1 kings 20:11 - The king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Don’t let him who puts on his armor brag like he who takes it off.’”
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What does "1 kings 20:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 20:11, is a pithy proverb used in the context of a military standoff between King Ahab of Israel and King Ben-Hadad of Aram. It essentially means:
"Don't boast or be overconfident before you've actually achieved victory. The battle isn't won until it's over."
Let's break it down:
"He who puts on his armor": This refers to a soldier preparing for battle, full of anticipation and perhaps bravado before the fighting has even begun.
"He who takes it off": This refers to a soldier who has already fought and won, having survived the battle and removed their armor in victory. This is when boasting would be justified.
The King of Israel's reply is a caution against premature celebration.
In other words, don't be cocky before the battle is even fought. It's a warning against arrogance and overconfidence, reminding the reader that the outcome is uncertain until the very end. Boasting should be reserved for after the victory, not before.
Context in 1 Kings 20:
Ben-Hadad was demanding exorbitant concessions from Ahab and his kingdom. Initially, Ahab was inclined to give in. However, emboldened by his advisors, he refused the final, most humiliating demand. Ben-Hadad, arrogant and confident in his superior army, sent a message to Ahab, threatening to completely destroy Samaria. Ahab's response, this proverb, was a rebuke of Ben-Hadad's arrogance and a subtle assertion of Israel's potential for victory.
The verse serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, maintaining humility and avoiding premature celebration is essential.
1 kings 20:11 - The king of Israel answered, “Tell him, ‘Don’t let him who puts on his armor brag like he who takes it off.’”
What does "1 kings 20:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Kings 20:11, is a pithy proverb used in the context of a military standoff between King Ahab of Israel and King Ben-Hadad of Aram. It essentially means:
"Don't boast or be overconfident before you've actually achieved victory. The battle isn't won until it's over."
Let's break it down:
"He who puts on his armor": This refers to a soldier preparing for battle, full of anticipation and perhaps bravado before the fighting has even begun.
"He who takes it off": This refers to a soldier who has already fought and won, having survived the battle and removed their armor in victory. This is when boasting would be justified.
The King of Israel's reply is a caution against premature celebration.
In other words, don't be cocky before the battle is even fought. It's a warning against arrogance and overconfidence, reminding the reader that the outcome is uncertain until the very end. Boasting should be reserved for after the victory, not before.
Context in 1 Kings 20:
Ben-Hadad was demanding exorbitant concessions from Ahab and his kingdom. Initially, Ahab was inclined to give in. However, emboldened by his advisors, he refused the final, most humiliating demand. Ben-Hadad, arrogant and confident in his superior army, sent a message to Ahab, threatening to completely destroy Samaria. Ahab's response, this proverb, was a rebuke of Ben-Hadad's arrogance and a subtle assertion of Israel's potential for victory.
The verse serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, maintaining humility and avoiding premature celebration is essential.