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Then Ben-hadad came out, and Ahab had him come up into his chariot.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-33.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/11_1Ki_20_33.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:33 - Ahab Spares Ben-hadad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now 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. 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When Ben-Hadad came out, Ahab had him come up into his chariot. <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> The men took this as a good sign and quickly picked up on his words. “Yes,” they said, “your brother Ben-hadad!” “Go and get him,” the king of Israel told them. And when Ben-hadad arrived, Ahab invited him up into his chariot. <a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now the men were watching for a sign, and they quickly took it up from him and said, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go and bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he caused him to come up into the chariot. <a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now 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. <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a> Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Now the men were watching closely to see whether any sign of mercy would come from him; and they quickly grasped at this word and said, “Your brother Ben-Hadad.” So he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-Hadad came out to him; and he had him come up into the chariot. <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now the men took this as a good omen, and quickly accepting it from him, they said, “Your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he had him mount the chariot. <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now the men took this as an omen, and quickly catching his word said, &#8220Your brother Ben-hadad.&#8221 Then he said, &#8220Go, bring him.&#8221 Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he took him up into the chariot. <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now the men took this as an omen, and quickly catching his word said, “Your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he took him up into the chariot. <a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the men interpreted this as an omen, and hastily catching his word said, “Your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he took him up into the chariot. <a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now the men took it as a good omen, and quickly understanding his meaning said, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad lives.” Then the king said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and Ahab had him come up into the chariot. <a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, so they quickly picked up on this and responded, “Yes, it is your brother Ben-hadad.” Then he said, “Go and bring him.” So Ben-hadad came out to him, and Ahab had him come up into the chariot. <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, so they quickly picked up on this and responded, &#8220Yes, it is your brother Ben-hadad.&#8221 Then he said, &#8220Go and bring him.&#8221 So Ben-hadad came out to him, and Ahab had him come up into the chariot. <a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now the men observed diligently, and hasted to catch whether it were his mind; and they said, Thy brother Ben-hadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Ben-hadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot. <a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Benhadad's officials were trying to figure out what Ahab was thinking, and when he said "brother," they quickly replied, "You're right! You and Benhadad are like brothers." "Go get him," Ahab said. When Benhadad came out, Ahab had him climb up into his chariot. <a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now the men observed diligently, and hasted to catch whether it were his mind; and they said, Thy brother Ben-hadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Ben-hadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The men, watching for a good sign, were quick to take him at his word. "Benhadad is your brother," they said. Ahab said, "Bring him here." When Benhadad arrived, Ahab had him come up on the chariot with him. <a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> Benhadad's officials were watching for a good sign, and when Ahab said "brother," they took it up at once, and said, "As you say, Benhadad is your brother!" "Bring him to me," Ahab ordered. When Benhadad arrived, Ahab invited him to get in the chariot with him. <a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Ben-hadad's advisors, quickly analyzing the signs in what Ahab was saying, responded, "Yes, your brother Ben-hadad." "Go get him," Ahab responded. So Ben-hadad came out to him, and Ahab took him up into his personal chariot. <a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now 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. <a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> The men took this as a good omen and quickly accepted his offer, saying, "Ben Hadad is your brother." Ahab then said, "Go, get him." So Ben Hadad came out to him, and Ahab pulled him up into his chariot. <a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now the men were looking for an omen, and they seized upon it from him, and they said, "Ben Hadad is your brother." Then he said, "Go, bring him." Then Ben Hadad came out to him, and he had him come up into the chariot. <a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now the men diligently observed whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Thy brother Ben-hadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. Then