Biblical Hebrew Forum

[George Athas <George.Athas AT moore.edu.au>]

Karl,

I think you’re confusing two very different periods here. There was no 
Samaria during the Tel Amarna age, and Ben Hadad (whichever one of them we 
are talking about) is much, much later.

In any case, the use of נער in this context suggests that the author sees 
these officials as ‘new’ or ‘in training’ or in some way ‘junior’. I’d argue 
that this is what makes the incident so remarkable: Ben Hadad was defeated by 
the minor officials or trainees, showing just how ‘wet behind the ears’ he 
himself was.

GEORGE ATHAS
Moore Theological College (Sydney, Australia)
www.moore.edu.au