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class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<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"><a href="/niv/1_kings/20.htm">New International Version</a> Then Ben-Hadad sent another message to Ahab: &#8220May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if enough dust remains in Samaria to give each of my men a handful.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Ben-hadad sent this message to Ahab: “May the gods strike me and even kill me if there remains enough dust from Samaria to provide even a handful for each of my soldiers.” <a href="/esv/1_kings/20.htm">English Standard Version</a> Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” <a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then 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.” <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a> And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me. <a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Ben-Hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me, and more also, if enough dust is left of Samaria for a handful for each of the people who follow me.” <a href="/nasb_/1_kings/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Ben-hadad sent word to him and said, “May the gods do so to me and more so, if the dust of Samaria will be enough for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a> Ben-hadad sent to him and said, &#8220May the gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria will suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “May the gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” <a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “May the gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria will be sufficient for a handful for all the people who follow me.” <a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Ben-hadad sent word to him and said, “May the gods do so to me, and more also, if there is enough dust left of Samaria for handfuls for all the [armed] people who follow me.” <a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Ben-hadad sent messengers to him and said, “May the gods punish me and do so severely if Samaria’s dust amounts to a handful for each of the people who follow me.” <a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Ben-hadad sent messengers to him and said, &#8220May the gods punish me and do so severely if Samaria&#8217s dust amounts to a handful for each of the people who follow me.&#8221 <a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me. <a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> he replied, "I'll completely destroy Samaria! There won't even be enough of it left for my soldiers to carry back in their hands. If I don't do it, I pray that the gods will punish me terribly." <a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me. <a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Benhadad sent Ahab the following message: "May the gods strike me dead if there will be enough dust left from Samaria to give a handful to each soldier who follows me." <a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a> from Benhadad: "I will bring enough men to destroy this city of yours and carry off the rubble in their hands. May the gods strike me dead if I don't!" <a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a> Beh-hadad sent this message back: "May the gods do so to me, and more than that also, if the dust that remains of Samaria is enough to fill up a few handfuls for all of the armies at my disposal." <a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then 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.? <a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a> Ben Hadad sent another message to him, "May the gods judge me severely if there is enough dirt left in Samaria for my soldiers to scoop up in their hands." <a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Ben Hadad sent to him, and said, "The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me." <a href="/wbt/1_kings/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Ben-hadad sent to him, and said, The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me. <a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a> Ben Hadad sent to him, and said, “The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria will be enough for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_kings/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Ben-Hadad sends to him and says, “Thus the gods do to me, and thus do they add, if the dust of Samaria suffice for handfuls for all the people who [are] at my feet.” <a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Ben-Hadad sendeth unto him, and saith, 'Thus do the gods to me, and thus do they add, if the dust of Samaria suffice for handfuls for all the people who are at my feet.' <a href="/slt/1_kings/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Ben-hadad will send to him and say, Thus will the gods do to me, and thus will they add, if the dust of Shomeron shall suffice for handfuls for all the people which are at my feet.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_kings/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the messengers returning brought him word. And he sent again and said: Such and such things may the gods do to me, and more may they add, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me. <a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And returning, the messengers took this to him, and he sent again and said, “May the gods do these things to me, and may they add these other things, if the dust of Samaria is enough to fill the hands of all the people who follow me.” <a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a> Ben-hadad then responded, “May the gods do thus to me and more, if there will remain enough dust in Samaria to make handfuls for all my followers.” <a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Ben-hadad sent to him and said, “The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria will provide a handful for each of the people who follow me.