Ben-hadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot. <a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Now the men observed diligently and hurried to take this phrase; and they said, “Your brother Ben Hadad.” Then he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben Hadad came out to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the men observe diligently, and hurry, and catch [the word] from him, and say, “Your brother Ben-Hadad”; and he says, “Go in, bring him”; and Ben-Hadad comes out to him, and he causes him to come up on the chariot. <a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the men observe diligently, and hasten, and catch it from him, and say, 'Thy brother Ben-Hadad;' and he saith, 'Go ye in, bring him;' and Ben-Hadad cometh out unto him, and he causeth him to come up on the chariot. <a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the men will prognosticate, and hasten, and urge whether it was from him, and they will say, Thy brother Benhadad. And he will say, Go take him. And Benhadad will come forth to him, and he will bring him up upon his chariot.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> The men took this for a sign: and in haste caught the word out of his mouth, and said: Thy brother Benadad. And he said to them: Go, and bring him to me. Then Benadad came out to him, and he lifted him up into his chariot. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> The men accepted this as a good sign. And hastily, they took up the word from his mouth, and they said, “Benhadad is your brother.” And he said to them, “Go, and bring him to me.” Therefore, Benhadad went out to him, and he lifted him onto his chariot. <a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Hearing this as a good omen, the men quickly took him at his word and said, “Ben-hadad is your brother.” He answered, “Go and get him.” When Ben-hadad came out to him, the king had him mount his chariot. <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now the men were watching for an omen; they quickly took it up from him and said, “Yes, Ben-hadad is your brother.” Then he said, “Go and bring him.” So Ben-hadad came out to him; and he had him come up into the chariot.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now Bar-hadad was a soothsayer, and the men surmised and quickly caught his meaning, and they said, Behold your brother, Bar-hadad. Then he said, Go, bring him. Then Bar-hadad came forth to him; and Ahab caused him to sit with him in the chariot. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the man BarHadad was a soothsayer, and the men were practicing divination, and they hurried and they delivered him from him, and they said: “Your brother, BarHadad!” And he said: “Go, bring him!” And BarHadad went out to him, and he set him with himself in the chariot.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now the men took it for a sign, and hastened to catch it from him; and they said: 'Thy brother Ben-hadad.' Then he said: 'Go ye, bring him.' Then Ben-hadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into his chariot. <a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the men divined, and offered drink-offerings; and they caught the word out of his mouth, and said, Thy brother the son of Ader. And he said, Go ye in and fetch him. And the son of Ader went out to him, and they cause him to go up to him into the chariot. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-33.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=8188" 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> …32So with sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘Please spare my life.’ ” And the king answered, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” 33<a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">Now the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/5172.htm" title="5172: yə·na·ḥă·šū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to hiss, i.e. Whisper a spell; generally, to prognosticate.">were looking for a sign of hope,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4116.htm" title="4116: way·ma·hă·rū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To hasten. A primitive root; properly, to be liquid or flow easily, i.e. to hurry; often used adverbially, promptly.">and they quickly</a> <a href="/hebrew/2480.htm" title="2480: way·yaḥ·lə·ṭū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To catch. A primitive root; to snatch at.">grasped at this word</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: hă·mim·men·nū (Prep:: 3ms) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses."></a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and replied,</a> <a href="/hebrew/251.htm" title="251: ’ā·ḥî·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A brother. A primitive word; a brother (like 'ab).">“Yes, your brother</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.">Ben-hadad.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: bō·’ū (V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">“Go</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: qā·ḥu·hū (V-Qal-Imp-mp:: 3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">and get him!”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said the king.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1130.htm" title="1130: ben- (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.">Then Ben-hadad</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">came out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: way·ya·‘ă·lê·hū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms:: 3ms) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">and Ahab had him come up</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/4818.htm" title="4818: ham·mer·kā·ḇāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A chariot. Feminine of merkab; a chariot.">his chariot.