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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Kings 20:18 "If they have marched out in peace," he said, "take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_kings/20-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/11_1Ki_20_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Kings 20:18 - Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If they have marched out in peace, he said, take them alive. 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Or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_kings/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_kings/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So he said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; and if they have come out for war, take them alive.”<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 said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; or if they have come out for war, take them alive <i>as well.”</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then he said, &#8220If they have come out for peace, take them alive; or if they have come out for war, take them alive.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_kings/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then he said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_kings/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then he said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_kings/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And he said, “Whether they have come out for peace or for war, take them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_kings/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he said, “If they have marched out in peace, take them alive, and if they have marched out for battle, take them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_kings/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So he said, &#8220If they have marched out in peace, take them alive, and if they have marched out for battle, take them alive.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_kings/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And he said, Whether they are come out for peace, take them alive, or whether they are come out for war, taken them alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_kings/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />"Take them alive!" Benhadad ordered. "I don't care if they have come out to fight or to surrender." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_kings/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_kings/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He said, "Take them alive, whether they have come out to make peace or to fight."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_kings/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He ordered, "Take them alive, no matter whether they are coming to fight or to ask for peace." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_kings/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Take them alive, whether they've come in peace or not," he ordered.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_kings/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?If they have marched out in peace,? he said, ?take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_kings/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He ordered, "Whether they come in peace or to do battle, take them alive."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_kings/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He said, "If they have come out for peace, take them alive; or if they have come out for war, take them alive."<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 said, Whether they have come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they have come out for war, take them alive.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_kings/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; or if they have come out for war, take them alive.” <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 he says, “If they have come out for peace, catch them alive; and if they have come out for battle, catch them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_kings/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And he saith, 'If for peace they have come out -- catch them alive; and if for battle they have come out -- alive catch them.'<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 say, If for peace they came forth, seize them living; and if for war they came forth, seize them living.<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 he said: Whether they come for peace, take them alive: or whether they come to fight, take them alive. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_kings/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And he said: “If they have arrived for peace, apprehend them alive; if to do battle, capture them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_kings/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He answered, “Whether they have come out for peace or for war, take them alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_kings/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive; if they have come out for war, take them alive.”<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 said, Whether they have come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they have come out for war, take them alive.<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 said: “If they have gone out in peace, take them alive, and if they have gone out for battle, take them alive.”<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 said: 'Whether they are come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they are come out for war, take them alive.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_kings/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And he said to them, If they come forth peaceably, take them alive; and if they come forth to war, take them alive:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_kings/20-18.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=7982" 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">Ahab Defeats Ben-hadad</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>And the young officers of the district governors marched out first. Now Ben-hadad had sent out scouts, who reported to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.” <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">they have marched out</a> <a href="/hebrew/7965.htm" title="7965: lə·šā·lō·wm (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Or shalom; from shalam; safe, i.e. well, happy, friendly; also welfare, i.e. Health, prosperity, peace.">in peace,”</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.">he said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8610.htm" title="8610: tip̄·śūm (V-Qal-Imp-mp:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to manipulate, i.e. Seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably.">“take them</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (Adj-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">alive.</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">Even if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">they have marched out</a> <a href="/hebrew/4421.htm" title="4421: lə·mil·ḥā·māh (Prep-l:: N-fs) -- A battle, war. From lacham; a battle; generally, war.">for war,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8610.htm" title="8610: tip̄·śūm (V-Qal-Imp-mp:: 3mp) -- A primitive root; to manipulate, i.e. Seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably.">take them</a> <a href="/hebrew/2416.htm" title="2416: ḥay·yîm (Adj-mp) -- Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life. From chayah; alive; hence, raw; fresh, strong; also life, whether literally or figuratively.">alive.