1 Kings 20:12

ยถ And it came to pass, when [Benhadad] 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 Benhadad heard {H8085} this message {H1697}, as he was drinking {H8354}, he and the kings {H4428} in the pavilions {H5521}, that he said {H559} unto his servants {H5650}, Set {H7760} yourselves in array. And they set {H7760} themselves in array against the city {H5892}.

It happened that Ben-Hadad received this message when he was drinking, he and his kings, in the field-barracks. He ordered his servants: "Take up your battle positions!" So they got ready to attack the city.

Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, โ€œTake your positions.โ€ 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.

Commentary

1 Kings 20:12 captures a pivotal moment during the siege of Samaria, highlighting the arrogance and overconfidence of Ben-Hadad, the King of Syria, as he prepares for renewed assault against Israel.

Context

This verse is set against the backdrop of Ben-Hadad's aggressive campaign against Israel, specifically his siege of Samaria, the capital city, as detailed from 1 Kings 20:1. After initial demands for tribute and possessions, Ben-Hadad sent increasingly outrageous ultimatums to King Ahab. Ahab, after consulting with the elders, refused the final, excessive demands. The "message" Ben-Hadad heard in this verse likely refers to Ahab's defiant refusal or the subsequent proverb sent by Ahab in 1 Kings 20:11, which cautioned against boasting before the battle is won. Ben-Hadad's reaction, while drinking with allied kings in their "pavilions" (temporary tents), indicates a dismissive and impulsive response to this challenge.

Key Themes

  • Arrogance and Overconfidence: Ben-Hadad's state of drinking while receiving a critical message, combined with his immediate command to attack, portrays a leader consumed by pride. He believes his victory is assured, disregarding any warnings or challenges. This illustrates the dangers of pride before a fall.
  • Impulsivity and Lack of Sober Judgment: The fact that Ben-Hadad "was drinking" suggests impaired judgment. His quick command to "set yourselves in array" is a rash, emotional response rather than a strategic, calculated decision.
  • Preparation for Battle: The phrase "set yourselves in array" (Hebrew: simu sumu, meaning "place, set, arrange") is a military command to prepare for battle, specifically to position siege engines or troops for an immediate assault. It signifies a shift from negotiations to direct confrontation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "set yourselves in array" is a direct translation of the Hebrew, emphasizing the organized and immediate military preparation for an attack. The word "pavilions" (Hebrew: ืกึปื›ึผื•ึนืช, sukkot) refers to temporary shelters or tents, often used in military encampments, indicating the Syrian army's position outside the city walls.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of arrogance and unchecked power. Leaders, or indeed anyone, should exercise sober judgment and avoid making critical decisions, especially those involving conflict, while under the influence of alcohol or emotion. Ben-Hadad's overconfidence would ultimately lead to his defeat, demonstrating that God often humbles the proud. The passage also reminds us to consider our own responses to challenges and whether they are driven by wisdom or by unbridled pride.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 16:9

    And his servant Zimri, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah.

  • Proverbs 31:4

    [It is] not for kings, O Lemuel, [it is] not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

  • Proverbs 31:5

    Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

  • 1 Kings 20:16

    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.

  • Daniel 5:2

    Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which [was] in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein.

  • Ephesians 5:18

    And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

  • Daniel 5:30

    ยถ In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.
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