מלכים א, פרק כ׳, פסוק כ״א

Once the king of Aram fled the battlefield, his camp was left in a state of confusion and despair, paving the way for a crushing Israelite victory [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. However, King Ahab's direct participation in the conflict was not immediate. At the start of the battle, he was filled with fear and chose to remain safely inside the city. It was only after the young officers and a portion of the army went out, successfully attacked the enemy, and forced the Arameans to flee, that Ahab realized their salvation had actually begun. With his fear finally gone, the king emerged with the rest of the troops who had stayed in the city to pursue the retreating enemy [רד״ק].

During the intense chase, the Israelites employed a specific military tactic. The commentators agree that targeting the enemy's animals and chariots was not the main goal, but rather a practical method to stop the retreat. As the Arameans desperately tried to escape using their horses and chariots, the Israelites deliberately struck the animals and overturned the vehicles. This calculated move was designed to throw the fleeing riders to the ground, allowing the Israelite soldiers to defeat them [רד״ק, רלב״ג].

Capitalizing on this crucial window of opportunity and the deep despair spreading through the enemy camp, Ahab and his men fought with great intensity. Their fierce pursuit ultimately dealt the Arameans a massive and devastating defeat [ביאור שטיינזלץ].