King James Version

What Does 1 Kings 20:27 Mean?

1 Kings 20:27 in the King James Version says “And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitche... — study this verse from 1 Kings chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. were all: or, were nourished

1 Kings 20:27 · KJV


Context

25

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. that thou: Heb. that was fallen

26

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. to fight: Heb. to the war with Israel

27

And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. were all: or, were nourished

28

And there came a man of God, and spake unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the LORD, Because the Syrians have said, The LORD is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

29

And they pitched one over against the other seven days. And so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.

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
בְנֵֽי1 of 17

And the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל2 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הָתְפָּֽקְדוּ֙3 of 17

were numbered

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

וְכָלְכְּל֔וּ4 of 17

and were all present

H3557

properly, to keep in; hence, to measure; figuratively, to maintain (in various senses)

וַיֵּֽלְכ֖וּ5 of 17
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

לִקְרָאתָ֑ם6 of 17

against

H7125

an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)

וַיַּֽחֲנ֨וּ7 of 17

pitched

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

בְנֵֽי8 of 17

And the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל9 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

נֶגְדָּ֗ם10 of 17
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

כִּשְׁנֵי֙11 of 17

before them like two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

חֲשִׂפֵ֣י12 of 17

little flocks

H2835

properly, drawn off, i.e., separated; hence, a small company (as divided from the rest)

עִזִּ֔ים13 of 17

of kids

H5795

a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)

וַֽאֲרָ֖ם14 of 17

but the Syrians

H758

aram or syria, and its inhabitants; also the name of the son of shem, a grandson of nahor, and of an israelite

מִלְא֥וּ15 of 17

filled

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

אֶת16 of 17
H853

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

הָאָֽרֶץ׃17 of 17

the country

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)


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 20:27 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 20:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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