1 Kings 20:12
1 Kings 20:12 in Multiple Translations
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.
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.
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.
Now when this answer was given to Ben-hadad, he was drinking with the kings in the tents, and he said to his men, Take up your positions. So they put themselves in position for attacking the town.
Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents. He immediately gave the order to his officers, “Get ready to attack!” So they prepared to attack the city.
And when he heard that tidings, as he was with the Kings drinking in the pauilions, he sayd vnto his seruants, Bring forth your engines, and they set them against the citie.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ben-Hadad heard that message while he and the other rulers were drinking wine in their temporary shelters. He told his men to prepare to attack [MTY] the city. So his men did that.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:12
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1 Kings 20:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:12
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:12
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Kings 20:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:12
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:12
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:12
Context — Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria
12Ben-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.
13Meanwhile a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and declared, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this entire great army? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this very day, and you will know that I am the LORD.’” 14“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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 16:9 | However, while Elah was in Tirzah getting drunk in the house of Arza the steward of his household there, Elah’s servant Zimri, the commander of half his chariots, conspired against him. |
| 2 | 1 Kings 20:16 | They marched out at noon while Ben-hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk. |
| 3 | Proverbs 31:4–5 | It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice. |
| 4 | Ephesians 5:18 | Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 43:10 | Then tell them that this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and I will set his throne over these stones that I have embedded, and he will spread his royal pavilion over them. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 13:28 | Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” |
| 7 | Daniel 5:30 | That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain, |
| 8 | Luke 21:34 | But watch yourselves, or your hearts will be weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life—and that day will spring upon you suddenly like a snare. |
| 9 | Daniel 5:2 | Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. |
| 10 | 1 Samuel 25:36 | When Abigail returned to Nabal, there he was in the house, holding a feast fit for a king, in high spirits and very drunk. So she told him nothing until morning light. |
1 Kings 20:12 Summary
In 1 Kings 20:12, Ben-hadad is drinking and celebrating with his fellow kings when he receives a message from Ahab, the king of Israel. This message provokes Ben-hadad to prepare for battle, and he tells his servants to take their positions against the city. This verse reminds us that our actions and responses have consequences, and that we should always seek to trust in God's power and promises, rather than our own strength or abilities, as seen in Psalms 20:7. By trusting in God, we can face challenges with confidence and humility, knowing that He is our rock and our salvation, as stated in Psalms 62:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ben-hadad doing when he received the message from Ahab?
Ben-hadad was drinking in his tents with the other kings when he received the message from Ahab, as recorded in 1 Kings 20:12. This context suggests that Ben-hadad may have been in a state of revelry or celebration, which could have contributed to his bold and aggressive response.
Why did Ben-hadad tell his servants to take their positions?
Ben-hadad told his servants to take their positions in response to Ahab's message, which seemed to provoke or challenge him, as seen in 1 Kings 20:11-12. This action suggests that Ben-hadad was preparing for battle or a confrontation with Ahab and the Israelites.
Is there a spiritual lesson or application from Ben-hadad's actions in this verse?
Ben-hadad's actions in 1 Kings 20:12 can serve as a warning against the dangers of pride and arrogance, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which states that pride goes before destruction. His response to Ahab's message also highlights the importance of humility and caution in the face of challenges or threats.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of 1 Kings 20?
This verse is part of a larger narrative in 1 Kings 20, which tells the story of the battle between Israel and Syria, and ultimately, the triumph of God's power and sovereignty, as seen in 1 Kings 20:13-14 and 1 Kings 20:28. The events of this verse set the stage for the miraculous victory that will follow.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I, like Ben-hadad, might be tempted to respond to challenges or threats with pride or aggression, rather than humility and faith?
- How can I, like Ahab, learn to trust in God's power and promises, even in the face of overwhelming odds or opposition, as seen in 1 Kings 20:13-14?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to take a stand or position myself for spiritual battle, and how can I do so in a way that honors God and trusts in His power?
- How can I balance boldness and confidence with humility and caution, as I navigate the challenges and opportunities of my daily life, in light of scriptures like 1 Peter 5:6-7?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:12
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:12
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:12
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:12
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? - Part 2 by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson preaches about the importance of forgiveness and restoration in the church, emphasizing the need to embrace repentant brothers with Christian love, as shown in 2 Co |
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Chosen to Be Holy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and the responsibility that believers have to strive for it. He highlights that this convention is of utmost impor |
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How to Forgive by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the pastor encourages the audience to find joy and strength in the knowledge that Jesus will come again and make everything new. He emphasizes that despite the diff |
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Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality) by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Micah in Judges Chapter 17. He discusses two groups of people: the liberals who embrace humanism and the believers who serve the |
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An Hour With Kathryn Kuhlman - Part 1 by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of their upbringing in a small Methodist church and the tragic loss of their father at a young age. They emphasize the importanc |
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Concerning Spiritual Gifts by Smith Wigglesworth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the secret of power, which is the unveiling of Christ within us. He uses the story of Peter and John encountering a crippled man at the beau |
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Powerful Testimony by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his joy in preaching the word of God and bringing comfort to Christians. He expresses his desire to reach out to the communists and asks God for |