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_kings/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And Bar-hadad sent to him and said, The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria in handfuls shall suffice for all the people who are with me. <a href="/hpbt/1_kings/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And BarHadad sent to him and said: “Thus the gods shall do to me and thus they will do more to me if the dust of Samaria, a handful, will be sufficient for the people who are with me!”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/1_kings/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said: 'The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.' <a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the son of Ader sent to him, saying, So do God to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for foxes to all the people, even my infantry. <a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-10.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=7873" 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> …9So 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. 10<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/7971.htm" title="7971: way·yiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">sent</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/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">another message</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to Ahab:</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">“May the gods</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: kōh- (Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">deal</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ya·‘ă·śūn (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp:: Pn) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">with me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3541.htm" title="3541: wə·ḵōh (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Thus, here. From the prefix k and huw'; properly, like this, i.e. By implication, thus; also here; or now.">and ever so</a> <a href="/hebrew/3254.htm" title="3254: yō·w·si·p̄ū (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp) -- To add. A primitive root; to add or augment.">severely,</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: ‘ă·p̄ar (N-msc) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">enough dust</a> <a href="/hebrew/5606.htm" title="5606: yiś·pōq (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Or saphaq; a primitive root; to clap the hands; by implication of satisfaction, to be enough; by implication of excess, to vomit.">remains</a> <a href="/hebrew/8111.htm" title="8111: šō·mə·rō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- Capital of N. kingdom of Isr. From the active participle of shamar; watch-station; Shomeron, a place in Palestine.">of Samaria</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: lə·ḵāl (Prep-l:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">for each</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of my men</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7272.htm" title="7272: bə·raḡ·lāy (Prep-b:: N-fdc:: 1cs) -- Foot. From ragal; a foot; by implication, a step; by euphem. The pudenda."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8168.htm" title="8168: liš·‘ā·lîm (Prep-l:: N-mp) -- Hollow hand, handful. From an unused root meaning to hollow out; the palm; by extension, a handful.">to have a handful.”</a> 11And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’ ”…<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/19-10.htm">2 Kings 19:10-13</a> “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? / Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? ... <a href="/isaiah/37-10.htm">Isaiah 37:10-13</a> “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? / Did the gods of the nations destroyed by my fathers rescue those nations—the gods of Gozan, Haran, and Rezeph, and of the people of Eden in Telassar? ... <a href="/2_kings/18-19.htm">2 Kings 18:19-35</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? / Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. ... <a href="/isaiah/36-4.htm">Isaiah 36:4-20</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? / Look now, you are trusting in Egypt, that splintered reed of a staff that will pierce the hand of anyone who leans on it. Such is Pharaoh king of Egypt to all who trust in him. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/32-10.htm">2 Chronicles 32:10-19</a> “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?’ / Did not Hezekiah himself remove His high places and His altars and say to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You must worship before one altar, and on it you shall burn sacrifices’? ... <a href="/daniel/3-15.htm">Daniel 3:15</a> Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the statue I have made, very good. But if you refuse to worship, you will be thrown at once into the blazing fiery furnace. Then what god will be able to deliver you from my hands?” <a href="/daniel/4-30.htm">Daniel 4:30</a> the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” <a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a> But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.” <a href="/2_samuel/10-3.htm">2 Samuel 10:3</a> 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/14-8.htm">2 Kings 14:8-10</a> Then Amaziah sent messengers to the king of Israel Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu. “Come, let us meet face to face,” he said. / But Jehoash king of Israel replied to Amaziah king of Judah: “A thistle in Lebanon sent a message to a cedar in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son in marriage.’ Then a wild beast in Lebanon came along and trampled the thistle. / You have indeed defeated Edom, and your heart has become proud. Glory in that and stay at home. Why should you stir up trouble so that you fall—you and Judah with you?” <a href="/ezekiel/28-2.htm">Ezekiel 28:2</a> “Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. <a href="/ezekiel/29-3.htm">Ezekiel 29:3</a> Speak to him and tell him that this is what the Lord GOD says: Behold, I am against you, O Pharaoh king of Egypt, O great monster who lies among his rivers, who says, ‘The Nile is mine; I made it myself.’ <a href="/isaiah/10-13.htm">Isaiah 10:13-14</a> For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. / My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” <a href="/isaiah/36-18.htm">Isaiah 36:18-20</a> Do not let Hezekiah mislead you when he says, ‘The LORD will deliver us.’ Has the god of any nation ever delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? / Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand? / Who among all the gods of these lands has delivered his land from my hand? How then can the LORD deliver Jerusalem from my hand?” <a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23</a> This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Benhadad sent to him, and said, The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.message [heb] word <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">1 Kings 20:16</a> And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.<a href="/1_kings/16-9.htm">1 Kings 16:9</a> And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of his house in Tirzah.<a href="/1_samuel/25-36.htm">1 Samuel 25:36</a> And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king; and Nabal's heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken: wherefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light.pavilions.<a href="/jeremiah/43-10.htm">Jeremiah 43:10</a> And say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will set his throne upon these stones that I have hid; and he shall spread his royal pavilion over them.Set yourselves in array <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">Add</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-2.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-38.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-4.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-23.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-20.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/17-12.htm">Handful</a> <a href="/ruth/2-16.htm">Handfuls</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-6.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-20.htm">Message</a> <a href="/1_kings/12-14.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Samaria</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">Sama'ria</a> <a href="/1_kings/19-2.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/judges/21-14.htm">Suffice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">Add</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-13.htm">Ahab</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Ben</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-16.htm">Benhadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Ben-Hadad</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Ben-Ha'dad</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/2_kings/13-7.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/2_kings/4-44.htm">Enough</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-9.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-19.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-23.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Hadad</a> <a href="/psalms/72-16.htm">Handful</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/4-6.htm">Handfuls</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-42.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-12.htm">Message</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-31.htm">Punishment</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Samaria</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm">Sama'ria</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-34.htm">Severely</a> <a href="/psalms/49-8.htm">Suffice</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>Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: Ben-hadad, the king of Aram (Syria), is a recurring antagonist in the narrative of 1 Kings. His interactions with Ahab, the king of Israel, highlight the ongoing conflict between Israel and its northern neighbors. This message is part of a series of communications that reflect the tension and hostility between the two kingdoms. Historically, Aram was a significant power in the region, often clashing with Israel over territory and influence.“May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely: This phrase is a common oath formula in the ancient Near East, invoking the gods as witnesses to a vow or curse. It reflects the polytheistic beliefs of the Arameans, contrasting with Israel's monotheism. The invocation of divine retribution underscores the seriousness of Ben-hadad's threat and his confidence in his military might. This type of oath is seen elsewhere in the Bible, such as in <a href="/ruth/1-17.htm">Ruth 1:17</a>, where Ruth makes a similar vow to Naomi.if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.” Samaria was the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, established by King Omri. It was a fortified city, strategically located and significant both politically and economically. Ben-hadad's threat implies total destruction, suggesting that his forces would so thoroughly devastate Samaria that nothing would be left. This hyperbolic language is intended to intimidate Ahab and demonstrate Ben-hadad's confidence in his military superiority. The imagery of dust is reminiscent of other biblical passages where dust symbolizes desolation and defeat, such as in <a href="/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27</a>, where Abraham refers to himself as "dust and ashes."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/b/ben-hadad.htm">Ben-hadad</a> The king of Aram (Syria) who is waging war against Israel. His message to Ahab is one of arrogance and overconfidence. 2. <a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a> The king of Israel, known for his weak leadership and idolatry, who is being threatened by Ben-hadad. 3. <a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a> The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which Ben-hadad threatens to destroy completely. 4. <a href="/topical/a/aram.htm">Aram (Syria)</a> The nation led by Ben-hadad, historically an enemy of Israel. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_gods.htm">The gods</a> Refers to the pagan deities worshiped by Ben-hadad, highlighting the spiritual conflict between the God of Israel and the false gods of the surrounding nations.