1 kings 20:12 - When Ben Hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the pavilions, he said to his servants, “Prepare to attack!” They prepared to attack the city.
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What does "1 kings 20:12" mean?
This verse from 1 Kings 20:12 describes a pivotal moment in the conflict between King Ahab of Israel and King Ben-Hadad of Syria. Let's break down the meaning:
"When Ben-Hadad heard this message...": Ben-Hadad has just received a response from King Ahab of Israel to his earlier, extremely demanding terms of surrender. (See 1 Kings 20:2-6 for the earlier context - Ben-Hadad had demanded all of Ahab's silver, gold, wives, and children, and eventually, that his officials search Ahab's house.)
"...as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the pavilions...": Ben-Hadad and his allied kings are in a celebratory or relaxed state, indulging in drinking. The "pavilions" suggest a temporary camp or siege encampment set up outside the city of Samaria (Ahab's capital). This detail emphasizes Ben-Hadad's confidence and arrogance. He doesn't take Ahab's resistance seriously and is partying while conducting a siege.
"...he said to his servants, 'Prepare to attack!'": Ben-Hadad's order indicates that he is now furious and impatient with Ahab's resistance. Ahab's message (which isn't explicitly stated here but is understood from the context) has likely been a rejection of Ben-Hadad's terms. Ben-Hadad's relaxed attitude quickly shifts to one of aggression. He's tired of negotiations and wants to crush Ahab's defiance with force.
"They prepared to attack the city": The servants and, by extension, the entire Syrian army, begin to ready themselves for an immediate assault on Samaria.
In summary: The verse reveals Ben-Hadad's arrogance and overconfidence, which lead to his rash decision to attack Samaria, despite the fact that Ahab had already submitted to Ben-Hadad's initial demands. It highlights a turning point in the narrative, from negotiation to imminent battle, fueled by Ben-Hadad's pride and intemperance. It sets the stage for the ensuing battle and underscores the theme of humility vs. pride in the larger story. Ben-Hadad's intoxication and presumptuousness will contribute to his eventual defeat.
1 kings 20:12 - When Ben Hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the pavilions, he said to his servants, “Prepare to attack!” They prepared to attack the city.
What does "1 kings 20:12" mean?
This verse from 1 Kings 20:12 describes a pivotal moment in the conflict between King Ahab of Israel and King Ben-Hadad of Syria. Let's break down the meaning:
"When Ben-Hadad heard this message...": Ben-Hadad has just received a response from King Ahab of Israel to his earlier, extremely demanding terms of surrender. (See 1 Kings 20:2-6 for the earlier context - Ben-Hadad had demanded all of Ahab's silver, gold, wives, and children, and eventually, that his officials search Ahab's house.)
"...as he was drinking, he and the kings, in the pavilions...": Ben-Hadad and his allied kings are in a celebratory or relaxed state, indulging in drinking. The "pavilions" suggest a temporary camp or siege encampment set up outside the city of Samaria (Ahab's capital). This detail emphasizes Ben-Hadad's confidence and arrogance. He doesn't take Ahab's resistance seriously and is partying while conducting a siege.
"...he said to his servants, 'Prepare to attack!'": Ben-Hadad's order indicates that he is now furious and impatient with Ahab's resistance. Ahab's message (which isn't explicitly stated here but is understood from the context) has likely been a rejection of Ben-Hadad's terms. Ben-Hadad's relaxed attitude quickly shifts to one of aggression. He's tired of negotiations and wants to crush Ahab's defiance with force.
"They prepared to attack the city": The servants and, by extension, the entire Syrian army, begin to ready themselves for an immediate assault on Samaria.
In summary: The verse reveals Ben-Hadad's arrogance and overconfidence, which lead to his rash decision to attack Samaria, despite the fact that Ahab had already submitted to Ben-Hadad's initial demands. It highlights a turning point in the narrative, from negotiation to imminent battle, fueled by Ben-Hadad's pride and intemperance. It sets the stage for the ensuing battle and underscores the theme of humility vs. pride in the larger story. Ben-Hadad's intoxication and presumptuousness will contribute to his eventual defeat.