1 Kings 20:31-33
New English Translation
31 His advisers[a] said to him, “Look, we have heard that the kings of the Israelite dynasty are kind.[b] Allow us to put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads[c] and surrender[d] to the king of Israel. Maybe he will spare our lives.” 32 So they put sackcloth around their waists and ropes on their heads and went to the king of Israel. They said, “Your servant[e] Ben Hadad says, ‘Please let me live!’” Ahab[f] replied, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”[g] 33 The men took this as a good omen and quickly accepted his offer, saying, “Ben Hadad is your brother.” Ahab[h] then said, “Go, get him.” So Ben Hadad came out to him, and Ahab pulled him up into his chariot.
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- 1 Kings 20:31 tn Or “servants.”
- 1 Kings 20:31 tn Heb “that the kings of the house of Israel, that kings of kindness [are] they.” Or “merciful” rather than “kind.” The word used here often means “devoted” or “loyal.” Perhaps the idea is that the Israelite kings are willing to make treaties with other kings.
- 1 Kings 20:31 sn Sackcloth was worn as a sign of sorrow and repentance. The precise significance of the ropes on the head is uncertain, but it probably was a sign of submission. These actions were comparable to raising a white flag on the battlefield or throwing in the towel in a boxing match.
- 1 Kings 20:31 tn Heb “go out.”
- 1 Kings 20:32 sn Your servant. By referring to Ben Hadad as Ahab’s servant, they are suggesting that Ahab make him a subject in a vassal treaty arrangement.
- 1 Kings 20:32 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Ahab) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
- 1 Kings 20:32 sn He is my brother. Ahab’s response indicates that he wants to make a parity treaty and treat Ben Hadad as an equal partner.
- 1 Kings 20:33 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Ahab) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
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