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” ... <a href="/1_corinthians/10-12.htm">1 Corinthians 10:12</a> So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-3.htm">2 Corinthians 10:3-5</a> For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. / The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ... <a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Philippians 1:28</a> without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:3</a> While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:6-10</a> After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, / and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels / in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said to his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city.young men.<a href="/genesis/14-14.htm">Genesis 14:14-16</a> And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan… <a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Judges 7:16-20</a> 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… <a href="/1_samuel/17-50.htm">1 Samuel 17:50</a> So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David.order [heb] bind, or tie<a href="/1_kings/18-44.htm">1 Kings 18:44</a> And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_samuel/10-17.htm">Array</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-17.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-15.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-11.htm">Booths</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-2.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-38.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-13.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Message</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-34.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-12.htm">Pavilions</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-13.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_samuel/28-4.htm">Positions</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-44.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-6.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/judges/6-2.htm">Shelters</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-14.htm">Station</a> <a href="/1_kings/10-26.htm">Stationed</a> <a href="/leviticus/25-47.htm">Temporary</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-16.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-28.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-25.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_chronicles/12-33.htm">Array</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Attack</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-20.htm">Attacking</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Booths</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-19.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Drinking</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-7.htm">Message</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-26.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Pavilions</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">Position</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-24.htm">Positions</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-7.htm">Prepare</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Shelters</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-8.htm">Station</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-21.htm">Stationed</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Temporary</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Tents</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-27.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-8.htm">Yourselves</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>Ben-hadad received this message Ben-hadad was the king of Aram (Syria), a frequent adversary of Israel. His reception of the message indicates a moment of decision-making in the midst of a military campaign. The context is a series of conflicts between Aram and Israel, highlighting the ongoing struggle for power in the region. This reflects the broader narrative of Israel's turbulent relations with neighboring nations.while he and the kings were drinking in their tents The mention of drinking suggests a state of revelry and perhaps overconfidence among the coalition of kings allied with Ben-hadad. In ancient Near Eastern culture, banquets and drinking were common among royalty and military leaders, often symbolizing alliances and camaraderie. This setting contrasts with the urgency of the military situation, indicating a potential lapse in judgment.and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” Ben-hadad's command to take positions shows a shift from leisure to military readiness. This phrase underscores the immediacy of the threat posed by Israel and the need for strategic action. It reflects the hierarchical structure of ancient armies, where commands were swiftly executed by subordinates.So they stationed themselves against the city. The city in question is Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Aramean forces positioning themselves against it indicates a siege, a common military tactic in ancient warfare. This action sets the stage for the ensuing battle and highlights the persistent threat faced by Israel from its northern neighbor. The siege motif is recurrent in biblical narratives, often symbolizing divine judgment or testing.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-hadad</a> The king of Aram (Syria) who is leading a coalition of kings against Israel. His actions and decisions are central to the events in this chapter. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_kings.htm">The Kings</a> Allied kings who are with Ben-hadad, supporting his campaign against Israel. They are part of the coalition that threatens Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_tents.htm">The Tents</a> The location where Ben-hadad and the kings are drinking, symbolizing a place of planning and decision-making, albeit in a state of revelry. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_servants.htm">The Servants</a> Those who carry out Ben-hadad's orders, representing the military force ready to act on his command. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_city.htm">The City</a> Refers to Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which is under threat from Ben-hadad's forces.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_dangers_of_complacency_and_intoxication.htm">The Dangers of Complacency and Intoxication</a> Ben-hadad's decision-making is impaired by his drinking, highlighting the importance of sobriety, especially in leadership and critical situations. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_preparedness.htm">The Importance of Preparedness</a> The command to "Take your positions" underscores the need for readiness and strategic planning in spiritual and physical battles. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_pride_and_overconfidence.htm">The Consequences of Pride and Overconfidence</a> Ben-hadad's arrogance, fueled by his alliances and perceived strength, leads to his downfall, reminding us of the biblical principle that pride precedes destruction. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Despite Ben-hadad's plans, the outcome is ultimately in God's hands, teaching us to trust in God's control over our circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_crisis.htm">The Role of Leadership in Crisis</a> The actions of leaders have significant impacts on their followers, emphasizing the responsibility of leaders to act wisely and righteously.<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/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 href="/q/contradictions_in_1_samuel_4_on_eli's_sons.htm">Are there any contradictions between 1 Samuel 4 and other biblical accounts regarding the fate of Eli's sons or the Ark's movements?</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/how_does_god_ride_a_cherub_if_formless.htm">If God 'rode upon a cherub' (Psalm 18:10), how does this align with the notion of a formless, omnipresent deity in other biblical passages?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad [Heb. he] heard this message [Heb. word], as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions [Heb. booths. The word shows that, in lieu of tents, kings and generals on an expedition sometimes used leafy huts, like those of Israel (<a href="/leviticus/23-34.htm">Leviticus 23:34, 42</a>). Such booths, it is said, are still erected on military expeditions in the East], that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array [Heb. שִׂימוּ one short, decisive word. His indignation and astonishment were too great for more. We might perhaps render "Form." Cf. <a href="/1_samuel/11-11.htm">1 Samuel 11:11</a>; <a href="/joshua/8-2.htm">Joshua 8:2, 13</a>; <a href="/job/1-17.htm">Job 1:17</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/23-24.htm">Ezekiel 23:24</a>. It cannot mean οἰκοδομήσατε χάρακα (LXX.)] And they set themselves in array [or formed. Again one word, which is more spirited and graphic, and conveys that the command was instantly obeyed] against the city. <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Ben-hadad received כִּשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙ (kiš·mō·a‘) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> To hear intelligently this הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that message הַדָּבָ֣ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause while he וְה֥וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are and the kings וְהַמְּלָכִ֖ים (wə·ham·mə·lā·ḵîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king were drinking שֹׁתֶ֛ה (šō·ṯeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe in their tents, בַּסֻּכּ֑וֹת (bas·suk·kō·wṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5521.htm">Strong's 5521: </a> A thicket, booth and he said וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to his servants, עֲבָדָיו֙ (‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant “Take your positions.” שִׂ֔ימוּ (śî·mū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set So they stationed themselves וַיָּשִׂ֖ימוּ (way·yā·śî·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set against עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the city. הָעִֽיר׃ (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-12.htm">1 Kings 20:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:12 It happened when Ben Hadad heard this (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:13" /></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>