1 Kings 20

The Explanation

Outside the city of Samaria stood many soldiers. So many horses. So many chariots. A king named Ben Hadad had come. Thirty two other kings came with him. He wanted everything that belonged to Ahab. His silver. His gold. Even his wives and children. Messengers walked to the gate. Back and forth, again and again. Ahab was afraid. His hands felt cold. The elders said, "Don't listen. Don't say yes." So Ahab sent an answer back. Some things he would give. But not everything.

Ben Hadad grew angry. He boasted about his big army. Ahab answered quietly. "Don't brag before the battle is won." Ben Hadad heard this while drinking wine in his tent. He shouted, "Get ready to attack!"

What Does This Mean?

Then something happened. A prophet came to Ahab. He said, "Yahweh says, I will give you this whole army today. Then you will know that I am Yahweh." Ahab could hardly believe it. Only a few young soldiers went out first. It was noon. The sun was hot. Ben Hadad and his kings were still drinking in their tents. They were not watching. The young men ran. Each one struck down a soldier. The big army ran away. Ahab chased them with chariots and horses. Ben Hadad escaped fast, on a horse, his heart pounding.

The next year, Ben Hadad came back. An even bigger army this time. Israel's soldiers looked small. Like two little flocks of goats. But a man of God said it again. "You will know that I am Yahweh." And it happened again. Israel won again.

The Common Thread

Every time, God said the same thing. "You will know that I am Yahweh." Not the biggest army wins. Not the loudest king wins. God helps the ones who trust him. Even the small ones. Even the scared ones. He always sends help. He sent Jesus to help the whole world too.

Later, Ben Hadad was caught. He put on rough cloth and rope. He begged for his life. Ahab said, "He is my brother." He let him go free. But Ahab had not truly listened to God. He walked home feeling sullen. Feeling angry. Not because he lost. Because deep down, he knew.

For You

When you feel small, like a little goat in a big field, who can you ask for help?

Talk About It

Why do you think God helped Israel even when their army was so small? What do you do when you feel scared, like Ahab did?

Praying Together

Dear God, thank you that you are stronger than every big army. When I feel small and afraid, please help me. Thank you that you always hear me. Amen.