And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first; and Benhadad sent out, and they told him, saying, There are men come out of Samaria.

1 KINGS 20:17KJV
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1 Kings 20:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 20:17 mean?

1 Kings 20:17 describes how a group of young men, chosen from the leaders of the provinces, went out first from Samaria to confront the enemy. Benhadad, the opposing king, was informed that men had come out of the city, signaling the start of an encounter between the two sides.

This verse takes place during a conflict between Israel, whose capital is Samaria, and Benhadad, the king of Aram (Syria). The "young men" are likely selected warriors or attendants of provincial leaders, sent out as the first move in a planned action. Benhadad receives word from his scouts or messengers that men are coming out of Samaria, which sets the stage for the coming battle.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 20:17

  • The word for "young men" is נַעַר (naʿar, H5288), which often means a young servant or attendant, not just any youth. Here, it suggests these were chosen, possibly elite, young men serving the provincial leaders.
  • "Princes" is שַׂר (sar, H8269), referring to rulers or officials, indicating these young men were associated with high-ranking leaders.
  • "Provinces" uses מְדִינָה (medinah, H4082), meaning administrative districts or regions, showing that this group represented the broader leadership of Israel.
  • "Out" is יָצָא (yatsa, H3318), meaning to go out or come forth, emphasizing a deliberate movement from inside Samaria to outside, likely as an act of challenge or engagement.

Why 1 Kings 20:17 matters

  • This verse highlights the strategy of Israel's defense, showing that the first move was made by a select group rather than the whole army, which may have been unexpected by Benhadad.
  • The mention of Benhadad being told about the men coming out of Samaria shows the importance of intelligence and communication in ancient warfare.
  • Understanding who the "young men" were and their connection to the provincial leaders helps clarify that Israel was acting with organization and unity, not just sending out random fighters.

Where else these words appear

“Benhadad” Hebrew H1130 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Kings 15:18 Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,
  • 1 Kings 20:16 And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
  • 2 Kings 8:9 So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

“provinces” Hebrew H4082 · used in 40 verses

  • 1 Kings 20:14 And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou.
  • Esther 3:8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
  • Esther 9:3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

“Samaria” Hebrew H8111 · used in 101 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:32 For the saying which he cried by the word of the LORD against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.
  • 2 Kings 13:1 In the three and twentieth year of Joash the son of Ahaziah king of Judah Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:9 But a prophet of the LORD was there, whose name was Oded: and he went out before the host that came to Samaria, and said unto them, Behold, because the LORD God of your fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a rage that reacheth up unto heaven.