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1 Kings 20:30

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But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and [there] a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men [that were] left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

But the rest {H3498} fled {H5127} to Aphek {H663}, into the city {H5892}; and there a wall {H2346} fell {H5307} upon twenty {H6242} and seven {H7651} thousand {H505} of the men {H376} that were left {H3498}. And Benhadad {H1130} fled {H5127}, and came {H935} into the city {H5892}, into an inner {H2315} chamber {H2315}.

The rest fled to Afek, into the city; and the wall fell on 27,000 of the men who were left. Ben-Hadad fled into the city and took refuge in an inside room.

The rest of them fled into the city of Aphek, where the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the remaining men. Ben-hadad also fled to the city and hid in an inner room.

But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and the wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand men that were left. And Ben-hadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

Commentary

Context of 1 Kings 20:30

This verse concludes the account of a decisive battle between the kingdom of Israel, led by King Ahab, and the powerful Syrian army under King Ben-Hadad. The Syrians had previously suffered a humiliating defeat (1 Kings 20:21), but Ben-Hadad's advisors convinced him that Israel's God was only a "god of the hills," suggesting a different strategy for a plains battle (1 Kings 20:23). However, a prophet of God again assured Ahab of victory, demonstrating that the Lord is God of both hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28). The battle culminates in a massive rout of the Syrian forces, leading to the desperate flight described in this verse, where the remnant of Ben-Hadad's army sought refuge in the city of Aphek.

Key Themes in 1 Kings 20:30

  • Divine Intervention and Judgment: The most striking aspect of this verse is the miraculous collapse of the wall, killing 27,000 men. This is clearly depicted not as an accident but as a direct act of God's judgment against Ben-Hadad's pride and the Syrian army's defiance. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over nations and natural phenomena, a power far beyond human armies or strategies. This divine intervention serves as a powerful demonstration of God's promise to Israel and His control over the outcomes of battles, echoing themes found in Psalm 33:16-17.
  • The Fragility of Human Power: Despite their vast numbers and initial confidence, the Syrian army is utterly annihilated, first by Israelite forces and then by the falling wall. Ben-Hadad, once arrogant and boastful (1 Kings 20:10), is reduced to hiding in an "inner chamber." This highlights the temporary and unreliable nature of worldly power and glory when confronted by the will of God, a principle often emphasized in the wisdom literature of the Bible, such as Proverbs 16:18.
  • God's Vindication of Himself: The Syrians questioned God's domain, believing Him to be only a "god of the hills." The falling wall at Aphek, a city where they sought refuge, was a dramatic, undeniable demonstration that the Lord is God everywhere and has ultimate authority over all creation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "inner chamber" (Hebrew: חֶדֶר בְּחָדֶר, cheder becheder) emphasizes the secrecy and desperation of Ben-Hadad's hiding place. It literally means "a chamber within a chamber" or "the innermost room," suggesting a place of maximum concealment. This detail powerfully contrasts his earlier public boasting with his current state of utter humiliation and fear, highlighting his desperate attempt to escape capture and judgment.

Practical Application and Reflection

The account in 1 Kings 20:30 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  1. God's Sovereignty Prevails: We are reminded that God is not limited by circumstances, human strategies, or perceived limitations. His power is absolute, and He can achieve His purposes through any means, even seemingly natural events like a falling wall. This can bring comfort and confidence in times of uncertainty, assuring us of God's ultimate control.
  2. Humility Before God: Ben-Hadad's downfall is a stark warning against pride and defiance toward God. Whether in personal life or national affairs, acknowledging God's ultimate authority and submitting to His will is crucial for true peace and stability.
  3. Trust in Divine Protection: For those who walk with God, this narrative reinforces the idea that God fights for His people. While our battles may look different from ancient warfare, the principle that God is our ultimate protector and deliverer remains a source of hope and encouragement in challenging times.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) 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 — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 18:24 (5 votes)

    And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see on that day when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

  • 1 Kings 22:25 (5 votes)

    And Micaiah said, Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go into an inner chamber to hide thyself.

  • 1 Kings 20:26 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass at the return of the year, that Benhadad numbered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

  • Isaiah 24:18 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] he who fleeth from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit; and he that cometh up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth do shake.

  • Psalms 18:25 (2 votes)

    With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;

  • Amos 9:3 (2 votes)

    And though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, thence will I command the serpent, and he shall bite them:

  • Daniel 4:37 (2 votes)

    Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.