Question 1

What was happening when Ben-hadad besieged Samaria?

Accepted Answer

Ben-hadad, king of Syria, gathered a large army with thirty-two allied kings, many horses, and chariots, and surrounded Samaria, the capital of Israel. Ahab had led Israel into idol worship, and this siege shows how far the nation had fallen. Ben-hadad felt strong enough to demand Ahab’s silver, gold, wives, and children. At first Ahab gave in from fear. The siege is not just about politics and war, but also about God allowing trouble to reach His people when they have turned from Him.

Question 2

Why did Ahab at first agree to Ben-hadad’s demands?

Accepted Answer

Ahab agreed at first because he was afraid and felt powerless. Ben-hadad’s army was huge, and Israel seemed weak and exposed. Ahab had not been walking closely with God, so instead of turning to the Lord in faith, he tried to save himself by surrendering his wealth and even his family. His words, “I am thine, and all that I have,” show his deep fear and lack of trust. Only when Ben-hadad pushed further did Ahab and the elders decide they could not give up everything.

Question 3

What does the saying about girding on armor and taking it off mean?

Accepted Answer

Ahab replies to Ben-hadad, “Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.” In simple terms, he is saying, “Don’t brag before the battle like someone who has already come home from war.” It is a warning against pride and empty confidence. Ben-hadad is talking as if the victory is already his, but Ahab reminds him that the outcome of a battle is not settled until it is over, and God will soon show who really rules.

Question 4

Why did God give Israel victory when Ahab had been unfaithful?

Accepted Answer

God tells Ahab through the prophet that He will give Israel victory so that Ahab will know, “I am the Lord.” God is not rewarding Ahab’s past behavior. Instead, He is showing mercy and power in spite of Ahab’s sin. The small number of young men and the tiny army facing a vast Syrian force make it clear that the win is from God, not from Israel’s strength. God wants Ahab and Israel to see that He alone rules battles and nations and to lead them back to Himself.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about God being God of hills and valleys?

Accepted Answer

The Syrians think they lost because Israel’s God is only strong in the hills, so they plan to fight in the plains next time. God answers this wrong idea directly. He says He will give the huge Syrian army into Israel’s hand “because the Syrians have said, The Lord is God of the hills, but he is not God of the valleys.” The second victory shows that the Lord is not a local god tied to one place. He rules everywhere, in high and low places, and no enemy can limit His power.

Question 6

Why was Ahab wrong to spare Ben-hadad and make a covenant?

Accepted Answer

After God twice gives Israel victory, Ben-hadad’s servants come in humble dress and ask for mercy. Ahab quickly calls Ben-hadad “my brother,” brings him into his chariot, and makes a deal to get back cities and trading rights. But God had appointed Ben-hadad for destruction as judgment on his pride and violence. By sparing him for his own gain and honor, Ahab sets aside God’s word. A prophet later tells him that because he let Ben-hadad go, his own life and people will pay the price.

Question 7

What is the point of the prophet asking to be struck and then using a story?

Accepted Answer

One of the prophets asks another man to strike him so he can look like a wounded soldier. The first man refuses and is judged by God, showing how serious it is to disobey God’s clear word. The wounded prophet then tells Ahab a made-up story about failing to guard a prisoner and asks for the king’s judgment. When Ahab says the man must bear his own sentence, the prophet reveals himself and applies Ahab’s words to Ahab’s real sin of letting Ben-hadad go. This way, Ahab judges himself.

Question 8

What does this story show about God’s character and human pride?

Accepted Answer

This story shows that God is patient and powerful, even with a stubborn king. He helps Israel when they are outnumbered, not because they deserve it, but to show who He is. At the same time, God brings down pride. Ben-hadad talks big, drinks during battle, and thinks he can take anything he wants, but he is beaten and forced to beg for his life. Ahab’s own pride and desire for advantage lead him to ignore God’s command, and God warns him that this choice will bring judgment.

Question 9

How can this passage speak to someone facing hard odds today?

Accepted Answer

Someone facing hard odds can see that God is not limited by numbers, place, or human power. Israel looked like “two little flocks of kids” in front of a vast Syrian army, yet God promised to act so that they would know Him. This does not mean we will always get the outcome we want, but it shows that God is not weak when His people are weak. It calls us to turn from pride and self-reliance, listen to His word, and trust that He rules in every place and season.

1 Kings 20:1

And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria

Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad

Another War with Ben-hadad

Ahab Spares Ben-hadad

A Prophet Reproves Ahab

Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria

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1 Kings 20:1

And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

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Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria

Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad

Another War with Ben-hadad

Ahab Spares Ben-hadad

A Prophet Reproves Ahab

Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria

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