</a> 34Ben-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.…<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/10-15.htm">2 Kings 10:15</a> When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, “Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?” “It is!” Jehonadab replied. “If it is,” said Jehu, “give me your hand.” So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into his chariot, <a href="/2_samuel/14-19.htm">2 Samuel 14:19-20</a> So the king asked, “Is the hand of Joab behind all this?” The woman answered, “As surely as you live, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king says. Yes, your servant Joab is the one who gave me orders; he told your maidservant exactly what to say. / Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.” <a href="/1_samuel/15-30.htm">1 Samuel 15:30</a> “I have sinned,” Saul replied. “Please honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel. Come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.” <a href="/2_kings/5-15.htm">2 Kings 5:15-19</a> Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God, stood before him, and declared, “Now I know for sure that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” / But Elisha replied, “As surely as the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will not accept it.” And although Naaman urged him to accept it, he refused. / “If you will not,” said Naaman, “please let me, your servant, be given as much soil as a pair of mules can carry. For your servant will never again make a burnt offering or a sacrifice to any other god but the LORD. ... <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="/proverbs/25-15.htm">Proverbs 25:15</a> Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone. <a href="/genesis/33-10.htm">Genesis 33:10</a> But Jacob insisted, “No, please! If I have found favor in your sight, then receive this gift from my hand. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing the face of God, since you have received me favorably. <a href="/2_samuel/19-22.htm">2 Samuel 19:22-23</a> And David replied, “Sons of Zeruiah, what have I to do with you, that you should be my adversaries today? Should any man be put to death in Israel today? Am I not indeed aware that today I am king over Israel?” / So the king said to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore an oath to him. <a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21-23</a> And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” / “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” / So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again. <a href="/2_chronicles/18-29.htm">2 Chronicles 18:29-31</a> And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and go into battle, but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and went into battle. / Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” / When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/luke/6-27.htm">Luke 6:27-28</a> But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, / bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. <a href="/romans/12-20.htm">Romans 12:20-21</a> On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. <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="/luke/16-8.htm">Luke 16:8</a> The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the sons of this age are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the sons of light.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now the men did diligently observe whether any thing would come from him, and did hastily catch it: and they said, Your brother Benhadad. Then he said, Go you, bring him. Then Benhadad came forth to him; and he caused him to come up into the chariot.of the sons<a href="/1_kings/20-38.htm">1 Kings 20:38</a> So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the way, and disguised himself with ashes upon his face.<a href="/1_samuel/10-12.htm">1 Samuel 10:12</a> And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?<a href="/2_kings/2-3.htm">2 Kings 2:3,5,7,15</a> And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace… in the word<a href="/1_kings/13-1.htm">1 Kings 13:1,2</a> And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense… <a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">1 Kings 17:18</a> And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son?Smite me<a href="/1_kings/20-37.htm">1 Kings 20:37</a> Then he found another man, and said, Smite me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him.<a href="/isaiah/8-18.htm">Isaiah 8:18</a> Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion.<a href="/isaiah/20-2.htm">Isaiah 20:2,3</a> At the same time spake the LORD by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/20-15.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-18.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-11.htm">Catching</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-10.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-25.htm">Chariot</a> <a href="/2_samuel/20-18.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-11.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-24.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-16.htm">Hasted</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-42.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-18.htm">Hastily</a> <a href="/2_samuel/19-16.htm">Hurried</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-18.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-22.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-21.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/numbers/23-23.htm">Omen</a> <a href="/ruth/2-16.htm">Pick</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-27.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/2_samuel/22-11.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/1_kings/13-5.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/2_samuel/11-16.