1 Kings 5:6

5:6 So now order some cedars of Lebanon to be cut for me. My servants will work with your servants. I will pay your servants whatever you say is appropriate, for you know that we have no one among us who knows how to cut down trees like the Sidonians.”

1 Kings 12:16

12:16 When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, the people answered the king, “We have no portion in David, no share in the son of Jesse! ¹  Return to your homes, O Israel! ²  Now, look after your own dynasty, O David!” ³  So Israel returned to their homes. ⁴ 

1 Kings 20:31

20:31 His advisers ⁵  said to him, “Look, we have heard that the kings of the Israelite dynasty are kind. ⁶  Allow us to put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads ⁷  and surrender ⁸  to the king of Israel. Maybe he will spare our lives.”

1 Kings 22:8

22:8 The king of Israel answered Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man through whom we can seek the Lord’s will. ⁹  But I despise ¹⁰  him because he does not prophesy prosperity for me, but disaster. His name is Micaiah son of Imlah. ¹¹  Jehoshaphat said, “The king should not say such things.”

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¹ sn We have no portion in David; no share in the son of Jesse. Their point seems to be that they have no familial relationship with David that brings them any benefits or places upon them any obligations. They are being treated like outsiders.

² tn Heb “to your tents, Israel.” The word “return” is supplied in the translation for stylistic reasons.

³ tn Heb “Now see your house, David.”

⁴ tn Heb “went to their tents.”

⁵ tn Or “servants.”

⁶ tn Or “merciful.” 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.

⁷ 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.

⁸ tn Heb “go out.”

⁹ tn Heb “to seek the Lord from him.”

¹⁰ tn Or “hate.”

¹¹ tn The words “his name is” are supplied for stylistic reasons.