And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD.

1 KINGS 20:13KJV
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1 Kings 20:13 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 20:13 mean?

1 Kings 20:13 describes a moment when a prophet comes to King Ahab of Israel and delivers a message from the LORD, promising that God will give Ahab victory over a large enemy army so that Ahab will recognize who the true God is. The verse highlights that this victory is meant to show Ahab that the LORD alone has power and authority.

The scene takes place during a time when Israel is threatened by a great multitude of enemy forces. The prophet, an unnamed messenger of God, approaches Ahab, who is not known for his faithfulness, and assures him of divine intervention. The main point is that God’s help is not based on Ahab’s merit, but is given so that Ahab—and everyone watching—will know that the LORD (יהוה, Yahweh) is the true God.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 20:13

  • "LORD" (יהוה, Yahweh): This is the personal name of Israel’s God, used here to emphasize that the coming victory is from the God of Israel, not any other deity.
  • "Deliver" (נָתַן, natan): This word means "to give" or "to hand over." The verse uses it to show that God is actively giving the enemy into Ahab’s control, not just allowing it to happen by chance.
  • "Know" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means more than just intellectual knowledge—it often carries the sense of personal recognition or experience. Here, it signals that Ahab will come to truly recognize the LORD’s power through what happens.

Why 1 Kings 20:13 matters

  • The verse clarifies that God’s intervention is not a reward for Ahab’s goodness, but a demonstration of God’s identity and power, even to someone who has often ignored Him.
  • This moment sets up a pattern in the wider story where God acts to reveal Himself, not just to Israel but to its leaders, often in unexpected ways.
  • The emphasis on "knowing" the LORD shows that God’s actions are meant to lead people to a deeper understanding and acknowledgment of who He is, not just to provide military success.

Where else these words appear

“multitude” Hebrew H1995 · used in 78 verses

  • Genesis 17:4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
  • Psalms 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.
  • Ezekiel 7:14 They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready; but none goeth to the battle: for my wrath is upon all the multitude thereof.

“Ahab” Hebrew H256 · used in 81 verses

  • 1 Kings 16:28 So Omri slept with his fathers, and was buried in Samaria: and Ahab his son reigned in his stead.
  • 1 Kings 21:4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread.
  • 2 Kings 9:8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish: and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel:

“came” Hebrew H5066 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 18:23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
  • Deuteronomy 25:9 Then shall his brother's wife come unto him in the presence of the elders, and loose his shoe from off his foot, and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, So shall it be done unto that man that will not build up his brother's house.
  • 2 Kings 4:5 So she went from him, and shut the door upon her and upon her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured out.