1 Kings Chapter 20 · Verse 19
So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them.
Original Language Analysis
יָֽצְא֣וּ
came out
H3318
יָֽצְא֣וּ
came out
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
2 of 10
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 10
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
H5892
הָעִ֔יר
of the city
Strong's:
H5892
Word #:
4 of 10
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
נַֽעֲרֵ֖י
So these young men
H5288
נַֽעֲרֵ֖י
So these young men
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
5 of 10
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
הַמְּדִינ֑וֹת
of the provinces
H4082
הַמְּדִינ֑וֹת
of the provinces
Strong's:
H4082
Word #:
7 of 10
properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region
וְהַחַ֖יִל
and the army
H2428
וְהַחַ֖יִל
and the army
Strong's:
H2428
Word #:
8 of 10
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
Historical Context
First Kings was written during or after the Babylonian exile (6th century BCE), reflecting on the monarchy period (10th-9th centuries BCE) to explain why the kingdoms fell. Elijah's ministry (c. 860-850 BCE) occurred during Ahab's reign, a time of intense spiritual crisis in Israel.
Ancient Near Eastern kingship ideology viewed kings as divine representatives responsible for maintaining cosmic order through right worship. Archaeological discoveries from sites like Megiddo, Hazor, and Samaria confirm the historical reliability of 1 Kings' descriptions of building projects and administrative structures.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this passage illustrate the importance of complete obedience to God's word without compromise?
- What does Elijah's ministry reveal about God's character and His commitment to His covenant people?
- How does this verse point toward or prepare for the coming of Christ and His eternal kingdom?
Analysis & Commentary
So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them.
This verse contributes to the broader narrative of ahab's wars with syria, within the book's focus on prophetic ministry of Elijah confronting Baalism.
The Hebrew text reveals nuances important for understanding this passage's contribution to 1 Kings' theological message about kingship, covenant, and faithfulness to Yahweh. This verse demonstrates the consequences when God's people—especially their leaders—either follow or forsake the covenant established at Sinai.