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And the messengers departed, and brought him word again. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore he said to the messengers of Ben-Hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’ ” And the messengers departed and brought back word to him. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘Everything that you sent as a demand to your servant at the first, I will do; but this thing I cannot do.’” Then the messengers departed, and brought him word again. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, &#8220Tell my lord the king, &#8216All that you sent for to your servant at the first I will do, but this thing I cannot do.&#8217&#8221 And the messengers departed and brought him word again. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant at the first I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” And the messengers departed and brought him word again. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Say to my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant at the first I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” And the messengers departed and brought him word again. <a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So he said to Ben-hadad’s messengers, “Tell my lord the king, ‘Every demand you first sent to your servant I will do, but I cannot do this [additional] thing [as a condition of peace].’” And the messengers left; then they brought him word again. <a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So he said to Ben-hadad’s messengers, “Say to my lord the king, ‘Everything you demanded of your servant the first time, I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’ ” So the messengers left and took word back to him. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So he said to Ben-hadad&#8217s messengers, &#8220Say to my lord the king, &#8216Everything you demanded of your servant the first time, I will do, but this thing I cannot do.&#8217&#8221 So the messengers left and took word back to him. <a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> Wherefore he said unto the messengers of Ben-hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first I will do; but this thing I may not do. And the messengers departed, and brought him word again. <a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> So Ahab sent someone to tell Benhadad, "Your Majesty, I'll give you my silver and gold, and even my wives and children. But I won't let you have anything else." When Benhadad got his answer, <a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> Wherefore he said unto the messengers of Ben-hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first I will do: but this thing I may not do. And the messengers departed, and brought him word again. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Ahab told Benhadad's messengers, "Tell His Majesty, 'I did everything your messengers told me the first time, but I can't do this.' " The messengers left to take back his answer. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> So Ahab replied to Benhadad's messengers, "Tell my lord the king that I agreed to his first demand, but I cannot agree to the second." The messengers left and then returned with another message <a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> So he told Ben-hadad's envoys, "Tell his majesty the king, 'Everything that you asked for the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.'" So the envoys left to deliver Ahab's response. They returned a little while later. <a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So Ahab answered the messengers of Ben-hadad, ?Tell my lord the king, ?All that you demanded of your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.?? So the messengers departed and relayed the message to Ben-hadad. <a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> 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.'" So the messengers went back and gave their report. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore he said to the messengers of Ben Hadad, "Tell my lord the king, 'All that you sent for to your servant at the first I will do; but this thing I cannot do.'" The messengers departed, and brought him back the message. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Wherefore he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first, I will do: but this thing I may not do. And the messengers departed, and brought him word again. <a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore he said to the messengers of Ben Hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant at the first I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” The messengers departed and brought him back the message. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And he says to the messengers of Ben-Hadad, “Say to my lord the king, All that you sent to your servant for at the first I do, and this thing I am not able to do”; and the messengers go and take him back word. <a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And he saith to the messengers of Ben-Hadad, 'Say to my lord the king, All that thou didst send for unto thy servant at the first I do, and this thing I am not able to do;' and the messengers go and take him back word. <a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And he will say to the messengers of Ben-hadad, Say to my lord the king, All which thou sentest to thy servant at first, I will do: and this word I shall not be able to do. And the messengers will go and turn back word.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Wherefore he answered the messengers of Benadad: Tell my lord the king: All that thou didst send for to me thy servant at first, I will do: but this thing I cannot do. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And so, he responded to the messengers of Benhadad: “Tell my lord the king: Everything about which you sent to me in the beginning, I your servant will do. But this thing, I am not able to do.” