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So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-34.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/11_1Ki_20_34.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:34 - Ahab Spares Ben-hadad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Ben-hadad said to him, I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. By this treaty I release you, Ahab replied. 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So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And Benhadad said unto him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then said Ahab, I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> So Ben-Hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore; and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will send you away with this treaty.” So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore, and you can make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.” Ahab said, “And I will let you go with this covenant.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Ben-hadad said to him, &#8220The cities which my father took from your father I will restore, and you shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.&#8221 Ahab said, &#8220And I will let you go with this covenant.&#8221 So he made a covenant with him and let him go. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore, and you shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.” Ahab said, “And I will let you go with this covenant.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will return, and you shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.” Ahab said, “And I will let you go with this covenant.” So he cut a covenant with him and let him go. <a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Ben-hadad [tempting him] said to him, “I will restore the cities which my father took from your father; and you may set up bazaars (shops) of your own in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then, Ahab replied, “I will let you go with this covenant (treaty).” So he made a covenant with him and let him go. <a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Ben-hadad said to him, “I restore to you the cities that my father took from your father, and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, like my father set up in Samaria.” Ahab responded, “On the basis of this treaty, I release you.” So he made a treaty with him and released him. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Ben-hadad said to him, &#8220I restore to you the cities that my father took from your father, and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, like my father set up in Samaria.&#8221 Ahab responded, &#8220On the basis of this treaty, I release you.&#8221 So he made a treaty with him and released him. <a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Ben-hadad said unto him, The cities which my father took from thy father I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. And I, said Ahab, will let thee go with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and let him go. <a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Benhadad said, "I'll give back the towns my father took from your father. And you can have shops in Damascus, just as my father had in Samaria." Ahab replied, "If you do these things, I'll let you go free." Then they signed a peace treaty, and Ahab let Benhadad go. <a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Ben-hadad said unto him, The cities which my father took from thy father I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. And I, said Ahab, will let thee go with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and let him go. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Benhadad told him, "I will give back the towns my father took from your father. You may set up trading centers in Damascus as my father did in Samaria." Ahab said, "If you will put this into a treaty, I will let you go." So Ahab made a treaty with Benhadad and let him go. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Benhadad said to him, "I will restore to you the towns my father took from your father, and you may set up a commercial center for yourself in Damascus, just as my father did in Samaria." Ahab replied, "On these terms, then, I will set you free." He made a treaty with him and let him go. <a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Ben-hadad made this promise to Ahab: "I will restore the cities that my ancestors took from your ancestors. You'll be able to build streets named after yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria." "With this promise I will release you," Ahab replied. So Ahab made a treaty with Ben-hadad and let him go. <a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Ben-hadad said to him, ?I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.? ?By this treaty I release you,? Ahab replied. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. <a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Ben Hadad said, "I will return the cities my father took from your father. You may set up markets in Damascus, just as my father did in Samaria." Ahab then said, "I want to make a treaty with you before I dismiss you." So he made a treaty with him and then dismissed him. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Ben Hadad said to him, "The cities which my father took from your father I will restore. You shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria." "I," said Ahab, "will let you go with this covenant." So he made a covenant with him, and let him go. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Ben-hadad said to him, The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then said Ahab, I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away. <a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Ben Hadad said to him, “The cities which my father took from your father I will restore. You shall make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.” “I”, said Ahab, “will let you go with this covenant.” So he made a covenant with him and let him go. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he says to him, “The cities that my father took from your father, I give back, and you make streets for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria; and I, with a covenant, send you away”; and he makes a covenant with him, and sends him away. <a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he saith unto him, 'The cities that my father took from thy father, I give back, and streets thou dost make for thee in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria;' -- 'and I, with a covenant, send thee away;' and he maketh with him a covenant, and sendeth him away. <a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say to him, The cities which my father took from thy father, I will turn back; and thou shalt set streets for thee in Damascus, according as my father set in Shomeron. And I will send thee away with a covenant. And he will cut out to him a covenant and send him away.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And he said to him: The cities which my father took from thy father, I will restore: and do thou make thee streets in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria, and having made a league I will depart from thee. So he made a league with him, and let him go. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And he said to him: “The cities that my father took from your father, I will return. And you may make streets for yourself in Damascus, just as my father made in Samaria. And after we have made a pact, I will withdraw from you.” Therefore, he formed a pact with him, and he released him. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Ben-hadad said to him, “The cities my father took from your father I will restore, and you may set up bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Ahab replied, “For my part, I will set you free on those terms.” So he made a covenant with him and then set him free. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the towns that my father took from your father; and you may establish bazaars for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” The king of Israel responded, “I will let you go on those terms.” So he made a treaty with him and let him go.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Bar-hadad said to him, The cities which my father took from your father, I will restore; and I will make a market place for you in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then Ahab said, I will send you away with a covenant. So he made a covenant with him and sent him away. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to him: “The cities that my father took from your father I shall return to you, and I shall make a Forum for you in Darmsuq as my father did in Samaria, and I shall send you with a covenant.” And he covenanted a covenant with him, and he sent him.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And [Ben-hadad] said unto him: 'The cities which my father took from thy father I will restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.' 'And I, said Ahab, will let thee go with this covenant.' So he made a covenant with him, and let him go. <a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he said to him, The cities which my father took from thy father I will restore to thee; and thou shalt make streets for thyself in Damascus, as my father made streets in Samaria; and I will let thee go with a covenant. And he made a covenant with him, and let him go. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-34.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=8207" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Ahab Spares Ben-hadad</a> …33Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped at this word and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” “Go and get him!” said the king. Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. 34<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Ben-hadad said</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: ’ā·šîḇ (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">“I will restore</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: he·‘ā·rîm (Art:: N-fp) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the cities</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my father</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lā·qaḥ- (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">took</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: mê·’êṯ (Prep-m:: DirObjM) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">your father;</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: tā·śîm (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">you may set up</a> <a href="/hebrew/lə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- ">your own</a> <a href="/hebrew/2351.htm" title="2351: wə·ḥū·ṣō·wṯ (Conj-w:: N-mp) -- The outside, a street. Or chuts; from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by a wall, i.e. Outside, outdoors.">marketplaces</a> <a href="/hebrew/1834.htm" title="1834: ḇə·ḏam·me·śeq (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- A city in Aram (Syria). Or Duwmeseq; or Darmeseq; of foreign origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">in Damascus,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer- (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">as</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my father</a> <a href="/hebrew/7760.htm" title="7760: śām (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To put, place, set. Or siym; a primitive root; to put.">did</a> <a href="/hebrew/8111.htm" title="8111: bə·šō·mə·rō·wn (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Capital of N. kingdom of Isr. From the active participle of shamar; watch-station; Shomeron, a place in Palestine.">in Samaria.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bab·bə·rîṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">“By this treaty</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: ’ă·šal·lə·ḥe·kā (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs:: 2mse) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">release you,” Ahab replied.