1 Kings 20:13

The Lord Delivers Israel

20:13 Now a prophet visited King Ahab of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Do you see this huge army? 1  Look, I am going to hand it over to you this very day. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

1 Kings 20:32

20:32 So they put sackcloth around their waists and ropes on their heads and went to the king of Israel. They said, “Your servant 2  Ben Hadad says, ‘Please let me live!’” Ahab 3  replied, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” 4 

1 Kings 20:35

A Prophet Denounces Ahab’s Actions

20:35 One of the members of the prophetic guild, speaking with divine authority, ordered his companion, “Wound me!” 5  But the man refused to wound him.

1 Kings 20:38

20:38 The prophet then went and stood by the road, waiting for the king. He also disguised himself by putting a bandage down over his eyes.

1 tn Heb “this great horde.”

2 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.

3 tn Heb “he”; the referent (Ahab) has been specified in the translation for clarity.

4 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.

5 tn Heb “Now a man from the sons of the prophets said to his companion by the word of the Lord, ‘Wound me.’”