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Meanwhile, these young officers of the district governors marched out of the city, with the army behind them,…<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/6-8.htm">2 Kings 6:8-12</a></span><br />Now the king of Aram was at war against Israel. After consulting with his servants, he said, “My camp will be in such and such a place.” / Then the man of God sent word to the king of Israel: “Be careful not to pass by this place, for the Arameans are going down there.” / So the king of Israel sent word to the place the man of God had pointed out. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/18-14.htm">2 Chronicles 18:14-22</a></span><br />When Micaiah arrived, the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we go to war against Ramoth-gilead, or should we refrain?” “Go up and triumph,” Micaiah replied, “for they will be delivered into your hand.” / But the king said to him, “How many times must I make you swear not to tell me anything but the truth in the name of the LORD?” / So Micaiah declared: “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘These people have no master; let each one return home in peace.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/7-4.htm">Isaiah 7:4-9</a></span><br />and say to him: Calm down and be quiet. Do not be afraid or disheartened over these two smoldering stubs of firewood—over the fierce anger of Rezin and Aram and of the son of Remaliah. / For Aram, along with Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, has plotted your ruin, saying: / ‘Let us invade Judah, terrorize it, and divide it among ourselves. Then we can install the son of Tabeal over it as king.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/21-4.htm">Jeremiah 21:4-7</a></span><br />this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will turn against you the weapons of war in your hands, with which you are fighting the king of Babylon and the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the wall, and I will assemble their forces in the center of this city. / And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and a mighty arm, with anger, fury, and great wrath. / I will strike down the residents of this city, both man and beast. They will die in a terrible plague.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/38-10.htm">Ezekiel 38:10-12</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: On that day, thoughts will arise in your mind, and you will devise an evil plan. / You will say, ‘I will go up against a land of unwalled villages; I will come against a quiet people who dwell securely, all of them living without walls or bars or gates— / in order to seize the spoil and carry off the plunder, to turn a hand against the desolate places now inhabited and against a people gathered from the nations, who have acquired livestock and possessions and who live at the center of the land.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-16.htm">Judges 7:16-22</a></span><br />And he divided the three hundred men into three companies and gave each man a ram’s horn in one hand and a large jar in the other, containing a torch. / “Watch me and do as I do,” Gideon said. “When I come to the outskirts of the camp, do exactly as I do. / When I and all who are with me blow our horns, then you are also to blow your horns from all around the camp and shout, ‘For the LORD and for Gideon!’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6-15</a></span><br />Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” / “Very well,” said Jonathan, “we will cross over toward these men and show ourselves to them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/5-22.htm">2 Samuel 5:22-25</a></span><br />Once again the Philistines came up and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. / So David inquired of the LORD, who answered, “Do not march straight up, but circle around behind them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. / As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because this will mean that the LORD has gone out before you to strike the camp of the Philistines.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/3-9.htm">2 Kings 3:9-27</a></span><br />So the king of Israel, the king of Judah, and the king of Edom set out, and after they had traveled a roundabout route for seven days, they had no water for their army or for their animals. / “Alas,” said the king of Israel, “for the LORD has summoned these three kings to deliver them into the hand of Moab!” / But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the LORD here? Let us inquire of the LORD through him.” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered, “Elisha son of Shaphat is here. He used to pour water on the hands of Elijah.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-30.htm">Proverbs 21:30-31</a></span><br />There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD. / A horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory is of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></span><br />Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Luke 14:31-32</a></span><br />Or what king on his way to war with another king will not first sit down and consider whether he can engage with ten thousand men the one coming against him with twenty thousand? / And if he is unable, he will send a delegation while the other king is still far off, to ask for terms of peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-38.htm">Acts 5:38-39</a></span><br />So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-31.htm">Romans 8:31</a></span><br />What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-25.htm">1 Corinthians 1:25</a></span><br />For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.</p><p class="hdg">they slew</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_samuel/2-16.htm">2 Samuel 2:16</a></b></br> And they caught every one his fellow by the head, and <i>thrust</i> his sword in his fellow's side; so they fell down together: wherefore that place was called Helkathhazzurim, which <i>is</i> in Gibeon.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:11</a></b></br> I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race <i>is</i> not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.</p><p class="hdg">the Syrians</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/26-8.htm">Leviticus 26:8</a></b></br> And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/7-20.htm">Judges 7:20-22</a></b></br> And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow <i>withal</i>: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/14-13.htm">1 Samuel 14:13-15</a></b></br> And Jonathan climbed up upon his hands and upon his feet, and his armourbearer after him: and they fell before Jonathan; and his armourbearer slew after him… </p><p class="hdg">escaped</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/30-16.htm">1 Samuel 30:16,17</a></b></br> And when he had brought him down, behold, <i>they were</i> spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/19-36.htm">2 Kings 19:36</a></b></br> So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_kings/18-5.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-14.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_kings/18-40.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/1_kings/9-25.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-1.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_kings/16-11.htm">Whether</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Alive</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-26.htm">Battle</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Catch</a> <a href="/1_kings/22-17.htm">Peace</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-25.htm">War</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-33.htm">Whether</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>If they have marched out in peace,</b><br>This phrase occurs during a confrontation between the Arameans and Israel. The context is a battle where King Ben-Hadad of Aram is strategizing against King Ahab of Israel. The mention of "peace" suggests a potential diplomatic approach or surrender, which was common in ancient Near Eastern warfare. The Arameans might have expected a peaceful delegation or a surrender, reflecting the complex nature of ancient warfare where battles could be resolved through negotiation or submission.