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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm" title="1 Kings 20:1">◄</a> 1 Kings 20:2 <a href="/1_kings/20-3.htm" title="1 Kings 20:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_kings/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, saying, &#8220This is what Ben-Hadad says:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Ben-hadad sent messengers into the city to relay this message to King Ahab of Israel: “This is what Ben-hadad says:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Benhadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, and said to him, “Thus says Ben-Hadad:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers to the city to Ahab, king of Israel, and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers to the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, &#8220Thus says Ben-hadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he sent messengers to the city to Ahab king of Israel, and said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he sent messengers to the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers to the city to Ahab king of Israel; and he said to him, “Thus says Ben-hadad:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, &#8220This is what Ben-hadad says: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Benhadad sent a messenger to tell King Ahab of Israel, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel. They told Ahab, "This is what Benhadad says:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel to say, "King Benhadad demands that <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he sent envoys to visit King Ahab of Israel and told him, "This is what Ben-hadad says: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers to King Ahab of Israel, who was in the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, into the city, and said to him, "Thus says Ben Hadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said to him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel and said to him, “Ben Hadad says, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and sends messengers to Ahab king of Israel, to the city,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and sendeth messengers unto Ahab king of Israel, to the city,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he will send messengers to Ahab, king of Israel, to the city,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And, sending messengers to Achab king of Israel into the city, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And sending messengers into the city, to Ahab, the king of Israel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He sent messengers to Ahab, king of Israel, within the city,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then he sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel, and said to him: “Thus says Ben-hadad:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, and said to him, Thus says Bar-hadad,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he sent Messengers to Akhab, King of Israel.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, into the city,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he sent into the city to Achaab king of Israel, and said to him, Thus says the son of Ader,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xx9A0AxPaoQ?start=7779" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Ben-Hadad Attacks Samaria</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">Then he sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘î·rāh (Art:: N-fs:: 3fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">into the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/256.htm" title="256: ’aḥ·’āḇ (N-proper-ms) -- Once oechab; from 'ach and 'ab; brother of father; Achab, the name of a king of Israel and of a prophet at Babylon.">Ahab</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ- (N-msc) -- King. From malak; a king.">king</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel,</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>saying, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and gold are mine, and your best wives and children are mine!’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/18-17.htm">2 Kings 18:17-19</a></span><br />Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. / Then they called for the king. And Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebnah the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to them. / 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/19-9.htm">2 Kings 19:9-13</a></span><br />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? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/36-2.htm">Isaiah 36:2-4</a></span><br />And the king of Assyria sent the Rabshakeh, with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. And he stopped by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. / Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and Joah son of Asaph the recorder, went out to him. / 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/37-9.htm">Isaiah 37:9-13</a></span><br />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? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/10-1.htm">2 Samuel 10:1-5</a></span><br />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?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/32-9.htm">2 Chronicles 32:9-19</a></span><br />Later, as Sennacherib king of Assyria and all his forces besieged Lachish, he sent his servants to Jerusalem with a message for King Hezekiah of Judah and all the people of Judah who were in Jerusalem: / “This is what Sennacherib king of Assyria says: What is the basis of your confidence, that you remain in Jerusalem under siege? / Is not Hezekiah misleading you to give you over to death by famine and thirst when he says, ‘The LORD our God will deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/36-1.htm">Jeremiah 36:1-3</a></span><br />In the fourth year of Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the LORD: / “Take a scroll and write on it all the words I have spoken to you concerning Israel, Judah, and all the nations, from the day I first spoke to you during the reign of Josiah until today. / Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about all the calamity I plan to bring upon them, each of them will turn from his wicked way. Then I will forgive their iniquity and their sin.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/37-5.htm">Jeremiah 37:5-10</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-18.htm">Ezekiel 21:18-23</a></span><br />Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, / “Now you, son of man, mark out two roads for the sword of the king of Babylon to take, both starting from the same land. And make a signpost where the road branches off to each city. / Mark out one road for the sword to come against Rabbah of the Ammonites, and another against Judah into fortified Jerusalem. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-1.htm">Nehemiah 6:1-4</a></span><br />When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— / Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. / So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-2.htm">Matthew 11:2-6</a></span><br />Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples / to ask Him, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Matthew 14:3-5</a></span><br />Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, / because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” / Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-17.htm">Mark 6:17-20</a></span><br />For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. / For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” / So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-18.htm">Luke 7:18-23</a></span><br />Then John’s disciples informed him about all these things. / So John called two of his disciples and sent them to ask the Lord, “Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?” / When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are You the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-7.htm">Luke 9:7-9</a></span><br />When Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, he was perplexed. For some were saying that John had risen from the dead, / others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that a prophet of old had arisen. / “I beheaded John,” Herod said, “but who is this man I hear such things about?” And he kept trying to see Jesus.