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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 20:12-21

The treaty between the besiegers and the besieged being broken off abruptly, we have here an account of the battle that ensued immediately. I. The Syrians, the besiegers, had their directions from a drunken king, who gave orders over his cups, as he was drinking (1 Kgs. 20:12), drinking himself drunk (1 Kgs. 20:16) with the kings in the pavilions, and this at noon. Drunkenness is a sin which armies and their officers have of old been addicted to. Say not thou then that the former days were, in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:15

Then he numbered the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty two ,.... A very small number to go forth against so great an army as the host of the Syrians, and these raw unexperienced young men: and after them he numbered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand ; which could never be the number of all the people in the land, nor even in the city of Samaria, who were able to bear arms; but it must mean such who were... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:16

And they went out at noon ,.... From Samaria, the two hundred and thirty two young men, and the 7000 Israelites, openly, with great spirit and courage, fearless and undaunted; but it is not said that Ahab went out at the head of them; it seems as if he did not by what is said, 1 Kings 20:21 , but Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions (or booths, or tents), he, and the kings, the thirty two kings that helped him ; who either were his subjects, or his tributaries, or... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:17

And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first ,.... From Samaria, before the 7000 did: and Benhadad sent out ; of his pavilion, a messenger or messengers to his sentinels, to know what news, and how matters stood, whether Ahab had sent any message, signifying his compliance with his terms: and they told him, saying, there are men come out of Samaria ; but upon what account they could not say. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:18

And he said, whether they be come out for peace ,.... To propose terms of peace: take them alive ; make them prisoners, which was contrary to the laws of nations: or whether they be come out for war, take them alive ; he made no doubt of their being easily taken; but he would not have them be put to death, that he might examine them, and know the state of things in Samaria, and what Ahab intended to do, that he might take his measures accordingly. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:19

So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city ,.... First, as before observed, and marched forwards towards the Syrian camp: and the army which followed them ; consisting of 7000 men. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:20

And they slew everyone his man ,.... The Syrian army, or at least a body of men detached from them, met them, opposed them, and fought them, and they slew of them 7232 men; as many as they themselves were: and the Syrians fled ; not expecting such a rebuff: and Israel pursued them ; to make some further advantage of their victory: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse, with the horsemen ; with two couple of horsemen, as the Targum; with these to guard him he galloped... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:21

And the king of Israel went out ,.... Of Samaria; when he saw the Syrians fleeing, and his army pursuing, he went forth, perhaps, with more forces, who were now willing to join with him; Josephus F3 Antiqu. l. 8. c. 14. sect. 2. says, Ahab had another army within the walls: and smote the horses and chariots ; that is, the men that rode on horses; and in chariots, the Syrian cavalry: and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter ; how many were slain is not said; but the Jewish... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 20:15

Two hundred and thirty-two - These were probably the king's life or body guards; not all the militia, but two hundred and thirty of them who constituted the royal guard in Samaria. They were therefore the king's own regiment, and he is commanded by the prophet to put himself at their head. Seven thousand - How low must the state of Israel have been at this time! These Jarchi thinks were the seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 20:18

Take them alive - He was confident of victory. Do not slay them; bring them to me, they may give us some useful information. read more

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