1Kgs.20.1

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.

1Kgs.20.1

Now Ben-Hadad king of Aram mustered his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he went up and besieged Samaria and attacked it.

1Kgs.20.1

Now Ben-Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his forces together; thirty-two kings were with him, with horses and chariots. And he went up and besieged Samaria, and made war against it.

1Kgs.20.1

Now King Ben-hadad of Aram mobilized his army, supported by the chariots and horses of thirty-two allied kings. They went to besiege Samaria, the Israelite capital, and launched attacks against it.

1Kgs.20.2

He sent an envoy into the city to set his terms before Ahab king of Israel:

1Kgs.20.2

He sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, saying, "This is what Ben-Hadad says:

1Kgs.20.2

Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel, and said to him, "Thus says Ben-Hadad:

1Kgs.20.2

Ben-hadad sent messengers into the city to relay this message to King Ahab of Israel: "This is what Ben-hadad says:

1Kgs.20.3

"Ben-Hadad lays claim to your silver and gold, and to the pick of your wives and sons."

1Kgs.20.3

'Your silver and gold are mine, and the best of your wives and children are mine.'"

1Kgs.20.3

"Your silver and your gold are mine; your loveliest wives and children are mine."'

1Kgs.20.3

`Your silver and gold are mine, and so are the best of your wives and children!'"

1Kgs.20.4

The king of Israel accepted the terms: "As you say, distinguished lord; I and everything I have is yours."

1Kgs.20.4

The king of Israel answered, "Just as you say, my lord the king. I and all I have are yours."

1Kgs.20.4

And the king of Israel answered and said, "My lord, O king, just as you say, I and all that I have are yours."

1Kgs.20.4

"All right, my lord," Ahab replied. "All that I have is yours!"

1Kgs.20.5

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.

1Kgs.20.5

The messengers came again and said, "This is what Ben-Hadad says: 'I sent to demand your silver and gold, your wives and your children.

1Kgs.20.5

Then the messengers came back and said, "Thus speaks Ben-Hadad, saying, "Indeed I have sent to you, saying, "You shall deliver to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children";

1Kgs.20.5

Soon Ben-hadad's messengers returned again and said, "This is what Ben-hadad says: `I have already demanded that you give me your silver, gold, wives, and children.

1Kgs.20.6

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."

1Kgs.20.6

But about this time tomorrow I am going to send my officials to search your palace and the houses of your officials. They will seize everything you value and carry it away.'"

1Kgs.20.6

but I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house and the houses of your servants. And it shall be, that whatever is pleasant in your eyes, they will put it in their hands and take it."'

1Kgs.20.6

But about this time tomorrow I will send my officials to search your palace and the homes of your people. They will take away everything you consider valuable!'"

1Kgs.20.7

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!"

1Kgs.20.7

The king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said to them, "See how this man is looking for trouble! When he sent for my wives and my children, my silver and my gold, I did not refuse him."

1Kgs.20.7

So the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, "Notice, please, and see how this man seeks trouble, for he sent to me for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold; and I did not deny him."

1Kgs.20.7

Then Ahab summoned all the leaders of the land and said to them, "Look how this man is stirring up trouble! I already agreed when he sent the message demanding that I give him my wives and children and silver and gold."

1Kgs.20.8

The elders, backed by the people, said, "Don't cave in to him. Don't give an inch."

1Kgs.20.8

The elders and the people all answered, "Don't listen to him or agree to his demands."

1Kgs.20.8

And all the elders and all the people said to him, "Do not listen or consent."

1Kgs.20.8

"Don't give in to any more demands," the leaders and people advised.

1Kgs.20.9

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.

1Kgs.20.9

So he replied to Ben-Hadad's messengers, "Tell my lord the king, 'Your servant will do all you demanded the first time, but this demand I cannot meet.'" They left and took the answer back to Ben-Hadad.

1Kgs.20.9

Therefore he said to the messengers of Ben-Hadad, "Tell my lord the king, "All that you sent for to your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do."' And the messengers departed and brought back word to him.