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Accordingly he directed the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Say this: ‘To my lord the king: I will do all that you demanded of your servant the first time. But this I cannot do.’ ” The messengers left and reported this. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king: All that you first demanded of your servant I will do; but this thing I cannot do.” The messengers left and brought him word again.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Wherefore he said to the messengers of Bar-hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that you did send for to your servant at the first I will do; but this thing I cannot do. And the messengers departed and brought him word again. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And he said to the Messengers of BarHadad: “Say to my Lord the King, ‘Everything which you sent to your servant at the first I shall do, but this matter I cannot do.’ And the Messengers went and they returned the answer.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Wherefore he said unto the messengers of Ben-hadad: 'Tell my lord the king: All that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first I will do; but this thing I may not do.' And the messengers departed, and brought him back word. <a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And he said to the messengers of the son of Ader, Say to your master, All things that thou hast sent to thy servant about at first I will do; but this thing I shall not be able to do. And the men departed, and carried back the answer to him. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-9.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=7854" 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">Ben-Hadad Attacks Samaria</a> …8And the elders and the people all said, “Do not listen to him or consent to his terms.” 9<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">So Ahab answered</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: lə·mal·’ă·ḵê (Prep-l:: N-mpc) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">the messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/1130.htm" title="1130: ḇen- (Prep) -- From ben and Hadad; son of Hadad; Ben-Hadad, the name of several Syrian kings."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1130.htm" title="1130: hă·ḏaḏ (N-proper-ms) -- From ben and Hadad; son of Hadad; Ben-Hadad, the name of several Syrian kings.">of Ben-hadad,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’im·rū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">“Tell</a> <a href="/hebrew/113.htm" title="113: la·ḏō·nî (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 1cs) -- Lord. Or adon; from an unused root; sovereign, i.e. Controller.">my lord</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kōl (N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">‘All</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.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šā·laḥ·tā (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">you demanded</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">of</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·də·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">your servant</a> <a href="/hebrew/7223.htm" title="7223: ḇā·ri·šō·nāh (Prep-b, Art:: Adj-fs) -- Former, first, chief. Or riishon; from ri'shah; first, in place, time or rank.">the first time</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ’e·‘ĕ·śeh (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">I will do,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">but this</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: wə·had·dā·ḇār (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">thing</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">I cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ’ū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: la·‘ă·śō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">do.’”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: ham·mal·’ā·ḵîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">So the messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: way·yê·lə·ḵū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">departed</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: dā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">and relayed the message to Ben-hadad.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·ši·ḇu·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again."></a> 10Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.”…<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/18-14.htm">2 Kings 18:14-16</a> So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. / Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. / At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria. <a href="/2_chronicles/18-12.htm">2 Chronicles 18:12-13</a> Then the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah instructed him, “Behold, with one accord the words of the prophets are favorable to the king. So please let your words be like theirs, and speak favorably.” / But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.” <a href="/2_samuel/10-1.htm">2 Samuel 10:1-5</a> Some time later, the king of the Ammonites died and was succeeded by his son Hanun. / And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, just as his father showed kindness to me.” So David sent some of his servants to console Hanun concerning his father. But when they arrived in the land of the Ammonites, / the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun their lord, “Just because David has sent you comforters, do you really believe he is showing respect for your father? Has not David instead sent his servants to explore the city, spy it out, and overthrow it?” ... <a href="/2_kings/3-7.htm">2 Kings 3:7</a> And he sent a message to Jehoshaphat king of Judah: “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to fight against Moab?” “I will go,” replied Jehoshaphat. “I am as you are, my people are your people, and my horses are your horses.” <a href="/2_kings/6-8.htm">2 Kings 