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said to him, Thus said Benhadad,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/19-9.htm">2 Kings 19:9</a></b></br> And when he heard say of Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against thee: he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, saying,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/36-2.htm">Isaiah 36:2</a></b></br> And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem unto king Hezekiah with a great army. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/37-9.htm">Isaiah 37:9,10</a></b></br> And he heard say concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, He is come forth to make war with thee. And when he heard <i>it</i>, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/19-1.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/amos/1-4.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-10.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-18.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/2_samuel/15-10.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/1_samuel/11-4.htm">Representatives</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-3.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">City</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-5.htm">Representatives</a><div class="vheading2">1 Kings 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek</a></span><br><span class="reftext">28. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-28.htm">By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again</a></span><br><span class="reftext">31. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-31.htm">The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">35. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-35.htm">The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">39. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_kings/20-39.htm">making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Then he sent messengers into the city</b><br>This phrase indicates a formal communication method in ancient times, where messengers were often used to convey important messages between leaders or nations. The sending of messengers signifies a diplomatic approach, which was common in the ancient Near East. This method allowed for negotiation and the delivery of terms without immediate conflict. The city referred to here is Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which was established by King Omri, Ahab's father. Samaria was strategically located and fortified, making it a significant political and military center.<p><b>to Ahab king of Israel</b><br>Ahab was the seventh king of Israel and reigned during a time of significant political and religious turmoil. His marriage to Jezebel, a Phoenician princess, led to the introduction and promotion of Baal worship in Israel, which was in direct opposition to the worship of Yahweh. Ahab's reign is marked by his conflicts with the prophets of Yahweh, particularly Elijah, and his alliances with surrounding nations. The mention of Ahab as king of Israel highlights the divided monarchy period, where Israel and Judah were separate kingdoms. Ahab's rule is often characterized by his attempts to strengthen Israel politically and militarily, but his religious apostasy brought divine judgment upon his house. This context sets the stage for the ensuing conflict with Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, who is sending the messengers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-hadad</a></b><br>The king of Aram (Syria) who is a central figure in this chapter. He is known for his aggressive military campaigns against Israel.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a></b><br>The king of Israel at the time, known for his idolatry and being influenced by his wife Jezebel. His reign is marked by conflict with prophets and foreign powers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/messengers.htm">Messengers</a></b><br>Individuals sent by Ben-hadad to deliver his demands to Ahab. They play a crucial role in the communication between the two kings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, where Ahab's palace is located. It is the focal point of Ben-hadad's military ambitions.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/aram.htm">Aram (Syria)</a></b><br>The kingdom ruled by Ben-hadad, often in conflict with Israel during this period.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a></b><br>Ben-hadad's demands reflect arrogance and overconfidence. Pride often leads to downfall, as seen throughout Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_conflict.htm">God's Sovereignty in Conflict</a></b><br>Despite the threats from Ben-hadad, God remains in control. Believers can trust in God's sovereignty even in times of conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_communication.htm">The Role of Communication</a></b><br>The use of messengers highlights the importance of clear and truthful communication, especially in leadership and conflict resolution.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_idolatry.htm">The Consequences of Idolatry</a></b><br>Ahab's spiritual state affects his political decisions. Idolatry can lead to compromised leadership and vulnerability.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_threats_with_wisdom.htm">Responding to Threats with Wisdom</a></b><br>Ahab's response to Ben-hadad's demands can teach us about seeking wise counsel and relying on God when facing threats.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_the_discrepancy_on_jehoshaphat's_actions.htm">In 1 Kings 22:43, why does the text imply Jehoshaphat removed high places when 2 Chronicles 20:33 suggests otherwise?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/2_kings_7_1__famine_to_feast_in_24_hours.htm">2 Kings 7:1 -- How can a city under severe famine suddenly have an abundance of food within 24 hours?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_2_chr_8_2_and_1_kgs_9_11-13_align.htm">In 2 Chronicles 8:2, Solomon rebuilds cities given by Hiram, yet 1 Kings 9:11-13 implies those cities were unacceptable to him; how can both accounts be accurate?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into</span> [Heb. <span class="accented">to</span>. It is not clear that they entered the city. They may have delivered their message to the king, or to his representatives at the gates or to the people on the walls (<a href="/2_kings/18-18.htm">2 Kings 18:18, 27</a>)] <span class="cmt_word">the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad,</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then he sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּשְׁלַ֧ח</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiš·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">messengers</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאָכִ֛ים</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’ā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into the city</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעִֽירָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘î·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Ahab</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחְאָ֥ב</span> <span class="translit">(’aḥ·’āḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_256.htm">Strong's 256: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahab -- 'father's brother', a king of Israel, also a false prophet</span><br /><br /><span class="word">king</span><br /><span class="heb">מֶֽלֶךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(me·leḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-2.htm">1 Kings 20:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/20-2.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:2 He sent messengers to Ahab king (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:3" /></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>