I Kings 20: Self Inflicted Wounds

YINR 929: Tanach Yomi · Nov 2, 2026 · 3m

The chapter begins with Achav actually standing up for his people. Ben Hadad demands a tribute of gold and silver and slaves and women and Achav rebuffs the request. Instead, he follows the words of a prophet and sends out a specialized troop to attack Ben Hadad. The group defeats Ben Hadad just as the prophet promises. But then the prophet warns Achav not to rejoice because Ben Hadad’s army will return. It is possible that the plan was for the army to return and defeat Achav, but Ben Hadad threw a wrench in that plan by claiming that his forces were defeated because God is ruler of the…