1 Kings 20:1-11

Ahab Defeats the Syrians

20¹ At about this same time Ben-Hadad king of Aram mustered his troops. He recruited in addition thirty-two local sheiks, all outfitted with horses and chariots. He set out in force and surrounded Samaria, ready to make war. ² He sent an envoy into the city to set his terms before Ahab king of Israel: ³ "Ben-Hadad lays claim to your silver and gold, and to the pick of your wives and sons." ⁴ The king of Israel accepted the terms: "As you say, distinguished lord; I and everything I have is yours." ⁵ But then the envoy returned a second time, saying, "On second thought, I want it all - your silver and gold and all your wives and sons. Hand them over - the whole works. ⁶ I'll give you twenty-four hours; then my servants will arrive to search your palace and the houses of your officials and loot them; anything that strikes their fancy, they'll take." ⁷ The king of Israel called a meeting of all his tribal elders. He said, "Look at this - outrageous! He's just looking for trouble. He means to clean me out, demanding all my women and children. And after I already agreed to pay him off handsomely!" ⁸ The elders, backed by the people, said, "Don't cave in to him. Don't give an inch." ⁹ So he sent an envoy to Ben-Hadad, "Tell my distinguished lord, 'I agreed to the terms you delivered the first time, but this I can't do - this I won't do!'" The envoy went back and delivered the answer. ¹⁰ Ben-Hadad shot back his response: "May the gods do their worst to me, and then worse again, if there'll be anything left of Samaria but rubble." ¹¹ The king of Israel countered, "Think about it - it's easier to start a fight than end one."