1 Kings 20:12

12 And it happened when Ben-Hadad heard this message, as he and the kings were drinking at the command post, that he said to his servants, "Get ready." And they got ready to attack the city.

1 Kings 20:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 20:12

And it came to pass, when Benhadad heard this message (as he
was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions)
Though it was at noon, or before, ( 1 Kings 20:16 ) , which shows that he and they were addicted to intemperance:

that he said unto his servants;
some of the principal officers of his army:

set yourselves in array;
prepare for battle, betake yourselves to your arms, invest the city at once, and place the engines against it to batter it down:

and they set themselves in array against the city;
besieged it in form, at least prepared for it; for it seems after all that it was not properly done.

1 Kings 20:12 In-Context

10 Then Ben-Hadad sent to him and said, "The gods do so to me, and more also, if enough dust is left of Samaria for a handful for each of the people who follow me."

11 So the king of Israel answered and said, "Tell him, 'Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off.' "

12 And it happened when Ben-Hadad heard this message, as he and the kings were drinking at the command post, that he said to his servants, "Get ready." And they got ready to attack the city.

13 Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, "Thus says the Lord: 'Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the Lord.' "

14 So Ahab said, "By whom?" And he said, "Thus says the Lord: 'By the young leaders of the provinces.' " Then he said, "Who will set the battle in order?" And he answered, "You."