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: way·yiḵ·rāṯ- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">So he made</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: ḇə·rîṯ (N-fs) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">a treaty</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">with him</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·šal·lə·ḥê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">and sent him away.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_kings/10-32.htm">2 Kings 10:32-33</a> In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory / from the Jordan eastward through all the land of Gilead (the region of Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh), and from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan. <a href="/2_kings/13-25.htm">2 Kings 13:25</a> Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz took back from Ben-hadad son of Hazael the cities that Hazael had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Jehoash defeated Ben-hadad three times, and so recovered the cities of Israel. <a href="/2_kings/8-12.htm">2 Kings 8:12</a> “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.” <a href="/2_kings/14-25.htm">2 Kings 14:25</a> This Jeroboam restored the boundary of Israel from Lebo-hamath to the Sea of the Arabah, according to the word that the LORD, the God of Israel, had spoken through His servant Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher. <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">2 Kings 6:24</a> Some time later, Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army and marched up to besiege Samaria. <a href="/2_kings/7-6.htm">2 Kings 7:6-7</a> For the Lord had caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a great army, so that they said to one another, “Look, the king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and Egyptians to attack us.” / Thus the Arameans had arisen and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents and horses and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had run for their lives. <a href="/2_kings/9-14.htm">2 Kings 9:14-15</a> Thus Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram and all Israel had been defending Ramoth-gilead against Hazael king of Aram, / but King Joram had returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds he had suffered at the hands of the Arameans in the battle against Hazael their king.) So Jehu said, “If you commanders wish to make me king, then do not let anyone escape from the city to go and tell it in Jezreel.” <a href="/2_kings/13-3.htm">2 Kings 13:3</a> So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them continually into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-hadad. <a href="/2_kings/13-7.htm">2 Kings 13:7</a> Jehoahaz had no army left, except fifty horsemen, ten chariots, and ten thousand foot soldiers, because the king of Aram had destroyed them and made them like the dust at threshing. <a href="/2_kings/14-28.htm">2 Kings 14:28</a> As for the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, along with all his accomplishments and might, and how he waged war and recovered both Damascus and Hamath for Israel from Judah, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel? <a href="/2_kings/15-29.htm">2 Kings 15:29</a> In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria. <a href="/2_kings/16-9.htm">2 Kings 16:9</a> So the king of Assyria responded to him, marched up to Damascus, and captured it. He took its people to Kir as captives and put Rezin to death. <a href="/2_kings/17-5.htm">2 Kings 17:5-6</a> Then the king of Assyria invaded the whole land, marched up to Samaria, and besieged it for three years. / In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. <a href="/2_kings/18-9.htm">2 Kings 18:9-10</a> In the fourth year of Hezekiah’s reign, which was the seventh year of the reign of Hoshea son of Elah over Israel, Shalmaneser king of Assyria marched against Samaria and besieged it. / And at the end of three years, the Assyrians captured it. So Samaria was captured in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel. <a href="/2_kings/19-36.htm">2 Kings 19:36-37</a> So Sennacherib king of Assyria broke camp and withdrew. He returned to Nineveh and stayed there. / One day, while he was worshiping in the temple of his god Nisroch, his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer put him to the sword and escaped to the land of Ararat. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Ben-hadad said to him, The cities, which my father took from your father, I will restore; and you shall make streets for you in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. Then said Ahab, I will send you away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him, and sent him away.<a href="/1_kings/13-21.htm">1 Kings 13:21-24,26</a> And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee, … <a href="/1_samuel/15-22.htm">1 Samuel 15:22,23</a> And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-23.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-14.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-15.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-4.htm">Establish</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/2_samuel/16-3.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Samaria</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Sama'ria</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-43.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-1.htm">Terms</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/21-1.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/2_kings/23-10.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-39.htm">Cities</a> <a href="/2_kings/11-4.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/2_kings/5-12.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/2_kings/15-19.htm">Establish</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/1-30.