1 Kings 20:23

And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their gods [are] gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we; but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

And the servants {H5650} of the king {H4428} of Syria {H758} said {H559} unto him, Their gods {H430} are gods {H430} of the hills {H2022}; therefore they were stronger {H2388} than we; but {H199} let us fight {H3898} against them in the plain {H4334}, and surely {H3808} we shall be stronger {H2388} than they.

Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, "Their God is a God of the hills; that's why they were stronger than we were. But if we fight them on level ground, we will certainly be stronger than they are.

Meanwhile, the servants of the king of Aram said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they prevailed over us. Instead, we should fight them on the plains; surely then we will prevail.

And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him, Their god is a god of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we: but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

Commentary

This verse captures the flawed reasoning of the Syrian king Ben-hadad's advisors after their initial defeat by Israel. They attempt to explain their loss by attributing Israel's victory to their God being a deity limited to hilly terrain, suggesting a change in battle location to the plains would give them an advantage.

Context

This statement follows the first major battle between Israel (under King Ahab) and Syria (under King Ben-hadad) near Samaria, a region known for its hills. The Syrians, despite having a much larger army, were miraculously defeated by a small Israelite force, as described in 1 Kings 20:20-21. The Syrian advisors are trying to understand this unexpected defeat and propose a strategy for a rematch, which leads to the second battle detailed later in the chapter (see 1 Kings 20:26).

Key Themes

  • Misunderstanding of God's Nature: The primary theme is the pagan view of God as a localized deity, confined to specific geographical areas (like hills). This contrasts sharply with the biblical understanding of God as omnipresent and sovereign over all creation (see Psalm 139:7-10).
  • Human Rationalization of Defeat: The advisors seek a human explanation for their loss, ignoring the possibility of divine intervention on Israel's behalf. They attribute the defeat to terrain and the perceived limitations of Israel's God.
  • The Sovereignty of God: The narrative implicitly highlights God's power which is not bound by human limitations, geographical location, or pagan misconceptions. He is Lord of the hills and the plains.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gods of the hills" reflects a common concept in ancient Near Eastern polytheism, where deities were often associated with specific domains, territories, or natural phenomena. By calling the God of Israel a "god of the hills," the Syrians are applying their own limited polytheistic worldview to the unique, universal God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Reflection

This verse serves as a reminder that God's power and authority are not restricted by location, circumstances, or human understanding. Just as the Syrian advisors were wrong to limit God to the hills, we should be careful not to put boundaries on God's ability to act in our lives or in the world today. He is God of all places and all situations. Our faith should rest on His boundless power, not on favorable conditions or strategies.

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

Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 14:23 (5 votes)

    For they also built them high places, and images, and groves, on every high hill, and under every green tree.

  • 2 Kings 19:12 (3 votes)

    Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed; [as] Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which [were] in Thelasar?

  • 1 Kings 20:28 (3 votes)

    And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD [is] God of the hills, but he [is] not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Psalms 50:21 (3 votes)

    These [things] hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether [such an one] as thyself: [but] I will reprove thee, and set [them] in order before thine eyes.

  • Psalms 50:22 (3 votes)

    Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

  • Psalms 121:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ A Song of degrees. I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

  • Psalms 121:2 (3 votes)

    My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.