Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Kings 20:27

27 And the children of Israel were numbred, and were all present , and went against them : and the children of Israel pitched before them , like two little flocks of kids : but the Syrians filled the country.

i. e. All the Forces of the Israelites were here gathered together, to oppose the Syrians: so if those had been Conquered, all had been lost.

Being perswaded, and encouraged so to do; partly, to prevent the Mischiefs of a Siege in Samaria, and the waste of all the rest of their Country: and partly, by the remembrance of their former Success, and an expectation of the same Assistance from God again.

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 [illegible: 1+ letters]rst not Assault them before the Seventh Day; ver. 29.

i. e. Few, and Weak, and Heartless; being also for conveniency of Fighting, and that they might seem to be more than they were, divided into Two Bodies.

Marginal references: Or, were Victualled.