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12 Ben-hadad received Ahab’s response[a] while he was celebrating with his kings in the battle pavilions. “Sound ‘Battle Stations!’” he ordered, and the army began to prepare their attack.

God’s Prophets Rebuke Ahab

13 Right about then, a prophet approached King Ahab of Israel and told him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You see all of this great big army, do you? Well now, I’m going to deliver them all right into your hand, and you will learn that I am the Lord!’”

14 “By whom?” Ahab asked.

“This is what the Lord says,” the prophet replied. “‘By the young men who serve as officials within the provinces.’”

“Who is to begin the battle?” Ahab asked.

“You,” the prophet answered.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Kings 20:12 Lit. message

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

Ahab Defeats Ben-Hadad

13 Meanwhile a prophet(B) came to Ahab king of Israel and announced, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know(C) that I am the Lord.’”

14 “But who will do this?” asked Ahab.

The prophet replied, “This is what the Lord says: ‘The junior officers under the provincial commanders will do it.’”

“And who will start(D) the battle?” he asked.

The prophet answered, “You will.”

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Kings 20:12 Or in Sukkoth; also in verse 16