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-6.htm">Restore</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-43.htm">Samaria</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-43.htm">Sama'ria</a> <a href="/psalms/18-42.htm">Streets</a> <a href="/job/34-33.htm">Terms</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 20</div>1. <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria</a> 13. <a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain</a> 22. <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek</a> 28. <a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again</a> 31. <a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant</a> 35. <a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, </a> 39. <a href="/1_kings/20-39.htm">making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_kings/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_kings/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities my father took from your father; This phrase refers to the historical context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria). Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, acknowledges the previous conquests by his father, likely Ben-hadad I, who had taken cities from Israel. This act of restoration signifies a political and military concession, indicating a shift in power dynamics. The cities in question were likely part of the northern territories of Israel, which were strategically important for trade and defense.you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, Allowing Israel to set up marketplaces in Damascus suggests a significant economic concession. Damascus was a major trade hub in the ancient Near East, and this agreement would have opened up economic opportunities for Israel. This reflects the importance of trade and commerce in ancient times and highlights the interconnectedness of the region's economies. It also indicates a level of cooperation and peace between the two nations, at least temporarily.as my father did in Samaria.” This phrase indicates a reciprocal arrangement that had previously existed, where Aram had similar privileges in Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. This historical reference suggests a precedent for such treaties and highlights the cyclical nature of political alliances and conflicts in the region. Samaria was a significant city, and such arrangements would have been beneficial for both parties involved.“By this treaty I release you,” Ahab replied. King Ahab's response indicates his acceptance of the terms and his willingness to enter into a treaty with Ben-hadad. This decision can be seen as a pragmatic political move, aimed at securing peace and stability for Israel. However, from a theological perspective, Ahab's actions might be viewed critically, as he fails to seek divine guidance or consider the prophetic word previously given by God's prophets. This reflects Ahab's often-compromised spiritual leadership.So he made a treaty with him and sent him away. The finalization of the treaty and Ben-hadad's release mark the conclusion of this episode. This act of diplomacy, while politically expedient, is later criticized by the prophet in the subsequent verses, as it demonstrates Ahab's failure to fully execute God's judgment against Aram. This decision foreshadows future conflicts and highlights the tension between political expediency and obedience to divine commands. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning political actions with God's will.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-hadad</a> The king of Aram (Syria) who was defeated by the Israelites. He seeks to make a treaty with King Ahab of Israel after his defeat. 2. <a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a> The king of Israel, known for his complex and often negative portrayal in the Bible. He makes a treaty with Ben-hadad, which is a significant political and spiritual decision. 3. <a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a> The capital of Aram, where Ahab is allowed to set up marketplaces as part of the treaty. This city is historically significant and often mentioned in the context of Israel's interactions with neighboring nations. 4. <a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a> The capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Ben-hadad's father had previously set up marketplaces. This reflects the historical conflicts and exchanges between Israel and Aram. 5. <a href="/topical/t/treaty/covenant.htm">Treaty/Covenant</a> The agreement made between Ahab and Ben-hadad, which involves the restoration of cities and economic privileges. This treaty is central to the account and has implications for Israel's faithfulness to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> Ahab's treaty with Ben-hadad represents a compromise that prioritizes political gain over spiritual obedience. Believers are called to discern and avoid compromises that lead away from God's will. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_human_responsibility.htm">God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility</a> Despite God's deliverance, Ahab fails to acknowledge God's sovereignty fully. Christians are reminded to recognize and respond to God's work in their lives with faithfulness. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_disobedience.htm">The Consequences of Disobedience</a> Ahab's actions have long-term consequences for Israel. This serves as a warning about the impact of disobedience and the importance of aligning decisions with God's commands. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership.htm">The Role of Leadership</a> Ahab's leadership choices affect the entire nation. This highlights the responsibility of leaders to seek God's guidance and prioritize His principles. <a href="/topical/e/economic_and_spiritual_priorities.htm">Economic and Spiritual Priorities</a> The focus on marketplaces in the treaty underscores the tension between economic interests and spiritual fidelity. Believers are encouraged to evaluate their priorities in light of God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20</a> <a href="/q/is_there_non-biblical_proof_of_israel's_win.htm">Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 1 Kings 20?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_ben-hadad_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ben-Hadad in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/is_1_kings_20_29_historically_supported.htm">Does the claim that 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers were struck down in one day align with any historical or archaeological data (1 Kings 20:29)?