1 Kings 20 12

1 Kings 20:12 kjv

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.

1 Kings 20:12 nkjv

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.

1 Kings 20:12 niv

Ben-Hadad heard this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he ordered his men: "Prepare to attack." So they prepared to attack the city.

1 Kings 20:12 esv

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.

1 Kings 20:12 nlt

Ahab's reply reached Ben-hadad and the other kings as they were drinking in their tents. "Prepare to attack!" Ben-hadad commanded his officers. So they prepared to attack the city.

1 Kings 20 verses

1 Kings 20 12 Meaning

1 Kings 20:12 describes Ben-Hadad's arrogant and dismissive reaction to King Ahab's defiance. As Ben-Hadad, the Aramean king, was reveling and drinking with his allied kings in their temporary shelters, he received Ahab's refusal to surrender his gold, silver, and finest possessions completely. In response, demonstrating his immediate indignation and overwhelming confidence in his military superiority, he promptly commanded his servants to prepare for a full-scale assault on Samaria. This verse sets the stage for divine intervention by highlighting Ben-Hadad's pride and indulgence.

1 Kings 20 12 Context

The verse is part of 1 Kings chapter 20, which details two significant conflicts between Aram (under King Ben-Hadad) and Israel (under King Ahab). Immediately preceding this verse, Ben-Hadad, already besieging Samaria, sent messengers to Ahab demanding his silver, gold, wives, and children. Ahab initially submitted to these exorbitant demands, signifying a position of weakness. However, when Ben-Hadad, in an escalation of demands, sent another message requiring permission to search Ahab's palace and houses to take whatever they desired, Ahab consulted his elders. They advised him to refuse this ultimate humiliation. It is this defiant "message" of refusal that Ben-Hadad "heard" in verse 12.

Historically and culturally, siege warfare was a common tactic in the ancient Near East. Kings often displayed their power through military might and sought to subjugate neighboring states. Feasts and drinking were often part of royal life, even in military camps, signifying prosperity and confidence, but in this context, it highlights Ben-Hadad's excessive self-assurance and probable contempt for Ahab. The mention of "booths" suggests a temporary military camp, perhaps built for the extended siege, but the relaxed, celebratory atmosphere indicates Ben-Hadad's misjudgment of the seriousness of the situation.

1 Kings 20 12 Word analysis

• When Ben-Hadad heard this message:

  • "When Ben-Hadad": Refers to the powerful Aramean king, known for his military strength. His immediate reaction sets the tone for his character—impulsive and proud.
  • "heard" (כְּשָׁמְעֹו, kəshāmo'w): Implies not just audibility but a full reception and understanding of the implications of Ahab's refusal. His hearing this specific "message" of defiance rather than submission immediately triggers his decisive action.
  • "this message": Refers to Ahab's refusal (from 1 Ki 20:7-8) to surrender to Ben-Hadad's final, absolute demand for whatever pleased his servants from Ahab's palace. This refusal, though partial, was a direct challenge to Ben-Hadad's assumed authority and expectation of total capitulation.

• as he was drinking with the kings in the booths:

  • "as he was drinking" (הוּא שֹׁתֶה, hu shōteh): This imperfect participle suggests an ongoing action of indulgence and revelry. It paints a picture of luxury and relaxation rather than military vigilance, signifying arrogance and underestimation of his enemy. This self-indulgence potentially clouds his judgment.
  • "with the kings": Not just a solo act, but in the company of his allied, subordinate kings. This amplifies the scene of power and grandeur, perhaps a victory feast in anticipation of taking Samaria. It highlights his perceived superior position and his influence over other regional rulers.
  • "in the booths" (בַּסֻּכֹּות, bassukkôt): Derived from sukkah (סֻכָּה), meaning a temporary shelter or military tent. While these were necessary for a siege camp, the "drinking" context indicates they were being used for luxury and celebration rather than as stern war headquarters. This setting emphasizes a sense of temporary comfort and premature triumph.

• he said to his servants, "Set yourselves in array." And they set themselves in array against the city.

  • "he said to his servants": A direct, immediate command, demonstrating his authority and determination to proceed with force. There is no pause, no consultation; only a swift order driven by insulted pride.
  • "Set yourselves in array" (שִׂימוּ סִדְרָה, simu sidrah): This is a military command for troops to organize into a battle formation, to prepare for a concerted attack. It implies readiness for immediate assault. The term sidrah (סִדְרָה) specifically conveys order and battle formation. It underscores Ben-Hadad's quick pivot from revelry to aggressive action, his expectation of swift victory.
  • "And they set themselves in array against the city": Shows the immediate obedience of his army, emphasizing Ben-Hadad's effective command and the gravity of the impending attack. The quick succession of command and execution highlights Ben-Hadad's absolute power and resolve to crush any resistance.

1 Kings 20 12 Bonus section

The scene in 1 Kings 20:12 presents a clear contrast: on one side, Ben-Hadad, in the apparent luxury of his siege camp, engaged in revelry and boasting, exhibiting self-indulgence and overconfidence. On the other side, King Ahab, though weak and sinful in many respects, makes a small stand for his kingdom against overwhelming demands, advised by his elders. This sharp dichotomy, even more than Ahab's virtue (of which there was little), opens the door for divine intervention to highlight God's power and character, humbling the arrogant Ben-Hadad and showing that victory is not determined by human might or carousing. The irony is heightened by the subsequent narrative: Ben-Hadad, expecting an easy triumph after his casual command, faces a surprising and decisive defeat from a much smaller force. This specific moment of revelry before a major command can also be seen as a parallel to Belshazzar's feast in Dan 5, where a king's indulgence and pride precede immediate judgment and downfall.

1 Kings 20 12 Commentary

1 Kings 20:12 masterfully encapsulates Ben-Hadad's hubris and the cultural norms of ancient warfare. His location, "drinking with kings in booths," reveals a deep sense of security and entitlement. This was not a war room but a celebratory setting, implying a total disdain for Ahab and a confidence that victory was already secured. Ahab's message of partial defiance was thus an unexpected affront to Ben-Hadad's immense ego.

Ben-Hadad's immediate command, "Set yourselves in array," demonstrates a leadership style rooted in immediate, overwhelming force, rather than strategic contemplation. His quick temper and decision-making while intoxicated foreshadow poor judgment and a coming downfall. The narrative thus presents Ben-Hadad as a prime example of the proud individual whom God ultimately humbles. This set the stage for the miraculous victory God would grant Ahab, demonstrating that YHWH is not confined to specific territories or strengths, but exercises sovereign control over all affairs, including the fortunes of war and the fate of proud kings.