1 Kings 20:24

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does 1 Kings 20:24 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And do this thing: take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their room;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And do this thing: take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their room;
1 Kings 20:24 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Kings 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
24And do this thing: take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their room;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And do this thing, etc.] Also take this further piece of advice: take the kings away, every man out of his place: for being brought up delicately, they were not inured to war, nor expert in the art of it; and being addicted to pleasure, gave themselves to that, and drew the king into it, which they observed was the case before, though they did not care to mention it; and if they were tributaries or allies, they would not fight as men do for their own country: and put captains in their rooms; of his own people, men of skill and courage, and who would fight both for their own honour, and for the good of their country.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The Syrian chiefs evidently thought that want of unity had weakened their army. They therefore proposed the deposition of the kings, and the substitution, in their place, of Syrian governors: not “captains.” The term used always denotes a civil office. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Take the kings away - Who being of softer education, and less experienced in military matters, were less fit for service; and being many of them but mercenaries, and therefore less concerned in his good success, would be more cautions in venturing themselves. Captains - That is, experienced soldiers of his own subjects, who would faithfully obey the commands of the general (to which the kings would not so readily yield) and use their utmost skill and valour for their own interest and advancement. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:27”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:24-25 Ben-hadad’s field commanders reasoned that with trained military leadership and superiority in manpower and equipment, they would easily defeat Israel on the plains in the next encounter.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Take the: Kg1 20:1, Kg1 20:16, Kg1 22:31; Pro 21:30 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:25”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification