1 Kings 20:29
And they pitched one over against the other seven days. And so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day.
1 Kings 20:29 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Bible, specifically from the book of 1 Kings, describes a significant battle between the children of Israel and the Syrians. The verse states that the two opposing armies set up camp facing each other for seven days before finally engaging in battle on the seventh day. This period of waiting builds tension and anticipation for the eventual confrontation. When the battle begins, the children of Israel emerge victorious, slaying a total of one hundred thousand footmen from the Syrian army in just one day. This display of strength and power showcases the triumph of God's chosen people in the face of their enemies. The strategic planning and execution of the battle as well as the miraculous outcome demonstrate the divine providence and favor that the children of Israel had in their fight against the Syrians. This verse serves as a reminder of the faith and courage displayed by the Israelites and the miraculous intervention of God in their battles.
Theological Overview
One possible theological interpretation of the verse from 1 Kings 20:29 is that it demonstrates God's power and intervention on behalf of the children of Israel. The seven days during which the armies were facing each other could be seen as a period of waiting and possibly testing for the Israelites. When the battle finally began on the seventh day, the Israelites were victorious, slaying a significant number of Syrian footmen. This victory could be interpreted as a sign of God's favor and protection over the Israelites, as they were able to overcome their enemies with such a great triumph in one day.
One word study that may be relevant in this verse is the term "pitched." In this context, "pitched" refers to the positioning or placement of the armies facing each other for battle. The repetitive nature of pitching one against the other for seven days highlights the anticipation and tension leading up to the eventual battle. The word "joined" could also be significant, as it signifies the moment when the battle actually began. This sudden shift from waiting to action emphasizes the decisive nature of the conflict and the swift victory that followed for the children of Israel.
1 Kings 20:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they encamped one over against the other seven days. And so it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined; and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians a hundred thousand footmen in one day.
World English Bible
They encamped one over against the other seven days. So it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined; and the children of Israel killed one hundred thousand footmen of the Syrians in one day.
Douay-Rheims
And both sides set their armies in array one against the other seven days, and on the seventh day the battle was fought: and the children of Israel slew, of the Syrians, a hundred thousand footmen in one day.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And they pitched one ouer against the other seuen dayes, and in the seuenth day the battel was ioyned: and the children of Israel slew of the Aramites an hundreth thousand footemen in one day.