Ben Hadad ¹  said, “I will return the cities my father took from your father. You may set up markets ²  in Damascus, just as my father did in Samaria.” ³  Ahab then said, “I want to make a treaty with you before I dismiss you.” ⁴  So he made a treaty with him and then dismissed him.

Omri passed away ¹  and was buried in Samaria. His son Ahab replaced him as king. ² 

So Ahab ¹  assembled the 232 servants of the district governors. After that he assembled all the Israelite army, numbering 7,000. ² 

But Elijah said, “As certainly as the Lord who rules over all ¹  lives (whom I serve), ²  I will make an appearance before him today.”

The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and then enter ¹  the battle; but you wear your royal attire.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and they entered the battle.

Then the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the city official and Joash the king’s son.

Then the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and return him to Amon the city official and Joash the king’s son.

The men took this as a good omen and quickly accepted his offer, saying, “Ben Hadad is your brother.” Ahab ¹  then said, “Go, get him.” So Ben Hadad came out to him, and Ahab pulled him up into his chariot.

The king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah attacked Ramoth Gilead.

The king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah attacked Ramoth Gilead.

Ben Hadad sent another message to him, “May the gods judge me severely ¹  if there is enough dirt left in Samaria for my soldiers to scoop up in their hands.” ² 

The king of Israel said to his servants, “Surely you recognize that Ramoth Gilead belongs to us, though we are hesitant to reclaim it from the king of Syria.” ¹ 

Then he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to attack Ramoth Gilead?” Jehoshaphat replied to the king of Israel, “I will support you; my army and horses are at your disposal.” ¹ 

Now the king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah were sitting on their respective thrones, ¹  dressed in their robes, at the threshing floor at the entrance of the gate of Samaria. ²  All the prophets were prophesying before them.

The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and then enter ¹  into the battle; but you wear your royal robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself and then entered into the battle.

pick the best and most capable ¹  of your master’s sons, place him on his father’s throne, and defend ²  your master’s dynasty.”

Micaiah ¹  came before the king and the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we attack Ramoth Gilead or not?” He answered him, “Attack! You will succeed; they will be handed over to you.” ² 

While the battle raged throughout the day, the king stood propped up in his chariot opposite the Syrians. He died in the evening as the sun was setting.

They marched out of the city with the servants of the district governors in the lead and the army behind them.

The king of Israel went home to Samaria ¹  bitter and angry.