1Kgs.20.9

So Ahab told the messengers from Ben-hadad, "Say this to my lord the king: `I will give you everything you asked for the first time, but this last demand of yours I simply cannot meet.'" So the messengers returned to Ben-hadad with the response.

1Kgs.20.10

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."

1Kgs.20.10

Then Ben-Hadad sent another message to Ahab: "May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if enough dust remains in Samaria to give each of my men a handful."

1Kgs.20.10

Then Ben-Hadad sent to him and said, "The gods do so to me, and more also, if enough dust is left of Samaria for a handful for each of the people who follow me."

1Kgs.20.10

Then Ben-hadad sent this message to Ahab: "May the gods bring tragedy on me, and even worse than that, if there remains enough dust from Samaria to provide more than a handful for each of my soldiers."

1Kgs.20.11

The king of Israel countered, "Think about it--it's easier to start a fight than end one."

1Kgs.20.11

The king of Israel answered, "Tell him: 'One who puts on his armor should not boast like one who takes it off.'"

1Kgs.20.11

So the king of Israel answered and said, "Tell him, "Let not the one who puts on his armor boast like the one who takes it off."'

1Kgs.20.11

The king of Israel sent back this answer: "A warrior still dressing for battle should not boast like a warrior who has already won."

1Kgs.20.12

It happened that when Ben-Hadad heard this retort he was into some heavy drinking, boozing it up with the sheiks in their field shelters. Drunkenly, he ordered his henchmen, "Go after them!" And they attacked the city.

1Kgs.20.12

Ben-Hadad heard this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he ordered his men: "Prepare to attack." So they prepared to attack the city.

1Kgs.20.12

And it happened when Ben-Hadad heard this message, as he and the kings were drinking at the command post, that he said to his servants, "Get ready." And they got ready to attack the city.

1Kgs.20.12

This reply of Ahab's reached Ben-hadad and the other kings as they were drinking in their tents. "Prepare to attack!" Ben-hadad commanded his officers. So they prepared to attack the city.

1Kgs.20.13

Just then a lone prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, "GOD's word: Have you taken a good look at this mob? Well, look again--I'm turning it over to you this very day. And you'll know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am GOD."

1Kgs.20.13

Meanwhile a prophet came to Ahab king of Israel and announced, "This is what the LORD says: 'Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know that I am the LORD.'"

1Kgs.20.13

Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, "Thus says the LORD: "Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the LORD."'

1Kgs.20.13

Then a prophet came to see King Ahab and told him, "This is what the LORD says: Do you see all these enemy forces? Today I will hand them all over to you. Then you will know that I am the LORD."

1Kgs.20.14

Ahab said, "Really? And who is going to make this happen?" GOD said, "The young commandos of the regional chiefs.And who," said Ahab, "will strike the first blow?" GOD said, "You."

1Kgs.20.14

"But who will do this?" asked Ahab. The prophet replied, "This is what the LORD says: 'The young officers of the provincial commanders will do it.' And who will start the battle?" he asked. The prophet answered, "You will."

1Kgs.20.14

So Ahab said, "By whom?" And he said, "Thus says the LORD: "By the young leaders of the provinces."' Then he said, "Who will set the battle in order?" And he answered, "You."

1Kgs.20.14

Ahab asked, "How will he do it?" And the prophet replied, "This is what the LORD says: The troops of the provincial commanders will do it.Should we attack first?" Ahab asked. "Yes," the prophet answered.

1Kgs.20.15

Ahab looked over the commandos of the regional chiefs; he counted 232. Then he assessed the available troops--7,000.

1Kgs.20.15

So Ahab summoned the young officers of the provincial commanders, 232 men. Then he assembled the rest of the Israelites, 7,000 in all.

1Kgs.20.15

Then he mustered the young leaders of the provinces, and there were two hundred and thirty-two; and after them he mustered all the people, all the children of Israel--seven thousand.

1Kgs.20.15

So Ahab mustered the troops of the 232 provincial commanders. Then he called out the rest of his army of seven thousand men.

