Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version You must also raise an army like the one you lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight Israel on the plains. Then surely we will be stronger than they.” He agreed with them and acted accordingly. New Living Translation Recruit another army like the one you lost. Give us the same number of horses, chariots, and men, and we will fight against them on the plains. There’s no doubt that we will beat them.” So King Ben-hadad did as they suggested. English Standard Version and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. Berean Standard Bible And you must raise an army like the one you have lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly. Berean Literal Bible and you shall muster to you an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. And we will fight against them in the plain. Will we not surely be stronger than they?” And he listened to their voice and did so. King James Bible And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so. New King James Version and you shall muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain; surely we will be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. New American Standard Bible and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and we will certainly be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. NASB 1995 and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. NASB 1977 and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. Legacy Standard Bible and you shall number a military force like the military force that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. Amplified Bible and assemble an army like the army that you have lost in battle, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their words and did so. Berean Annotated Bible And you must raise an army like the one you have lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail. And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly. Christian Standard Bible Raise another army for yourself like the army you lost—horse for horse, chariot for chariot—and let’s fight with them on the plain; and we will certainly be stronger than they are.” The king listened to them and did it. Holman Christian Standard Bible Raise another army for yourself like the army you lost—horse for horse, chariot for chariot—and let’s fight with them on the plain; and we will certainly be stronger than they will be.” The king listened to them and did so. American Standard Version and number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot; and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so. Contemporary English Version Then get more soldiers, horses, and chariots, so your army will be as strong as it was before. We'll fight Israel's army on flat land and wipe them out. Benhadad agreed and did what they suggested. English Revised Version and number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so. GOD'S WORD® Translation Recruit an army with as many horses and chariots as the one which was defeated. Then, if we fight them on the plain, we will be stronger than they are." He took their advice and followed it. Good News Translation Then call up an army as large as the one that deserted you, with the same number of horses and chariots. We will fight the Israelites in the plains, and this time we will defeat them." King Benhadad agreed and followed their advice. International Standard Version Then replace the army that you lost, horse-for-horse and chariot-for-chariot. We'll fight them on the plains, and we're certain to be the stronger army." Ben-hadad listened to what they had to say and carried out their advice. NET Bible Muster an army like the one you lost, with the same number of horses and chariots. Then we will fight them in the plains; we will certainly overpower them." He approved their plan and did as they advised. New Heart English Bible Muster an army, like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot. We will fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than them." He listened to their voice, and did so. Webster's Bible Translation And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened to their voice, and did so. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd you must raise an army like the one you have lost—horse for horse and chariot for chariot—so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly. World English Bible Muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. We will fight against them in the plain, and surely we will be stronger than they are.” He listened to their voice and did so. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand you, number for yourself a force as the force that is fallen from you, and horse for horse, and chariot for chariot, and we fight with them in the plain; are we not stronger than they?” And he listens to their voice, and does so. Berean Literal Bible and you shall muster to you an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. And we will fight against them in the plain. Will we not surely be stronger than they?” And he listened to their voice and did so. Young's Literal Translation and thou, number to thee a force as the force that is fallen from thee, and horse for horse, and chariot for chariot, and we fight with them in the plain; are we not stronger than they?' and he hearkeneth to their voice, and doth so. Smith's Literal Translation And thou shalt divide out to thee an army, as the army having fallen from thee, and horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will war with them in the plain; surely, shall we not be strong above them? And he will hear to their voice and do so. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd make up the number of soldiers that have been slain of thine, and horses according to the former horses, and chariots according to the chariots which thou hadst before: and we will fight against them in the plains, and thou shalt see that we shall overcome them. He believed their counsel and did so. Catholic Public Domain Version And replace the number of soldiers who have been cut down of yours, and the horses, in accord with the earlier number of horses, and the chariots, in accord with the number of chariots that you had before. And we will fight against them in the plains, and you will see that we will prevail over them.” And he trusted in their counsel, and he did so. New American Bible Raise an army as large as the army you have lost, horse for horse, chariot for chariot. Let us fight them on level ground, and we shall surely defeat them.” He took their advice and did this. New Revised Standard Version and muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot; then we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” He heeded their voice, and did so. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd number for yourself an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot; and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened to their voice, and did so. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And you number for yourself an army like the army that fell from you, and horses like the horses and chariots like the chariots, and we shall fight with them in the plain, but we will prevail over them.” And he listened to their voice and he did so. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot; and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.' And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so. Brenton Septuagint Translation And we will give thee another army according to the army that was destroyed, and cavalry according to the cavalry, and chariots according to the chariots, and we will fight against them in the plain, and we shall prevail against them. And he hearkened to their voice, and did so. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad…24So do this: Dismiss all the kings from their positions and replace them with other officers. 25And you must raise an army like the one you have lost— horse for horse and chariot for chariot— so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly. Cross References And you must raise an army like the one you have lost— 2 Samuel 10:16-19 Hadadezer sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, and they came to Helam with Shobach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. / When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, and went to Helam. Then the Arameans arrayed themselves against David and fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven hundred charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also struck down Shobach the commander of their army, who died there. … 1 Chronicles 19:16-19 When the Arameans saw that they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers to bring more Arameans from beyond the Euphrates, with Shophach the commander of Hadadezer’s army leading them. / When this was reported to David, he gathered all Israel, crossed the Jordan, advanced toward the Arameans, and arrayed for battle against them. When David lined up to engage them in battle, they fought against him. / But the Arameans fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand foot soldiers. He also killed Shophach the commander of their army. … Judges 20:22-23 But the Israelite army took courage and again took their battle positions in the same place where they had arrayed themselves on the first day. / They went up and wept before the LORD until evening, inquiring of Him, “Should we again draw near for battle against our brothers the Benjamites?” And the LORD answered, “Go up against them.” horse for horse and chariot for chariot— 2 Samuel 8:4 David captured from him a thousand chariots, seven thousand charioteers, and twenty thousand foot soldiers, and he hamstrung all the horses except a hundred he kept for the chariots. 1 Kings 10:26 Solomon accumulated 1,400 chariots and 12,000 horses, which he stationed in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. 1 Samuel 13:5 Now the Philistines assembled to fight against Israel with three thousand chariots, six thousand horsemen, and troops as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They went up and camped at Michmash, east of Beth-aven. so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, Joshua 17:16-18 “The hill country is not enough for us,” they replied, “and all the Canaanites who live in the valley have iron chariots, both in Beth-shean with its towns and in the Valley of Jezreel.” / So Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh—“You have many people and great strength. You shall not have just one allotment, / because the hill country will be yours as well. It is a forest; clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours. Although the Canaanites have iron chariots and although they are strong, you can drive them out.” Judges 1:19 The LORD was with Judah, and they took possession of the hill country; but they could not drive out the inhabitants of the plains because they had chariots of iron. where we will surely prevail.” Joshua 8:1 Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take the whole army with you, and go up and attack Ai. See, I have delivered into your hand the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land. 2 Chronicles 20:17 You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” 1 Samuel 17:47 And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly. 1 Kings 22:6 So the king of Israel assembled the prophets, about four hundred men, and asked them, “Should I go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should I refrain?” “Go up,” they replied, “and the Lord will deliver it into the hand of the king.” 2 Samuel 17:14-15 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. / So Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, “This is what Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel, and this is what I have advised. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. 2 Chronicles 18:30-32 Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” / When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him. / And when the chariot commanders saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 2 Kings 6:15-17 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early in the morning, behold, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. So he asked Elisha, “Oh, my master, what are we to do?” / “Do not be afraid,” Elisha answered, “for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” / Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Treasury of Scripture And number you an army, like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he listened to their voice, and did so. were all present. Joshua 1:11 Pass through the host, and command the people, saying, Prepare you victuals; for within three days ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which the LORD your God giveth you to possess it. Judges 7:8 So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley. like two Deuteronomy 32:30 How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up? Judges 6:5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as grasshoppers for multitude; for both they and their camels were without number: and they entered into the land to destroy it. 1 Samuel 13:5-8 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven… Jump to Previous Acted Agreed Army Carriage Chariot Destruction Fight Hearkened Horse Israel Lost Plain Plains Raise Stronger Surely Together Voice WarJump to Next Acted Agreed Army Carriage Chariot Destruction Fight Hearkened Horse Israel Lost Plain Plains Raise Stronger Surely Together Voice War1 Kings 20 1. Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria13. By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain 22. As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek 28. By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again 31. The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant 35. The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, 39. making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him And you must raise an army like the one you have lost— This phrase refers to the need to rebuild the military forces that were previously defeated. In the context of 1 Kings 20, the Arameans, led by King Ben-Hadad, had suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the Israelites. The call to raise an army "like the one you have lost" indicates a strategy to match the previous military strength, suggesting a reliance on human power and resources rather than seeking divine guidance. This reflects a common theme in the Old Testament where reliance on military might is often contrasted with reliance on God (Psalm 20:7). horse for horse and chariot for chariot— so we can fight the Israelites on the plain, where we will surely prevail.” And the king approved their plan and acted accordingly. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ben-HadadThe king of Aram (Syria) who seeks to rebuild his army after a defeat by the Israelites. 2. Israelites The people of Israel, led by King Ahab during this period, who are the opponents of Ben-Hadad. 3. The Plains The geographical setting where Ben-Hadad believes he can defeat the Israelites, contrasting with the hills where he previously lost. 4. Advisors of Ben-Hadad They counsel him to fight the Israelites on the plains, believing that the gods of Israel are gods of the hills. 5. King Ahab The king of Israel at the time, who is involved in the conflict with Ben-Hadad. Teaching Points Reliance on Human WisdomBen-Hadad's decision to follow his advisors' counsel without seeking divine guidance highlights the danger of relying solely on human wisdom. Misunderstanding God's Power The Arameans' belief that God is limited to certain geographical areas reflects a misunderstanding of God's omnipotence and sovereignty. Strategic Planning vs. Divine Will While strategic planning is important, it should not replace seeking God's will and guidance in our decisions. The Folly of Repeating Mistakes Ben-Hadad's attempt to rebuild his army in the same manner as before shows the folly of repeating past mistakes without learning from them. God's Sovereignty in All Circumstances This passage reminds us that God is sovereign over all creation, and His power is not confined to specific locations or situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 20:25?2. How does 1 Kings 20:25 demonstrate God's sovereignty over military strategies and outcomes? 3. What lessons on obedience can we learn from the king's actions in 1 Kings 20:25? 4. How does 1 Kings 20:25 connect to God's promises of victory in Scripture? 5. How can we apply the principle of preparation from 1 Kings 20:25 today? 6. What does "muster an army like the one you lost" teach about resilience? 7. How does 1 Kings 20:25 reflect God's sovereignty in battles? 8. What historical evidence supports the events in 1 Kings 20:25? 9. Why does God allow Israel to fight in 1 Kings 20:25? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20? 11. How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)? 12. Why do the numbers listed in 2 Chronicles 9:25 about Solomon's horses and chariots differ from related passages like 1 Kings 4:26? 13. Does the claim that 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers were struck down in one day align with any historical or archaeological data (1 Kings 20:29)? 