1 Kings 20 16

1 Kings 20:16 kjv

And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.

1 Kings 20:16 nkjv

So they went out at noon. Meanwhile Ben-Hadad and the thirty-two kings helping him were getting drunk at the command post.

1 Kings 20:16 niv

They set out at noon while Ben-Hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk.

1 Kings 20:16 esv

And they went out at noon, while Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the booths, he and the thirty-two kings who helped him.

1 Kings 20:16 nlt

About noontime, as Ben-hadad and the thirty-two allied kings were still in their tents drinking themselves into a stupor,

1 Kings 20 verses

1 Kings 20 16 Meaning

1 Kings 20:16 describes the pivotal moment just before the second decisive battle between the armies of Aram and Israel. It highlights the stark contrast between the preparing Israelites and the hubris and revelry of the Aramean king, Ben-Hadad, and his thirty-two allied kings. While the Israelites prepared to attack at an unexpected time (noon), Ben-Hadad and his royal cohort were engrossed in heavy drinking within their military encampment, signifying their overconfidence and complete disregard for their adversaries, underestimating God's power working through Israel.

1 Kings 20 16 Context

1 Kings chapter 20 details two conflicts between Aram (Syria) under Ben-Hadad and Israel under King Ahab. Leading up to verse 16, Ben-Hadad had arrogantly besieged Samaria, demanding tribute and eventually full surrender of Israel's wealth, women, and children. Ahab, initially subservient, refused the excessive demands, leading to war. In a dramatic turn, a prophet of the Lord approaches Ahab, promising him victory over the vast Aramean army, despite Israel's numerical inferiority, "that you may know that I am the Lord" (1 Ki 20:13). God orchestrates the battle strategy, telling Ahab to send out "the young men" (presumably squires or elite guard) first. This unexpected divine intervention sets the stage for the humiliation of Ben-Hadad and the demonstration of Yahweh's power over human pride and overwhelming military might. The specific timing ("at noon") and the enemy's condition ("drinking himself drunk") are critical elements of God's strategic intervention.

1 Kings 20 16 Word analysis

• And: Connects the previous instruction or events (Israel's preparations for attack, 1 Ki 20:14-15) to this pivotal moment of action.
• they went out: Refers to the Israelite forces, specifically the 232 "young men of the commanders of the districts" and the subsequent 7,000 Israelites (1 Ki 20:15). Their action signals the execution of the divine plan.
• at noon: Hebrew: batsohorayim (בַּצָּהֳרַיִם). This timing is highly significant. It was often a time for midday rest, meals, or siesta, especially in the warm Middle Eastern climate. To launch an attack at noon would have been highly unusual and strategically disruptive, likely catching the enemy off guard, as they would not expect military engagement during this lull. This detail underscores the element of surprise and perhaps divine timing, making Israel's victory less about their tactical brilliance and more about God's orchestration.
• But Ben-Hadad: Introduces a stark contrast between the Israelites' decisive action and the Aramean king's behavior. Ben-Hadad represents the arrogant, worldly power, contrasting with the God-directed Israel.
• was drinking himself drunk: Hebrew: shateh shikkor (שֹׁתֶה שִׁכּוֹר). The phrase implies not merely drinking, but active, ongoing inebriation to the point of incapacitation. Shikkor means "drunkard" or "intoxicated." This is a strong condemnation, showing a leader completely losing self-control and situational awareness. It is a clear sign of hubris, as he feels so secure in his overwhelming numbers that he neglects all military discipline and vigilance, making him utterly vulnerable. This state mirrors the biblical warnings against the destructive nature of drunkenness for leaders and individuals.
• in the pavilions: Hebrew: bassukkot (בַּסּוּכּוֹת). These were temporary shelters or tents, often ornate and comfortable for royalty and high-ranking officials in military encampments. Their luxurious nature here points to the excessive indulgence and false sense of security that Ben-Hadad and his allied kings enjoyed. It indicates a static, unvigilant posture, entirely unfit for a commanding general on the eve of battle. The choice of locale highlights the complacency.
• he and the thirty-two kings: This emphasizes the sheer number of allied rulers under Ben-Hadad's command, reinforcing the overwhelming numerical superiority he possessed over Israel. It also highlights the collective debauchery and lack of discernment among this powerful alliance, further setting the stage for their catastrophic defeat, showing that strength in numbers does not guarantee victory when God intervenes.

1 Kings 20 16 Bonus section

The scene in 1 Kings 20:16 also serves as a subtle polemic against the strength of foreign gods and human might. The Arameans (like many ancient peoples) likely attributed their victories and perceived power to their deities. Ben-Hadad's confidence likely stemmed from the perceived favor of his gods and the sheer numerical superiority of his alliance. However, this verse directly links his imminent defeat to his debauchery and spiritual blindness, showcasing the God of Israel's absolute sovereignty over all human endeavors and perceived strengths. Unlike the reveling kings who worshipped idols, Yahweh is revealed as the living God who fights for His people, even through seemingly absurd circumstances and small forces. The specific timing of "at noon" further emphasizes this divine control, turning what might typically be a moment of rest into a moment of sudden attack, disrupting the expected norms of warfare and illustrating God's unique ways of working. This story remains a powerful reminder for leaders and individuals alike regarding the perils of hubris, unchecked indulgence, and neglecting spiritual preparedness in the face of perceived security.

1 Kings 20 16 Commentary

1 Kings 20:16 is a poignant snapshot illustrating divine irony and judgment on human arrogance. Ben-Hadad, full of self-assurance derived from his vast army and alliances, is depicted in a state of utter vulnerability: incapacitated by alcohol in a place that should demand vigilance – a military camp. His luxurious "pavilions" become the setting for his downfall, rather than his throne room. This verse dramatically contrasts his folly with the obedient, God-empowered actions of the Israelite army. The battle is already spiritually decided before a single blow is struck, with God orchestrating Ben-Hadad's overconfidence and indulgence as the direct means of his undoing. It underscores the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall and that reliance on one's own strength, particularly when coupled with excess, opens the door to divine humiliation. God uses the foolishness of the world to shame the wise, demonstrating His power not through Israel's military might but through their faithfulness and His providential timing.