1Kgs.20.16

At noon they set out after Ben-Hadad who, with his allies, the thirty-two sheiks, was busy at serious drinking in the field shelters.

1Kgs.20.16

They set out at noon while Ben-Hadad and the 32 kings allied with him were in their tents getting drunk.

1Kgs.20.16

So they went out at noon. Meanwhile Ben-Hadad and the thirty-two kings helping him were getting drunk at the command post.

1Kgs.20.16

About noontime, as Ben-hadad and the thirty-two allied kings were still in their tents getting drunk,

1Kgs.20.17

The commandos of the regional chiefs made up the vanguard. A report was brought to Ben-Hadad: "Men are on their way from Samaria."

1Kgs.20.17

The young officers of the provincial commanders went out first. Now Ben-Hadad had dispatched scouts, who reported, "Men are advancing from Samaria."

1Kgs.20.17

The young leaders of the provinces went out first. And Ben-Hadad sent out a patrol, and they told him, saying, "Men are coming out of Samaria!"

1Kgs.20.17

the troops of the provincial commanders marched out of the city. As they approached, Ben-hadad's scouts reported to him, "Some troops are coming from Samaria."

1Kgs.20.18

He said, "If they've come in peace, take them alive as hostages; if they've come to fight, the same--take them alive as hostages."

1Kgs.20.18

He said, "If they have come out for peace, take them alive; if they have come out for war, take them alive."

1Kgs.20.18

So he said, "If they have come out for peace, take them alive; and if they have come out for war, take them alive."

1Kgs.20.18

"Take them alive," Ben-hadad commanded, "whether they have come for peace or for war."

1Kgs.20.19

The commandos poured out of the city with the full army behind them.

1Kgs.20.19

The young officers of the provincial commanders marched out of the city with the army behind them

1Kgs.20.19

Then these young leaders of the provinces went out of the city with the army which followed them.

1Kgs.20.19

But by now Ahab's provincial commanders had led the army out to fight.

1Kgs.20.20

They hit hard in hand-to-hand combat. The Arameans scattered from the field, with Israel hard on their heels. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram got away on horseback, along with his cavalry.

1Kgs.20.20

and each one struck down his opponent. At that, the Arameans fled, with the Israelites in pursuit. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram escaped on horseback with some of his horsemen.

1Kgs.20.20

And each one killed his man; so the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them; and Ben-Hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the cavalry.

1Kgs.20.20

Each Israelite soldier killed his Aramean opponent, and suddenly the entire Aramean army panicked and fled. The Israelites chased them, but King Ben-hadad and a few others escaped on horses.

1Kgs.20.21

The king of Israel cut down both horses and chariots--an enormous defeat for Aram.

1Kgs.20.21

The king of Israel advanced and overpowered the horses and chariots and inflicted heavy losses on the Arameans.

1Kgs.20.21

Then the king of Israel went out and attacked the horses and chariots, and killed the Syrians with a great slaughter.

1Kgs.20.21

However, the other horses and chariots were destroyed, and the Arameans were killed in a great slaughter.

1Kgs.20.22

Sometime later the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, "On the alert now--build up your army, assess your capabilities, and see what has to be done. Before the year is out, the king of Aram will be back in force."

1Kgs.20.22

Afterward, the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, "Strengthen your position and see what must be done, because next spring the king of Aram will attack you again."

1Kgs.20.22

And the prophet came to the king of Israel and said to him, "Go, strengthen yourself; take note, and see what you should do, for in the spring of the year the king of Syria will come up against you."

1Kgs.20.22

Afterward the prophet said to King Ahab, "Get ready for another attack by the king of Aram next spring."

1Kgs.20.23

Meanwhile the advisors to the king of Aram said, "Their god is a god of the mountains--we don't stand a chance against them there. So let's engage them on the plain where we'll have the advantage.

1Kgs.20.23

Meanwhile, the officials of the king of Aram advised him, "Their gods are gods of the hills. That is why they were too strong for us. But if we fight them on the plains, surely we will be stronger than they.

