1 Kings 20:27

“And the children of Israel were numbered, and were all present, etc.] The same as before; the two hundred and thirty two young men of the princes of the provinces, and 7000 of the people, not one was missing: and went against them; out of Samaria, towards Aphek: and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids: being few and weak, the two hundred and thirty two young men in one body, and the 7000 in another: but the Syrians filled the country: with their men, their horses, and their chariots.”

“like two little flocks of kids--Goats are never seen in large flocks, or scattered, like sheep; and hence the two small but compact divisions of the Israelite force are compared to goats, not sheep. Humanly speaking, that little handful of men would have been overpowered by numbers. But a prophet was sent to the small Israelite army to announce the victory, in order to convince the Syrians that the God of Israel was omnipotent everywhere, in the valley as well as on the hills. And, accordingly, after the two armies had pitched opposite each other for seven days, they came to an open battle. One hundred thousand Syrians lay dead on the field, while the fugitives took refuge in Aphek, and…”

“Were all present - The marginal rendering is adopted by almost all critics. Like two little flocks of kids - The word translated “little flocks” does not occur elsewhere in Scripture. It seems to mean simply “flocks.” Compare the Septuagint, who render ὡσεί δύο ποίμνια αἰγῶν hōsei duo poimnia aigōn. return to 'Top of Page'”

“And went - Being encouraged by the remembrance of their former success, and an expectation of assistance from God again. And pitched - Probably upon some hilly ground, where they might secure themselves, and watch for advantage against their enemies; which may be the reason why the Syrians durst not assault them before the seventh day, Kg1 20:29. Little flocks - Few, and weak, being also for conveniency of fighting, and that they might seem to be more than they were, divided into two bodies. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:30”

“20:27-30 Despite the Arameans’ superior numbers, Israel won another outstanding victory by God’s help. All the parties learned that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37; see Matt 19:26; Mark 10:27) and that when God is on one’s side, the enemy will retreat (Ps 56:9) with staggering losses (Deut 32:30-31; 2 Kgs 19:32-36). Israel could face the foe fearlessly (Pss 3:6; 27:1-3). • God’s assurance to Israel through the man of God showed that this battle was not just for Israel’s well-being but for the Lord’s glory.”

“were all present: or, were victualled, Jos 1:11; Jdg 7:8 like two: Deu 32:30; Jdg 6:5; Sa1 13:5-8, Sa1 14:2; Ch2 32:7, Ch2 32:8; Ecc 9:11 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:28”

“The Israelites, mustered and provided for (כּלכּלוּ: supplied with ammunition and provisions), marched to meet them, and encamped before them "like two little separate flocks of goats" (i.e., severed from the great herd of cattle). They had probably encamped upon slopes of the mountains by the plain of Jezreel, where they looked like two miserable flocks of goats in contrast with the Syrians who filled the land. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:28”