1 Kings 20:1-9

Ben Hadad Invades Israel

20:1 Now King Ben Hadad of Syria assembled all his army, along with thirty-two other kings with their horses and chariots. He marched against Samaria ¹  and besieged and attacked it. ²  20:2 He sent messengers to King Ahab of Israel, who was in the city. ³  20:3 He said to him, “This is what Ben Hadad says, ‘Your silver and your gold are mine, as well as the best of your wives and sons.’” 20:4 The king of Israel replied, “It is just as you say, my master, O king. I and all I own belong to you.”

20:5 The messengers came again and said, “This is what Ben Hadad says, ‘I sent this message to you, “You must give me your silver, gold, wives, and sons.” 20:6 But now at this time tomorrow I will send my servants to you and they will search through your palace and your servants’ houses. They will carry away all your valuables.” ⁴  20:7 The king of Israel summoned all the leaders ⁵  of the land and said, “Notice how this man is looking for trouble. ⁶  Indeed, he demanded my wives, sons, silver, and gold, and I did not resist him.” 20:8 All the leaders and people said to him, “Do not give in or agree to his demands.” ⁷  20:9 So he said to the messengers of Ben Hadad, “Say this to my master, the king, ‘I will give you everything you demanded at first from your servant, but I am unable to agree to this latest demand.’” ⁸  So the messengers went back and gave their report.

[20:1]  ¹ map For location see Map2 B1; Map4 D3; Map5 E2; Map6 A4; Map7 C1.

[20:1]  ² tn Heb “and he went up and besieged Samaria and fought against it.”

[20:2]  ³ tn Heb “to the city.”

[20:6]  ⁴ tn Heb “all that is desirable to your eyes they will put in their hand and take.”

[20:7]  ⁵ tn Heb “elders.”

[20:7]  ⁶ tn Heb “Know and see that this [man] is seeking trouble.”

[20:8]  ⁷ tn Heb “Do not listen and do not be willing.”

[20:9]  ⁸ tn Heb “all which you sent to your servant in the beginning I will do, but this thing I am unable to do.”