1Kgs.20.23

Then the servants of the king of Syria said to him, "Their gods are gods of the hills. Therefore they were stronger than we; but if we fight against them in the plain, surely we will be stronger than they.

1Kgs.20.23

After their defeat, Ben-hadad's officers said to him, "The Israelite gods are gods of the hills; that is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains.

1Kgs.20.24

Here's the strategy: Remove each sheik from his place of leadership and replace him with a seasoned officer.

1Kgs.20.24

Do this: Remove all the kings from their commands and replace them with other officers.

1Kgs.20.24

So do this thing: Dismiss the kings, each from his position, and put captains in their places;

1Kgs.20.24

Only this time replace the kings with field commanders!

1Kgs.20.25

Then recruit a fighting force equivalent in size to the army that deserted earlier--horse for horse, chariot for chariot. And we'll fight them on the plain--we're sure to prove stronger than they are." It sounded good to the king; he did what they advised.

1Kgs.20.25

You must also raise an army like the one you lost-horse for horse and chariot for chariot-so we can fight Israel on the plains. Then surely we will be stronger than they." He agreed with them and acted accordingly.

1Kgs.20.25

and you shall muster an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. Then we will fight against them in the plain; surely we will be stronger than they." And he listened to their voice and did so.

1Kgs.20.25

Recruit another army like the one you lost. Give us the same number of horses, chariots, and men, and we will fight against them in the plains. There's not a shadow of a doubt that we will beat them." So King Ben-hadad did as they suggested.

1Kgs.20.26

As the new year approached, Ben-Hadad rallied Aram and they went up to Aphek to make war on Israel.

1Kgs.20.26

The next spring Ben-Hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.

1Kgs.20.26

So it was, in the spring of the year, that Ben-Hadad mustered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.

1Kgs.20.26

The following spring he called up the Aramean army and marched out against Israel, this time at Aphek.

1Kgs.20.27

The Israelite army prepared to fight and took the field to meet Aram. They moved into battle formation before Aram in two camps, like two flocks of goats. The plain was seething with Arameans.

1Kgs.20.27

When the Israelites were also mustered and given provisions, they marched out to meet them. The Israelites camped opposite them like two small flocks of goats, while the Arameans covered the countryside.

1Kgs.20.27

And the children of Israel were mustered and given provisions, and they went against them. Now the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, while the Syrians filled the countryside.

1Kgs.20.27

Israel then mustered its army, set up supply lines, and moved into the battle. But the Israelite army looked like two little flocks of goats in comparison to the vast Aramean forces that filled the countryside!

1Kgs.20.28

Just then a holy man approached the king of Israel saying, "This is GOD's word: Because Aram said, "GOD is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys,' I'll hand over this huge mob of an army to you. Then you'll know that I am GOD."

1Kgs.20.28

The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, "This is what the LORD says: 'Because the Arameans think the LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the LORD.'"

1Kgs.20.28

Then a man of God came and spoke to the king of Israel, and said, "Thus says the LORD: "Because the Syrians have said, "The LORD is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys," therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the LORD."'

1Kgs.20.28

Then the man of God went to the king of Israel and said, "This is what the LORD says: The Arameans have said that the LORD is a god of the hills and not of the plains. So I will help you defeat this vast army. Then you will know that I am the LORD."

1Kgs.20.29

The two armies were poised in a standoff for seven days. On the seventh day fighting broke out. The Israelites killed 100,000 of the Aramean infantry in one day.

1Kgs.20.29

For seven days they camped opposite each other, and on the seventh day the battle was joined. The Israelites inflicted a hundred thousand casualties on the Aramean foot soldiers in one day.

1Kgs.20.29

And they encamped opposite each other for seven days. So it was that on the seventh day the battle was joined; and the children of Israel killed one hundred thousand foot soldiers of the Syrians in one day.

1Kgs.20.29

The two armies camped opposite each other for seven days, and on the seventh day the battle began. The Israelites killed 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers in one day.