<p><b>he said,</b><br>The speaker here is Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram. His command reflects his authority and the centralized power of monarchs in the ancient world. Kings often made strategic decisions in battle, and their words were law for their commanders and soldiers. This highlights the hierarchical structure of ancient armies and the absolute power wielded by kings.<p><b>take them alive.</b><br>The command to take captives alive rather than kill them indicates a strategic decision. Capturing enemies alive could serve multiple purposes: gaining intelligence, using them as hostages, or demonstrating power and mercy. This practice is seen elsewhere in the Bible, such as when David spared King Saul's life. It reflects a broader biblical theme of mercy and the potential for reconciliation.<p><b>Even if they have marched out for war,</b><br>This phrase acknowledges the possibility of an aggressive approach by the Israelites. The readiness for war contrasts with the earlier mention of peace, showing the unpredictability of human intentions. It also reflects the constant state of tension and conflict in the region, where alliances and enmities could shift rapidly. The dual possibility of peace or war underscores the need for vigilance and preparedness.<p><b>take them alive.</b><br>Reiterating the command emphasizes its importance. In biblical narratives, repetition often signifies emphasis or certainty. This insistence on capturing rather than killing could be seen as a strategic move to weaken Israel without unnecessary bloodshed. It also aligns with the biblical principle of valuing life, even in the context of conflict. This approach can be seen as a type of Christ, who came to save and redeem rather than destroy.<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 besieging Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He is a central figure in this chapter, known for his arrogance and overconfidence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahab.htm">Ahab</a></b><br>The king of Israel at the time, who is often criticized for his idolatry and weak leadership. He is the one defending against Ben-Hadad's siege.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/samaria.htm">Samaria</a></b><br>The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, under siege by Ben-Hadad and his coalition of kings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/a/aramean_army.htm">Aramean Army</a></b><br>The forces led by Ben-Hadad, consisting of a coalition of 32 kings, who are attempting to conquer Israel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/prophet_of_god.htm">Prophet of God</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, a prophet plays a crucial role in the chapter by delivering God's messages to Ahab, offering divine guidance and assurance of victory.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_folly_of_pride.htm">The Folly of Pride</a></b><br>Ben-Hadad's command reflects his arrogance and underestimation of Israel. Pride often blinds us to reality and can lead to our downfall.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God remains sovereign and can use any situation to fulfill His purposes. This reminds us that God's plans are not thwarted by human actions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a></b><br>Ahab's eventual victory is tied to his obedience to the prophet's instructions. Obedience to God's word is crucial for experiencing His blessings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_protection.htm">Divine Protection</a></b><br>The passage illustrates that God can protect and deliver His people even when they are outnumbered or facing seemingly insurmountable odds.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_conflict.htm">Discernment in Conflict</a></b><br>Ben-Hadad's command to take the Israelites alive, regardless of their intentions, shows a lack of discernment. We must seek God's wisdom in how we approach conflicts and challenges.<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/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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/david's_absence__align_or_contradict.htm">1 Chronicles 20:1: How does David's apparent absence during the battle align with or contradict other accounts of his military leadership?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_luke_14_31-32_conflict_with_peace.htm">Luke 14:31-32: Does Jesus' warfare analogy conflict with other passages (e.g., Matthew 5:9) advocating peace?</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 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And he said, Whether they be com</span>e out for peace [<span class="accented">i.e.</span>, to negociate or to submit], <span class="cmt_word">take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.</span> [We may trace in these words, possibly the influence of wine, but certainly the exasperation which Ahab's last message had occasioned the king. So incensed is he that he will not respect the rights of ambassadors, and he is afraid lest belligerents should be slain before he can arraign them before him. Possibly he meant that they should be tortured or slain before his face.] <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_kings/20-18.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">“If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they have marched out</span><br /><span class="heb">יָצָ֖אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in peace,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְשָׁל֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·šā·lō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7965.htm">Strong's 7965: </a> </span><span class="str2">Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he said,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֛אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“take</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּפְשׂ֣וּם</span> <span class="translit">(tip̄·śūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8610.htm">Strong's 8610: </a> </span><span class="str2">To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them alive.</span><br /><span class="heb">חַיִּ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Or if</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִ֧ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they have marched out</span><br /><span class="heb">יָצָ֖אוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣā·’ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for war,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמִלְחָמָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mil·ḥā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4421.htm">Strong's 4421: </a> </span><span class="str2">A battle, war</span><br /><br /><span class="word">take</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּפְשֽׂוּם׃</span> <span class="translit">(tip̄·śūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8610.htm">Strong's 8610: </a> </span><span class="str2">To manipulate, seize, chiefly to capture, wield, to overlay, to use unwarrantably</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them alive.”</span><br /><span class="heb">חַיִּ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(ḥay·yîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2416.htm">Strong's 2416: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alive, raw, fresh, strong, life</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_kings/20-18.htm">1 Kings 20:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_kings/20-18.htm">OT History: 1 Kings 20:18 He said Whether they are come out (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_kings/20-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Kings 20:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_kings/20-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Kings 20:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Kings 20:19" /></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>