1 Kings 20:12-21

The hand of God.

The notable answer of the king of Israel to the insolent king of Syria, "Let not him that girdeth on the harness boast himself as he that putteth it off," came to Ben-hadad when he was drinking wine with the thirty and two kings that followed him. He at once gave orders to his servants to set themselves in battle array. While the enormous host which "filled the country" (see 1 Kings 20:25 , 1 Kings 20:27 ) disposed itself to attack the city, the men of Israel, who were but a handful, naturally trembled for the issue, at this juncture God interposed in the manner related here, and thereby asserted the general truths, viz.—

I. THAT GOD RULES IN THE DESTINIES OF MEN .

1 . Here He showed His hand .

2 . By so showing His hand He evinced that He is ever working .

II. THAT HE RULES IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND MERCY .

1 . He humbles the proud is righteousness .

2 . He shows long - suffering in mercy .