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride.htm">The Danger of Pride</a> Ben-hadad's boastful threat is a classic example of pride that precedes a fall. Believers are reminded to remain humble and rely on God's strength rather than their own. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_nations.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Nations</a> Despite Ben-hadad's confidence, God is ultimately in control. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty over world events and personal circumstances. <a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_idolatry.htm">The Futility of Idolatry</a> Ben-hadad's invocation of his gods highlights the futility of idolatry. Believers are called to worship the one true God who has power over all creation. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_threats.htm">Courage in the Face of Threats</a> Ahab's eventual response, though flawed in many ways, shows that courage is possible even when facing overwhelming odds. Christians are encouraged to stand firm in faith when confronted by challenges. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Ben-hadad's message is a reminder of the power of words to intimidate or encourage. Believers are urged to use their words to build up and not tear down.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_kings_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20</a> <a href="/q/is_there_non-biblical_proof_of_israel's_win.htm">Is there external evidence outside the Bible confirming Israel's victories over Aram recorded in 1 Kings 20?</a> <a href="/q/who_was_ben-hadad_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Ben-Hadad in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/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/how_does_2_kings_10_1-11_justify_killing.htm">How does 2 Kings 10:1-11 reconcile mass slaughter with the broader biblical prohibition against murder?</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>(10) The dust of Samaria--when razed to the ground. The phrase probably implies a threat of destruction, as well as a boast of overwhelming strength. Josephus (Ant. viii. 14, 2) has a curious explanation--that, if each of the Syrians took only a handful of dust, they could raise a mound against the city, higher than the walls of Samaria.The historian, with a touch of patriotic scorn, paints Ben-hadad as a luxurious and insolent braggart. He receives the message at a feast, "drinking himself drunk," and, stung by its tone of sarcasm, does not condescend to bestir himself, but orders his servants to an instant attack. The command is given, with a haughty brevity, in a single word ("Set"), which may be "Array troops," or "Place engines," as in the margin. The LXX. translates, "Build a stockade" (for attack on the walls).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_kings/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 10. - And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said [These words would be quite superfluous, if the oaths of which we now hear were the "word" of ver. 9], The gods do so unto me, and more also [see notes on 1 Kings 2:23; 19:2], if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls [The meaning of שְׁעָלִים pugilli, is fixed by <a href="/isaiah/40-12.htm">Isaiah 40:12</a>, and <a href="/ezekiel/13-19.htm">Ezekiel 13:19</a>] for all the people that follow me. [Heb. that are in my feet. Same expression <a href="/judges/4-16.htm">Judges 4:16</a>; <a href="/judges/5-15.htm">Judges 5:15</a>; <a href="/1_samuel/25-27.htm">1 Samuel 25:27</a>; <a href="/2_samuel/15-17.htm">2 Samuel 15:17</a>, etc. This thoroughly Oriental piece of bluster and boasting, which was intended, no doubt, to strike terror into the hearts of king and people, has been variously interpreted, but the meaning appears to be sufficiently clear. Ben-bahad vows that he will make Samaria a heap of dust, and at the same time affirms that so overwhelming is his host, that this dust will be insufficient to fill the hands of his soldiers. Rawlinson compares with it the well-known saying of the Trachinian to Dieneces, that the Median arrows would obscure the sun (Herod. 7:226), but <a href="/2_samuel/17-18.htm">2 Samuel 17:18</a> is still more apposite.] <a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-10.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>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 sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out another message וַיֹּ֕אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to [Ahab]: אֵלָיו֙ (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to “May the gods אֱלֹהִ֖ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative deal כֹּֽה־ (kōh-) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now with me, לִ֛י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> and ever so וְכֹ֣ה (wə·ḵōh) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3541.htm">Strong's 3541: </a> Like this, thus, here, now severely, יוֹסִ֑פוּ (yō·w·si·p̄ū) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3254.htm">Strong's 3254: </a> To add, augment if אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not [enough] dust עֲפַ֣ר (‘ă·p̄ar) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> Dust, clay, earth, mud remains יִשְׂפֹּק֙ (yiś·pōq) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5606.htm">Strong's 5606: </a> To clap the hands, of satisfaction, to be enough, of excess, to vomit of Samaria שֹׁמְר֔וֹן (šō·mə·rō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8111.htm">Strong's 8111: </a> Samaria -- capital of northern kingdom of Israel for each לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every of my men הָעָ֖ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock [to have] a handful.” לִשְׁעָלִ֕ים (liš·‘ā·lîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8168.htm">Strong's 8168: </a> Hollow hand, handful <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-10.htm">1 Kings 20:10 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-10.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:10 Ben Hadad sent to him and said (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:11" /></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>