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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 20 - Verse 20

20:20
And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen.

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, we see the story of a battle between the Syrians and the Israelites. The Syrians are defeated, and their king, Benhadad, manages to escape on a horse with his horsemen. This event highlights the intense military conflicts and power struggles that were common in ancient times. The Israelites' victory and pursuit of the Syrians demonstrate their strength and determination in battle. The escape of Benhadad on horseback adds a dramatic element to the story, showcasing the cunning and resourcefulness of the Syrian king. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the violent and precarious nature of warfare in the ancient world, and the strategic decisions and actions that leaders had to make to survive and succeed in the midst of battle.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 1 Kings 20:20, the phrase "every one his man" has been the subject of theological interpretation and word study. Some scholars suggest that this phrase signifies each soldier within the army of Israel being responsible for fighting against a designated opponent from Syria. This indicates a level of personal accountability and commitment to the battle on the part of the Israelite soldiers. Additionally, the use of the word "man" in this context can be seen as emphasizing the individual effort and courage of each soldier in the pursuit of victory. The mention of Benhadad, the king of Syria, escaping on a horse with his horsemen raises questions about the significance of horses in warfare during ancient times and the strategic advantage they offered to leaders in battle. Overall, this verse showcases the intense and strategic nature of the conflict between Israel and Syria, while also highlighting themes of individual responsibility, perseverance, and the impact of leadership in times of war.

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