King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:12 Mean?

1 Kings 20:12 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he sa...” — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city. message: Heb. word pavilions: or, tents Set yourselves: or, Place the engines. And they placed the engines”

1 Kings 20:12 · KJV

Context

10

And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me. follow: Heb. are at my feet

11

And the king of Israel answered and said, Tell him, Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.

12

And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city. message: Heb. word pavilions: or, tents Set yourselves: or, Place the engines. And they placed the engines

13

And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD. came: Heb. approached

14

And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou. young: or, servants order: Heb. bind, or, tie

Read 1 Kings 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said unto his servants, Set yourselves in array. And they set themselves in array against the city.

This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's wars with syria, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.

The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.

Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
  2. What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
  3. How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַיְהִ֗י1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כִּשְׁמֹ֙עַ֙2 of 17

“And it came to pass when Benhadad heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֶת3 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַדָּבָ֣ר4 of 17

“this message”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּ֔ה5 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְה֥וּא6 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שֹׁתֶ֛ה7 of 17

“as he was drinking”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ה֥וּא8 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְהַמְּלָכִ֖ים9 of 17

“he and the kings”

H4428

a king

בַּסֻּכּ֑וֹת10 of 17

“in the pavilions”

H5521

a hut or lair

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר11 of 17

“that he said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל12 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עֲבָדָיו֙13 of 17

“unto his servants”

H5650

a servant

וַיָּשִׂ֖ימוּ14 of 17

“Set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

וַיָּשִׂ֖ימוּ15 of 17

“Set”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

עַל16 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הָעִֽיר׃17 of 17

“themselves in array against the city”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Kings 20:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Kings 20:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 16:9Proverbs 31:4-51 Kings 20:16Ephesians 5:18Luke 21:34Daniel 5:2

Test Your Knowledge

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