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-18.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/20-34.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-34.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-24.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-34.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/2_kings/7-12.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/proverbs/23-28.htm">Catching</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-12.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-31.htm">Chariot</a> <a href="/ezra/7-17.htm">Diligently</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-13.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-2.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-34.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-41.htm">Hasted</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-41.htm">Hastened</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-41.htm">Hastily</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-41.htm">Hurried</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-11.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-37.htm">Observe</a> <a href="/2_kings/21-6.htm">Observed</a> <a href="/ezekiel/21-21.htm">Omen</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-26.htm">Pick</a> <a href="/job/5-13.htm">Quick</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-41.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-31.htm">Sign</a> <a href="/2_kings/2-15.htm">Watching</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-2.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-35.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>Now the men were looking for a sign of hope In the context of <a href="/1_kings/20.htm">1 Kings 20</a>, the men referred to are the servants of Ben-hadad, the king of Aram. After a series of defeats, they are desperate for a favorable outcome. This phrase highlights the human tendency to seek hope even in dire circumstances. Biblically, hope is often associated with trust in God's deliverance, as seen in Psalms and the Prophets. Here, however, the hope is placed in human negotiation rather than divine intervention.and they quickly grasped at this word The servants of Ben-hadad are quick to seize any opportunity for mercy. This reflects the urgency and desperation of their situation. In the ancient Near Eastern context, words and treaties were often seen as binding, and the servants are attempting to secure a favorable outcome through diplomacy. This can be contrasted with the biblical emphasis on God's word as the ultimate source of truth and hope.and replied, “Yes, your brother Ben-hadad.” Referring to Ben-hadad as "your brother" is a diplomatic strategy to appeal to King Ahab's sense of kinship and alliance. In ancient times, calling someone "brother" was a way to establish a bond or treaty. This phrase can be compared to the biblical concept of brotherhood among believers, which is based on spiritual kinship rather than political expediency.“Go and get him!” said the king. King Ahab's response indicates a willingness to negotiate and show mercy. This decision is significant in the historical context, as it reflects Ahab's political strategy rather than adherence to divine command. Ahab's actions can be contrasted with the biblical expectation of kings to follow God's directives, as seen in the lives of other Israelite leaders.Then Ben-hadad came out, Ben-hadad's emergence signifies a shift in the power dynamics. Historically, this moment represents a temporary reconciliation between Israel and Aram. Theologically, it can be seen as a missed opportunity for Ahab to assert God's sovereignty over Israel's enemies, as God had previously delivered Aram into Ahab's hands.and Ahab had him come up into his chariot. Inviting Ben-hadad into his chariot symbolizes acceptance and alliance. In ancient cultures, sharing a chariot was a sign of friendship and partnership. This act can be seen as a failure on Ahab's part to uphold God's command to destroy Israel's enemies, as outlined in earlier scriptures. It contrasts with the biblical theme of separation from ungodly alliances, as emphasized in the laws given to Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a> The king of Israel, known for his idolatry and weak leadership, often influenced by his wife Jezebel. 2. <a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-hadad</a> The king of Aram (Syria), who had previously attacked Israel but was now seeking mercy from Ahab. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_men.htm">The Men</a> Servants or messengers of Ben-hadad, who were seeking a favorable response from Ahab. 4. <a href="/topical/c/chariot.htm">Chariot</a> A symbol of power and status, indicating Ahab's acceptance and alliance with Ben-hadad. 5. <a href="/topical/i/israel_and_aram.htm">Israel and Aram</a> Two neighboring nations often in conflict, with Israel under Ahab's rule and Aram under Ben-hadad.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_alliances.htm">Discernment in Alliances</a> Ahab's decision to ally with Ben-hadad was based on political expediency rather than seeking God's will. Believers should seek God's guidance in forming relationships and alliances. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a> Ahab's actions demonstrate the danger of compromising God's commands for personal gain or peace. Christians are called to stand firm in their faith and convictions. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_human_responsibility.htm">God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility</a> Despite God's deliverance, Ahab's failure to act according to God's will shows the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Believers must align their actions with God's purposes. