1 Kings 20:14

the young men of the princes of the provinces The LXX. gives υἱοὶ τῶν ἡγεμόνων, -sons of the leaders", and Josephus nearly the same. -The princes of the provinces" were probably chieftains who had come from various parts of the kingdom of Israel. The -young men" would be their attendants or squires. Evidently they are selected as persons who had no great experience though they might have the courage to go, few in number, against a much superior force.

Who shall order the battle The verb, as is seen from the margin of A.V., means -to bind" or -tie". The R.V. taking this to apply to the bringing of the armies together has rendered begin. Instead of remaining within the walls, God encourages Ahab to be the first to strike a blow. Humanly speaking, even, such a step was likely to meet with some success. Josephus says Ahab was to lead because of the inexperience of the young men.