6:8-23</a> Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. ... <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/19-9.htm">2 Kings 19:9-13</a> Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “Look, he has set out to fight against you.” So Sennacherib again sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? ... <a href="/2_chronicles/32-7.htm">2 Chronicles 32:7-8</a> “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah. <a href="/isaiah/36-4.htm">Isaiah 36:4-5</a> The Rabshakeh said to them, “Tell Hezekiah that this is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says: What is the basis of this confidence of yours? / You claim to have a strategy and strength for war, but these are empty words. In whom are you now trusting, that you have rebelled against me? <a href="/isaiah/37-9.htm">Isaiah 37:9-13</a> Now Sennacherib had been warned about Tirhakah king of Cush: “He has set out to fight against you.” On hearing this, Sennacherib sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, / “Give this message to Hezekiah king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God, in whom you trust, deceive you by saying that Jerusalem will not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. / Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the other countries, devoting them to destruction. Will you then be spared? ... <a href="/jeremiah/37-5.htm">Jeremiah 37:5-10</a> Pharaoh’s army had left Egypt, and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard the report, they withdrew from Jerusalem. / Then the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet: / “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says that you are to tell the king of Judah, who sent you to Me: Behold, Pharaoh’s army, which has marched out to help you, will go back to its own land of Egypt. ... <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a> Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/matthew/12-19.htm">Matthew 12:19</a> He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear His voice in the streets. <a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</a> Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why he said to the messengers of Benhadad, Tell my lord the king, All that you did send for to your servant at the first I will do: but this thing I may not do. And the messengers departed, and brought him word again.Let not him, etc.<a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6,12,13</a> And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few… <a href="/1_samuel/17-44.htm">1 Samuel 17:44-47</a> And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field… <a href="/proverbs/27-1.htm">Proverbs 27:1</a> Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.<a href="/exodus/13-18.htm">Exodus 13:18</a> But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-15.htm">Ben-Hadad's</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-7.htm">Demanded</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-19.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-25.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-19.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Representatives</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-3.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-16.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-4.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-15.htm">Ben-Hadad's</a> <a href="/2_kings/12-15.htm">Demand</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-11.htm">Demanded</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-36.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-27.htm">Meet</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-2.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-8.htm">Representatives</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-11.htm">Time</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-34.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Word</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>So Ahab answered the messengers of Ben-hadad, Ahab, the king of Israel, is responding to the demands of Ben-hadad, the king of Aram. This interaction highlights the political tension between Israel and Aram during this period. Ahab's response is significant as it reflects the pressure he faces from a powerful adversary. Historically, the Arameans were a formidable force, often clashing with Israel. Ahab's reign is marked by such conflicts, and his dealings with Ben-hadad are a testament to the ongoing struggle for power and dominance in the region.“Tell my lord the king, Ahab's use of the term "my lord the king" indicates a level of respect or submission, which may be strategic. This phrase suggests Ahab's attempt to maintain a diplomatic tone, possibly to avoid immediate conflict. In the ancient Near Eastern context, addressing a foreign king with such deference was common, especially when one was in a weaker position or seeking to negotiate terms.‘All that you demanded of your servant the first time I will do, Ahab acknowledges the initial demands made by Ben-hadad, which he had agreed to fulfill. This concession might have included tribute or other forms of submission, reflecting the vassal-suzerain relationships common in the ancient world. The phrase "your servant" underscores Ahab's position of subordination in this negotiation, a tactic often used to placate a more powerful ruler.but this thing I cannot do.’” Ahab draws a line at the second set of demands, which were likely more severe or humiliating. This refusal marks a turning point, indicating Ahab's limits in terms of what he is willing to concede. The phrase suggests a moment of resistance, which could be seen as a stand for national sovereignty or personal pride. This decision sets the stage for the ensuing conflict, as Ahab's refusal would provoke Ben-hadad.So the messengers departed and relayed the message to Ben-hadad. The messengers act as intermediaries, a common practice in ancient diplomacy. Their role is crucial in maintaining communication between the two kings. The departure of the messengers signifies the end of this particular negotiation phase and the beginning of potential hostilities. This moment is pivotal, as it leads to the subsequent military actions described in the chapter. The narrative underscores the importance of communication and the consequences of diplomatic decisions in the biblical historical context.