1 Kings 20:25

25 Then recruit a fighting force equivalent in size to the army that deserted earlier - horse for horse, chariot for chariot. And we'll fight them on the plain - we're sure to prove stronger than they are." It sounded good to the king; he did what they advised.

1 Kings 20:25 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 20:25

And number thee an army like the army that thou hast lost,
&c.] Raise an army of an equal number, which they supposed he was able to do:

horse for horse and chariot for chariot;
as many horses and chariots as he had before:

and we will fight against them in the plain;
where they could make use of their horses and chariots to greater advantage than on hills and mountains, see ( Judges 1:19 )

and surely we shall be stronger than they;
and beat them:

and he hearkened unto their voice, and did so;
took their counsel, and prepared an army, and placed captains in it instead of kings.

1 Kings 20:25 In-Context

23 Meanwhile the advisors to the king of Aram said, "Their god is a god of the mountains - we don't stand a chance against them there. So let's engage them on the plain where we'll have the advantage.
24 Here's the strategy: Remove each sheik from his place of leadership and replace him with a seasoned officer.
25 Then recruit a fighting force equivalent in size to the army that deserted earlier - horse for horse, chariot for chariot. And we'll fight them on the plain - we're sure to prove stronger than they are." It sounded good to the king; he did what they advised.
26 As the new year approached, Ben-Hadad rallied Aram and they went up to Aphek to make war on Israel.
27 The Israelite army prepared to fight and took the field to meet Aram. They moved into battle formation before Aram in two camps, like two flocks of goats. The plain was seething with Arameans.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.