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1 Kings 20

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 20 of 22

1 And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together; and there were thirty-two kings with him, and horses and chariots; and he went up and besieged Samaria, and fought against it.

2 And he sent messengers to Ahab the king of Israel, to the city, and said to him, So says Ben-hadad,

3 Your silver and your gold are mine, and your wives and your sons, the best, are to me.

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Chapter Summary

Ben-hadad besieges Samaria. a prophet tells how to defeat them. Forewarned Ahab, the Syrians are smitten again. The Syrians submitting themselves, Ahab sends Ben-hadad away with a covenant.

Key Hebrew Words

יְנַחֲשׁ֨וּ practice divination H5172 · TWOT 1348
רֵעֵ֛ friend H7453 · TWOT 2186a
עֲפַ֣ר dry earth H6083 · TWOT 1664a
אַחֵ֔ר another H312 · TWOT 68a
שְׁלֹשִֽׁים thirty H7970 · TWOT 2403d

People & Context

Ben-hadad Besieges Samaria

Ben-hadad of Syria besieges Samaria and arrogantly demands Ahab's wives, children, and wealth. Ahab and the elders refuse.

Israel Defeats Syria

A prophet promises Ahab victory. Ahab sends out 232 young men followed by 7,000 Israelites, successfully routing the drunken Syrians.

The Battle of Aphek

Syria returns the next year to fight in the plains. A prophet assures Ahab of victory; Israel strikes 100,000 Syrians, and a wall crushes 27,000 more.

Timeline

Ben-hadad Besieges Samaria

Ben-hadad of Syria besieges Samaria and arrogantly demands Ahab's wives, children, and wealth. Ahab and the elders refuse.

1 Kings 20:1-12
Israel Defeats Syria

A prophet promises Ahab victory. Ahab sends out 232 young men followed by 7,000 Israelites, successfully routing the drunken Syrians.

1 Kings 20:13-22
The Battle of Aphek

Syria returns the next year to fight in the plains. A prophet assures Ahab of victory; Israel strikes 100,000 Syrians, and a wall crushes 27,000 more.

1 Kings 20:23-30

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