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a> The King of Israel during this time, known for his complex character and often criticized for his lack of faithfulness to God. In this verse, he is responding to a demand from Ben-hadad. 2. <a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-hadad</a> The King of Aram (Syria), who is making aggressive demands of Ahab, seeking to exert control over Israel. 3. <a href="/topical/m/messengers.htm">Messengers</a> Representatives sent by Ben-hadad to deliver his demands to Ahab, and later to return with Ahab's response. 4. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The Northern Kingdom, over which Ahab ruled. This event is part of the larger account of Israel's struggles with surrounding nations. 5. <a href="/topical/a/aram.htm">Aram (Syria)</a> A neighboring kingdom often in conflict with Israel, led by Ben-hadad during this period.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_leadership.htm">Courage in Leadership</a> Ahab's refusal to comply with Ben-hadad's second demand demonstrates a moment of courage. Leaders today can learn the importance of standing firm in their convictions, even under pressure. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_decision-making.htm">Discernment in Decision-Making</a> Ahab's initial willingness to comply with the first demand but refusal of the second shows the need for discernment. Believers should seek God's wisdom in making decisions, especially when faced with difficult choices. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith.htm">The Role of Faith</a> While Ahab's faith is often questioned, this passage highlights the importance of relying on God rather than succumbing to fear. Trusting in God's sovereignty can empower believers to resist unjust demands. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Ahab's response to Ben-hadad's messengers underscores the significance of our words. As Christians, we should be mindful of how we communicate, ensuring our words reflect our values and beliefs. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_conflict.htm">God's Sovereignty in Conflict</a> This account reminds us that God is in control, even in times of conflict. Believers can find peace in knowing that God oversees the affairs of nations and individuals alike.<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/could_232_officers_defeat_a_large_army.htm">How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)?</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/why_does_god_need_angels.htm">If God is all-powerful, why does He need angels to do His work?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - Wherefore [Heb. and] he said unto the mcaeengers of Ben-hadad, Tell my lord the king [He still employs the same obsequious language as in ver. 4], All that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first I will do: but this thing I may [Heb. can] not do [At first sight it appears as if Ahab objected to the search (ver. 6), i.e., plunder, of his house and capital much more than to the surrender of his wives to shame and of his children to slavery. But we must remember that a man is ready to promise almost anything in his extremity, and that we do not know what construction he put, or would have claimed to put, upon Ben-hadad's first demand, had that monarch consented to revert to these conditions, or by what means he hoped to evade it]. And the messengers departed, and brought him [Ben-hadad, not Ahab, as Rawlinson imagines] word again. [Not the "word related in the next verse" (Rawlinson), but the message just recorded.] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>So [Ahab] answered וַיֹּ֜אמֶר (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 the messengers לְמַלְאֲכֵ֣י (lə·mal·’ă·ḵê) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> A messenger, of God, an angel of Ben-hadad, הֲדַ֗ד (hă·ḏaḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1130.htm">Strong's 1130: </a> Ben-hadad -- 'son of Hadad', the name of several Aramean (Syrian) kings “Tell אִמְר֞וּ (’im·rū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say my lord לַֽאדֹנִ֤י (la·ḏō·nî) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_113.htm">Strong's 113: </a> Sovereign, controller the king, הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king ‘All כֹּל֩ (kōl) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every that אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you demanded שָׁלַ֨חְתָּ (šā·laḥ·tā) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out of אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to your servant עַבְדְּךָ֤ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant the first time בָרִֽאשֹׁנָה֙ (ḇā·ri·šō·nāh) Preposition-b, Article | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7223.htm">Strong's 7223: </a> First, in place, time, rank I will do, אֶעֱשֶׂ֔ה (’e·‘ĕ·śeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make but this הַזֶּ֔ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> This, that thing וְהַדָּבָ֣ר (wə·had·dā·ḇār) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause I cannot לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no do.’” לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make So the messengers הַמַּלְאָכִ֔ים (ham·mal·’ā·ḵîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> A messenger, of God, an angel departed וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙ (way·yê·lə·ḵū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk and relayed the message to [Ben-hadad]. דָּבָֽר׃ (dā·ḇār) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-9.htm">1 Kings 20:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:9 Therefore he said to the messengers (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:10" /></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>