14. Why did Israelites request a king? What Does 1 Kings 20:25 Mean raise an army like the one you have lostThe Aramean officers press Ben-hadad to replace every soldier who fell in the previous defeat (1 Kings 20:21). Their counsel reflects confidence that numbers matter. Scripture repeatedly shows kings rebuilding after loss—Rehoboam mustered Judah after Shishak’s raid (2 Chronicles 11:5-12), and Asa rebuilt fortified cities when threatened (2 Chronicles 14:6-8). Yet the earlier rout proved that human strength cannot overturn God’s decree (Psalm 20:7); without the LORD, fresh troops cannot guarantee success. horse for horse and chariot for chariot Horses and chariots were the ancient equivalent of tanks—symbols of power and speed (Exodus 14:9; 1 Kings 10:26). Matching Israel unit for unit sounds prudent, but Israel’s God had already shown supremacy over such forces, drowning Pharaoh’s chariots (Exodus 15:4) and later striking the Syrians with blindness when they surrounded Elisha (2 Kings 6:14-18). The verse exposes reliance on visible might rather than on the unseen Sovereign (2 Colossians 4:18). fight the Israelites on the plain The Arameans assume Israel’s victory came only because the battle occurred in the hills around Samaria (1 Kings 20:23). By shifting to the flatlands of Aphek (v. 26), they believe Israel’s supposed “mountain god” will be powerless. This echoes earlier pagan thinking—Philistines moved the ark city to city (1 Samuel 5:8-10), thinking Yahweh’s reach was limited. God will shortly declare, “I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD” (1 Kings 20:28), proving He reigns over every terrain (Psalm 24:1). we will surely prevail Their confidence rests on: • Numerical parity (“like the one you lost”) • Superior technology (horses, chariots) • Tactical shift (open plain) Missing is any regard for God’s will. Proverbs warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Human certainty apart from divine guidance invites humiliation (James 4:13-16). The forthcoming defeat (1 Kings 20:29-30) will underscore that victory belongs to the LORD (1 Samuel 17:47). the king approved their plan and acted accordingly Ben-hadad’s quick agreement illustrates leadership that listens to worldly counsel yet ignores prophetic warning. Earlier, a prophet foretold Israel’s victory (1 Kings 20:13-14). Instead of seeking reconciliation with the Almighty, Ben-hadad doubles down on rebellion—mirroring Pharaoh’s hardened heart (Exodus 9:12). Earthly rulers often choose expedience over repentance (Isaiah 30:1-2), but God still uses their decisions to display His glory. summary 1 Kings 20:25 records Aram’s attempt to rebuild, rearm, and reposition for what they assume will be certain triumph. Each clause reveals reliance on human strength, technology, and strategy while dismissing the limitless power of the LORD. The ensuing narrative shows that numbers and chariots are no match for God’s sovereign will, reminding believers to trust Him rather than weapons, tactics, or human wisdom. Verse 25. — And number thee an army, like the army that thou hast lost [Heb. that is fallen from thee, not as marg., that was fallen. For the form מֵאותָך. see Ewald, 264 b)], horse for [Heb. as] horse, and chariot for chariot: and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and did so.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And youוְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you must raise תִֽמְנֶה־ (ṯim·neh-) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular Strong's 4487: To weigh out, to allot, constitute officially, to enumerate, enroll an army חַ֡יִל (ḥa·yil) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength like the [one] כַּחַיִל֩ (ka·ḥa·yil) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength you have lost— הַנֹּפֵ֨ל (han·nō·p̄êl) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie horse וְס֣וּס (wə·sūs) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird) for horse כַּסּ֣וּס ׀ (kas·sūs) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5483: A swallow, swift (type of bird) and chariot וְרֶ֣כֶב (wə·re·ḵeḇ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone for chariot— כָּרֶ֗כֶב (kā·re·ḵeḇ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7393: A vehicle, a team, cavalry, a rider, the upper millstone so we can fight וְנִֽלָּחֲמָ֤ה (wə·nil·lā·ḥă·māh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle [the Israelites] אוֹתָם֙ (’ō·w·ṯām) Direct object marker | third person masculine plural Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case on the plain, בַּמִּישׁ֔וֹר (bam·mî·šō·wr) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4334: A level, a plain, as a, straightness, justice where we will surely אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not prevail. נֶחֱזַ֖ק (ne·ḥĕ·zaq) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer And [the king] approved וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע (way·yiš·ma‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently their plan לְקֹלָ֖ם (lə·qō·lām) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 6963: A voice, sound and acted וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make accordingly. כֵּֽן׃ (kên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus Links 1 Kings 20:25 NIV1 Kings 20:25 NLT 1 Kings 20:25 ESV 1 Kings 20:25 NASB 1 Kings 20:25 KJV 1 Kings 20:25 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 20:25 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 20:25 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 20:25 French Bible 1 Kings 20:25 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 20:25 And number you an army like (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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