1 Kings 20:27 The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.

◄ 1 Kings 20:27 ►

New International Version
When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.

New Living Translation
Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and marched out for battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside!

English Standard Version
And the people of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went against them. The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country.

Berean Standard Bible
The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And the children of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and they went against them. Now the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the countryside.

New American Standard Bible
And the sons of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and they went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped opposite them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the country.

NASB 1995
The sons of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Arameans filled the country.

NASB 1977
And the sons of Israel were mustered and were provisioned and went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Arameans filled the country.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now the sons of Israel were mustered and were provided for and went to meet them; and the sons of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Arameans filled the land.

Amplified Bible
The sons of Israel were counted and given provisions, and they went to meet them. The Israelites camped before the enemy like two little flocks of goats [with everything against them, except God], and the Arameans filled the country.

Christian Standard Bible
The Israelites mobilized, gathered supplies, and went to fight them. The Israelites camped in front of them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the landscape.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The Israelites mobilized, gathered supplies, and went to fight them. The Israelites camped in front of them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the landscape.

American Standard Version
And the children of Israel were mustered, and were victualled, and went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.

Contemporary English Version
The Israelites also prepared to fight. They marched out to meet the Syrians, and the two armies camped across from each other. The Syrians covered the whole area, but the Israelites looked like two little flocks of goats.

English Revised Version
And the children of Israel were mustered, and were victualled, and went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the Israelite [troops] had been organized and given provisions, they went to meet the enemy. The Israelites, while camped opposite the Arameans who filled the country, seemed like two newborn goats.

Good News Translation
The Israelites were called up and equipped; they marched out and camped in two groups facing the Syrians. The Israelites looked like two small flocks of goats compared to the Syrians, who spread out over the countryside.

International Standard Version
The Israelis were mustered, equipped with provisions, and sent out to fight. The Israeli encampment looked like two little flocks of goats compared to how the Aramean encampments filled the countryside!

Majority Standard Bible
The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.

NET Bible
When the Israelites had mustered and had received their supplies, they marched out to face them in battle. When the Israelites deployed opposite them, they were like two small flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the land.

New Heart English Bible
The children of Israel were mustered, and were provisioned, and went against them. The children of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of young goats; but the Arameans filled the country.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, and went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.

World English Bible
The children of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and went against them. The children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of young goats, but the Syrians filled the country.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the sons of Israel have been inspected, and supported, and go to meet them, and the sons of Israel encamp before them, like two flocks of goats, and the Arameans have filled the land.

Young's Literal Translation
and the sons of Israel have been inspected, and supported, and go to meet them, and the sons of Israel encamp before them, like two flocks of goats, and the Aramaeans have filled the land.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Israel were reviewed, and were nourished, and they will go up to their meeting: and the sons of Israel will encamp over against them as two flocks of she goats; and Aram filled the land.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the children of Israel were mustered, and taking victuals went out on the other side, and camped over against them, like two little hocks of goats: but the Syrians filled the land.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then the sons of Israel were numbered, and taking provisions, they set out to the opposite side. And they stretched out the camp facing them, like two little flocks of goats. But the Syrians filled the land.

New American Bible
The Israelites, too, were mustered and supplied with provisions; then they went out to meet the enemy. The Israelites, encamped opposite, looked like little flocks of goats, while Aram covered the land.

New Revised Standard Version
After the Israelites had been mustered and provisioned, they went out to engage them; the people of Israel encamped opposite them like two little flocks of goats, while the Arameans filled the country.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the children of Israel were mustered and set in array against them, like two little flocks of goats; but the Arameans filled the country.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the sons of Israel were numbered and were arrayed, and they stood against them as two flocks of kids of goats, and the Edomites filled the land.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the children of Israel were mustered, and were victualled, and went against them; and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Arameans filled the country.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the children of Israel were numbered, and came to meet them: and Israel encamped before them as two little flocks of goats, but Syria filled the land.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Another War with Ben-hadad
26In the spring, Ben-hadad mobilized the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27The Israelites also mobilized, gathered supplies, and marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped before them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside. 28Then the man of God approached the king of Israel and said, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not of the valleys, I will deliver all this great army into your hand. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Judges 7:12
Now the Midianites, Amalekites, and all the other people of the east had settled in the valley like a swarm of locusts, and their camels were as countless as the sand on the seashore.

2 Chronicles 13:3
Abijah went into battle with an army of 400,000 chosen men, while Jeroboam drew up in formation against him with 800,000 chosen and mighty men of valor.

2 Chronicles 14:9-12
Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. / So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. / Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” ...

2 Chronicles 20:12
Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.”

2 Chronicles 32:7-8
“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.

Isaiah 31:1
Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in their abundance of chariots and in their multitude of horsemen. They do not look to the Holy One of Israel; they do not seek the LORD.

Isaiah 37:36
Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies!

Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and others in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 33:16-17
No king is saved by his vast army; no warrior is delivered by his great strength. / A horse is a vain hope for salvation; even its great strength cannot save.

Psalm 44:6-7
For I do not trust in my bow, nor does my sword save me. / For You save us from our enemies; You put those who hate us to shame.

Psalm 60:11-12
Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. / With God we will perform with valor, and He will trample our enemies.

Psalm 118:8-9
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. / It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.

Proverbs 21:31
A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Corinthians 1:27-29
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, / so that no one may boast in His presence.

Treasury of Scripture

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.

seven days

Joshua 6:15
And it came to pass on the seventh day, that they rose early about the dawning of the day, and compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only on that day they compassed the city seven times.

