and each one struck down his opponent. So the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with the cavalry.
The treaty between the besiegers and the besieged being broken off abruptly, we have here an account of the battle that ensued immediately. I. The Syrians, the besiegers, had their directions from a drunken king, who gave orders over his cups, as he was drinking (Kg1 20:12), drinking himself drunk (Kg1 20:16) with the kings in the pavilions, and this at noon.
Commenting on 1 Kings 20:12-21
And they slew everyone his man,.... The Syrian army, or at least a body of men detached from them, met them, opposed them, and fought them, and they slew of them 7232 men; as many as they themselves were: and the Syrians fled; not expecting such a rebuff: and Israel pursued them; to make some further advantage of their victory: and Benhadad the king of...
And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen. (i) They who were appointed for the preservation of his person.