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_1_kings_20_and_other_texts_on_ahab_compare.htm">How do the details of King Ahab's military campaigns in 1 Kings 20 align or conflict with other biblical passages about his reign?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_kings/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(34) Make streets--properly, squares, or quarters of a city. This concession implies a virtual acknowledgment of supremacy; for the right to have certain quarters for residence, for trade, perhaps even for garrison, in the capital of a king, belongs only to one who has sovereignty over him. Hence it goes beyond the significance of the restoration of the cities--conquered, it would seem, from Omri, unless, indeed, taking "father" in the sense of predecessor, the reference is to the Syrian victories in the days of Baasha. (See <a href="/1_kings/15-20.htm" title="So Benhadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.">1Kings 15:20</a>.) The narrative seems to convey an idea that the covenant was made hastily, on insufficient security. The great point, however, was that a war, victoriously conducted under prophetic guidance, should not have been concluded without prophetic sanction.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 34. - And Ben-hadad said unto him The cities, which my father took from thy father, I will restore [We can hardly see in these words "the terms of peace which he is willing to offer as the price of his freedom" (Rawlinson), because he was absolutely at Ahab's mercy, and was not in a position to make any stipulations; but they express Ben-hadad's idea of the results which must follow the conquest. His utter defeat would necessitate this reconstruction of their respective territories, etc. We cannot be quite certain that the cities here referred to are those enumerated in <a href="/1_kings/15-20.htm">1 Kings 15:20</a>, as taken by Ben-hadad's armies from Baasha. For Baasha was not the father, nor even was he the "ancestor" (as Keil, later edition) of Ahab, but belonged to a different dynasty. At the same time it is quite conceivable that a prince in Ben-hadad's position, in his ignorance or forgetfulness of the history of Israel, might use the word "father" improperly, or even in the sense of "predecessor." We know that אָב had a very extended signification.] Keil and Bahr, however, think that we have a reference to some war in the reign of Omri (cf. <a href="/1_kings/16-27.htm">1 Kings 16:27</a>), which is not recorded in Scripture. And the words which follow make this extremely probable, inasmuch as in Baasha's days Samaria had no existence] ? and thou shalt make streets [חצות lit., whatever is without; hence streets, spaces, quarters] for thee in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. [The commentators are agreed that a permission to establish bazaars or quarters, in which the Hebrews might live and trade, is here conceded]. Then said Ahab [These words are rightly supplied by our translators. The meaning would have been quite clear had the Hebrews been familiar with the use of quotation marks. For lack of these, all the versions ascribe the words to Ben-hadad], I will send thee away with this covenant. So he made a covenant with him and sent him away. <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-34.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Ben-hadad said וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to him, אֵלָ֡יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to “I will restore אָשִׁ֗יב (’ā·šîḇ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again the cities הֶעָרִ֣ים (he·‘ā·rîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement my father אָבִי֩ (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father took לָֽקַח־ (lā·qaḥ-) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take from מֵאֵ֨ת (mê·’êṯ) Preposition-m | Direct object marker <a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> Untranslatable mark of the accusative case your father; אָבִ֜יךָ (’ā·ḇî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father you may set up תָּשִׂ֨ים (tā·śîm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set your own לְךָ֤ (lə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> marketplaces וְ֠חוּצוֹת (wə·ḥū·ṣō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2351.htm">Strong's 2351: </a> Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors in Damascus, בְדַמֶּ֙שֶׂק֙ (ḇə·ḏam·me·śeq) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1834.htm">Strong's 1834: </a> Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria) as כַּאֲשֶׁר־ (ka·’ă·šer-) Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that my father אָבִי֙ (’ā·ḇî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father [did] שָׂ֤ם (śām) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7760.htm">Strong's 7760: </a> Put -- to put, place, set in Samaria.” בְּשֹׁ֣מְר֔וֹן (bə·šō·mə·rō·wn) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8111.htm">Strong's 8111: </a> Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israel “By this covenant בַּבְּרִ֣ית (bab·bə·rîṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> A covenant I וַאֲנִ֖י (wa·’ă·nî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I release you,” [Ahab replied]. אֲשַׁלְּחֶ֑ךָּ (’ă·šal·lə·ḥe·kā) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out So he made וַיִּכְרָת־ (way·yiḵ·rāṯ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant a treaty בְרִ֖ית (ḇə·rîṯ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> A covenant with him ל֥וֹ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and sent him away. וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵֽהוּ׃ (way·šal·lə·ḥê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-34.htm">1 Kings 20:34 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-34.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:34 Ben Hadad said to him The cities (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:33"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:33" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:35"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:35" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>