1 Samuel 17:16
And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days.

Psalm 10:16
The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.

an hundred thousand

2 Samuel 10:18
And the Syrians fled before Israel; and David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Shobach the captain of their host, who died there.

2 Chronicles 13:17
And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen men.

2 Chronicles 20:23-25
For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another…

Jump to Previous

Aramaeans Arameans Camped Children Country Countryside Covered Encamped Filled Flocks Food Full Goats Israel Israelites Kids Little Marched Meet Mustered Numbered Opposite Pitched Present Provisions Ready Small Syrians Tents Themselves Together

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1 Kings 20

1. Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria
13. By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain
22. As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek
28. By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again
31. The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant
35. The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner,
39. making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him

Berean Study Bible

The Israelites mobilized
This phrase indicates a call to action and preparation for battle. The Hebrew root for "mobilized" is "אסף" (asaph), meaning to gather or assemble. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' readiness to defend their land and faith against a formidable enemy. It underscores the importance of unity and collective effort in the face of adversity, a principle that resonates with the Christian call to spiritual readiness and community support.

gathered supplies
The act of gathering supplies suggests logistical preparation and foresight. In Hebrew, "supplies" can be linked to "צידה" (tsayidah), which refers to provisions or sustenance. This highlights the practical aspect of faith, where spiritual battles require both divine trust and practical preparation. It serves as a reminder that God often works through our diligent efforts and planning.

went out to meet them
This phrase signifies courage and proactive engagement. The Israelites did not wait passively but took the initiative to confront their adversaries. The Hebrew verb "יצא" (yatsa) means to go out or come forth, indicating a deliberate action. This reflects the biblical principle of facing challenges head-on with faith and confidence in God's deliverance.

The Israelites camped opposite them
Camping opposite the enemy shows strategic positioning and readiness for confrontation. The Hebrew word "חנה" (chanah) means to encamp or settle. This action demonstrates the Israelites' trust in God's guidance, as they positioned themselves according to divine strategy rather than human wisdom. It is a testament to the importance of aligning our actions with God's will.

like two small flocks of goats
This simile emphasizes the Israelites' vulnerability and small numbers compared to their enemies. In Hebrew, "עזים" (izim) refers to goats, which are often seen as humble and defenseless. This imagery highlights the biblical theme of God using the weak to confound the strong, reminding believers that victory comes not by might, but by God's Spirit (Zechariah 4:6).

while the Arameans covered the countryside
The Arameans' overwhelming presence is depicted by the phrase "covered the countryside." The Hebrew "מלא" (male) means to fill or cover, illustrating the vastness and intimidation of the enemy forces. This contrast sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention, reinforcing the message that no matter how insurmountable the odds, God's power is sufficient to deliver His people.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(27) Were all present.--The marginal reading "were victualled," or, perhaps, more generally, "were supplied," with all things necessary for war, seems correct. The comparatively small number of the Israelite forces, even after the great victory of the year before, appears to show that, previous to the siege of Samaria, Ahab had suffered some great defeats, which had broken the strength of Israel.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 27. - And the children of Israel were numbered [lit., numbered themselves. Hith-pael], and were all present [Rather, and were provided with food, כּוּל = to nourish. The Alex. LXX. inserts καὶ διοικήθησαν. Vulgate accepetis cibariis. Marg. were victualled. This word of itself suggests that they were at a distance from their capital or other city], and went against them [Heb. to meet them]: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks חֲשִׂיפstrictly means separate& It is rightly translated "little flocks" (not "flocks," Rawlinson ), because the idea is that of two bands of stragglers separated from the main body of the flock. So the Vulgate, duo parvi greges caprarum; but LXX., δύο ποίμνια άγὧν. Ewald thinks the "two flocks" points to an an auxiliary fores furnished by Jehoshaphat, fighting with Israel. He also thinks goats are mentioned to convey the exalted position of the camp upon the hills. Flocks of goats as a rule are smaller than those of sheep, the former being more given to straying] of kids [lit., she-goats. "These flocks pasture mostly on the cliffs, and are smaller than the flocks of sheep" (Bahr)]; but the Syrians filled the country. [The whole plain swarmed with their legions in striking contrast to the two insignificant Bodies of Israelites.]

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

The Israelites
וּבְנֵ֣י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

also mobilized,
הָתְפָּקְדוּ֙ (hā·ṯə·pā·qə·ḏū)
Verb - Hitpael - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6485: To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit

gathered supplies,
וְכָלְכְּל֔וּ (wə·ḵā·lə·kə·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Pual - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain

and marched out
וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ (way·yê·lə·ḵū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

to meet them.
לִקְרָאתָ֑ם (liq·rā·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7125: Against he come, help, meet, seek, to, in the way

The Israelites
בְנֵֽי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

camped
וַיַּחֲנ֨וּ (way·ya·ḥă·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2583: To incline, to decline, to pitch a, tent, gen, to encamp

before them
נֶגְדָּ֗ם (neḡ·dām)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before

like two
כִּשְׁנֵי֙ (kiš·nê)
Preposition-k | Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

small flocks
חֲשִׂפֵ֣י (ḥă·śi·p̄ê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2835: Drawn off, separated, a small company

of goats,
עִזִּ֔ים (‘iz·zîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5795: Female goat

while the Arameans
וַאֲרָ֖ם (wa·’ă·rām)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

covered
מִלְא֥וּ (mil·’ū)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

the countryside.
הָאָֽרֶץ׃ (hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776: Earth, land

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OT History: 1 Kings 20:27 The children of Israel were mustered (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)