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> The men quickly grasped Ahab's words as a sign of hope. This highlights the power of words and the importance of speaking truth and life in our interactions. <a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_obedience.htm">Repentance and Obedience</a> Ahab's account is a reminder of the need for genuine repentance and obedience to God. Believers should regularly examine their hearts and actions to ensure alignment with God's will.<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/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 href="/q/who_was_ben-hadad_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ben-Hadad in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_ahab_shown_mercy_in_1_kings_21.htm">How do we explain the sudden divine mercy shown to Ahab in 1 Kings 21:27-29 when his earlier actions were so thoroughly condemned?</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>(33) Now the men.--There has been much discussion of the meaning here, and some proposals of slight emendations of the reading. But the general sense seems accurately rendered by our version. "The men watched" ("as for augury," says the LXX.), "and hasted, and caught up" (so as to make it sure) "what fell from him." What follows may be a question, "Is Ben-hadad thy brother?" but probably the simple acceptance of the title is better. The whole description is graphic. The Syrians speak of "thy slave Ben-hadad." Ahab, in compassion or show of magnanimity, says, "my brother." Eagerly the ambassadors catch up the word, which, according to Eastern custom, implied a pledge of amity not to be recalled; and Ahab accepts their inference, and seals it publicly by taking the conquered king into his chariot. (Comp. <a href="/context/2_kings/10-15.htm" title="And when he was departed there, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me your hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot.">2Kings 10:15-16</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 33. - Now the men did diligently observe whether anything would come from him and did hastily catch it [Heb. and the men augured - תךשׁאנךשׁךד נִחֵשׁ. Cf. <a href="/genesis/44-15.htm">Genesis 44:15</a>; <a href="/leviticus/19-26.htm">Leviticus 19:26</a>; <a href="/2_kings/17-17.htm">2 Kings 17:17</a>. LXX. οἰωνίσαντο. Vulgate acceperunt pro omine - and hasted and made him declare whether from him, the meaning of which is sufficiently clear, viz., that the men took Ahab's words,"He is my brother," as a speech of good omen, and immediately laid hold of it, and contrived that the king should be held to it and made to confirm it. The only difficulty is in the word וַיַּחְלְטוּ which is ἄπαξ My. The Talmud, however, interprets it to mean, declare, confirm; in the Kal conjugation and the Hiphil would therefore mean, made him declare. The LXX. and Vulgate, however, have understood it otherwise, taking חָלַט as the equivalent of חָלָץ rapuit. The former has ἀνελέξαντο τὸν λόγον ἐκ τοῦ οτόματος αὐτοῦ, and the latter rapuerunt `. They would seem also to have read instead of הַדָּבָר מ חֲמֵמֶּנוּ (Ewald). The law of dakheet (see Layard, N. and B. pp. 317-319), by which Rawlinson would explain this incident, seems to be rather an usage of the Bedouin than of any civilized nations]: and they said, Thy brother Ben-hadad. Then said he, Go ye, bring him.- Then Ben-hadad came forth to him [out of his hiding-place and out of the city]: and he caused him to come up into the chariot. [A mark of great favour (compare <a href="/genesis/41-43.htm">Genesis 41:43</a>), and of reconciliation and concord (cf. <a href="/2_kings/10-15.htm">2 Kings 10:15</a>).] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-33.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Now the men וְהָאֲנָשִׁים֩ (wə·hā·’ă·nā·šîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person were looking for a sign of hope, יְנַחֲשׁ֨וּ (yə·na·ḥă·šū) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5172.htm">Strong's 5172: </a> To hiss, whisper a, spell, to prognosticate and they quickly וַֽיְמַהֲר֜וּ (way·ma·hă·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4116.htm">Strong's 4116: </a> To be liquid, flow easily, to hurry, promptly grasped [at this word] וַיַּחְלְט֣וּ (way·yaḥ·lə·ṭū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2480.htm">Strong's 2480: </a> To snatch at and replied, וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ (way·yō·mə·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Yes, your brother אָחִ֣יךָ (’ā·ḥî·ḵā) Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_251.htm">Strong's 251: </a> A brother, ) Ben-hadad.” הֲדַ֔ד (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 “Go בֹּ֣אוּ (bō·’ū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go and get him!” קָחֻ֑הוּ (qā·ḥu·hū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> To take said [the king]. וַיֹּ֖אמֶר (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 Then Ben-hadad הֲדַ֔ד (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 came out, וַיֵּצֵ֤א (way·yê·ṣê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim and Ahab had him come up וַֽיַּעֲלֵ֖הוּ (way·ya·‘ă·lê·hū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> To ascend, in, actively into עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against his chariot. הַמֶּרְכָּבָֽה׃ (ham·mer·kā·ḇāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4818.htm">Strong's 4818: </a> A chariot <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-33.htm">1 Kings 20:33 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:33 Now the men observed diligently and hurried (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:32"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:32" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-34.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:34"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:34" /></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>