1 Kings 20:12

¹² Ben-Hadad heard this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents,[1] and he ordered his men: "Prepare to attack." So they prepared to attack the city.

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Other Translations of 1 Kings 20:12

King James Version

¹² And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message, message: Heb. word 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.

English Standard Version

¹² When Ben-hadad heard this message as he was drinking with the kings in the booths, he said to his men, "Take your positions." And they took their positions against the city.

The Message

¹² It happened that when Ben-Hadad heard this retort he was into some heavy drinking, boozing it up with the sheiks in their field shelters. Drunkenly, he ordered his henchmen, "Go after them!" And they attacked the city.

New King James Version

¹² And it happened when Ben-Hadad heard this message, as he and the kings were drinking at the command post, that he said to his servants, "Get ready." And they got ready to attack the city.

New Living Translation

¹² Ahab's reply reached Ben-hadad and the other kings as they were drinking in their tents. "Prepare to attack!" Ben-hadad commanded his officers. So they prepared to attack the city.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12

Commentary on 1 Kings 20:12-21

(Read 1 Kings 20:12-21)

The proud Syrians were beaten, and the despised Israelites were conquerors. The orders of the proud, drunken king disordered his troops, and prevented them from attacking the Israelites. Those that are most secure, are commonly least courageous. Ahab slew the Syrians with a great slaughter. God often makes one wicked man a scourge to another.