1Kgs.20.30

The rest of the army ran for their lives back to the city, Aphek, only to have the city wall fall on 27,000 of the survivors. Ben-Hadad escaped into the city and hid in a closet.

1Kgs.20.30

The rest of them escaped to the city of Aphek, where the wall collapsed on twenty-seven thousand of them. And Ben-Hadad fled to the city and hid in an inner room.

1Kgs.20.30

But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; then a wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the men who were left. And Ben-Hadad fled and went into the city, into an inner chamber.

1Kgs.20.30

The rest fled behind the walls of Aphek, but the wall fell on them and killed another 27,000. Ben-hadad fled into the city and hid in a secret room.

1Kgs.20.31

Then his advisors told him, "Look, we've heard that the kings of Israel play by the rules; let's dress in old gunnysacks, carry a white flag of truce, and present ourselves to the king of Israel on the chance that he'll let you live."

1Kgs.20.31

His officials said to him, "Look, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful. Let us go to the king of Israel with sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life."

1Kgs.20.31

Then his servants said to him, "Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Please, let us put sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads, and go out to the king of Israel; perhaps he will spare your life."

1Kgs.20.31

Ben-hadad's officers said to him, "Sir, we have heard that the kings of Israel are very merciful. So let's humble ourselves by wearing sackcloth and putting ropes on our heads. Then perhaps King Ahab will let you live."

1Kgs.20.32

So that's what they did. They dressed in old gunnysacks and carried a white flag, and came to the king of Israel saying, "Your servant Ben-Hadad said, "Please let me live.'" Ahab said, "You mean to tell me that he's still alive? If he's alive, he's my brother."

1Kgs.20.32

Wearing sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said, "Your servant Ben-Hadad says: 'Please let me live.'" The king answered, "Is he still alive? He is my brother."

1Kgs.20.32

So they wore sackcloth around their waists and put ropes around their heads, and came to the king of Israel and said, "Your servant Ben-Hadad says, "Please let me live."' And he said, "Is he still alive? He is my brother."

1Kgs.20.32

So they put on sackcloth and ropes and went to the king of Israel and begged, "Your servant Ben-hadad says, `Please let me live!'" The king of Israel responded, "Is he still alive? He is my brother!"

1Kgs.20.33

The men took this as a good sign and concluded that everything was going to be all right: "Ben-Hadad is most certainly your brother!" The king said, "Go and get him." They went and brought him back by chariot.

1Kgs.20.33

The men took this as a good sign and were quick to pick up his word. "Yes, your brother Ben-Hadad!" they said. "Go and get him," the king said. When Ben-Hadad came out, Ahab had him come up into his chariot.

1Kgs.20.33

Now the men were watching closely to see whether any sign of mercy would come from him; and they quickly grasped at this word and said, "Your brother Ben-Hadad." So he said, "Go, bring him." Then Ben-Hadad came out to him; and he had him come up into the chariot.

1Kgs.20.33

The men were quick to grasp at this straw of hope, and they replied, "Yes, your brother Ben-hadad!Go and get him," the king of Israel told them. And when Ben-hadad arrived, Ahab invited him up into his chariot!

1Kgs.20.34

Ahab said, "I am prepared to return the cities that my father took from your father. And you can set up your headquarters in Damascus just as my father did in Samaria; I'll send you home under safe conduct." Then he made a covenant with him and sent him off.

1Kgs.20.34

"I will return the cities my father took from your father," Ben-Hadad offered. "You may set up your own market areas in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria." Ahab said, "On the basis of a treaty I will set you free." So he made a treaty with him, and let him go.

1Kgs.20.34

So Ben-Hadad said to him, "The cities which my father took from your father I will restore; and you may set up marketplaces for yourself in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria." Then Ahab said, "I will send you away with this treaty." So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.

1Kgs.20.34

Ben-hadad told him, "I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria." Then Ahab said, "I will let you go under these conditions." So they made a treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free.

1Kgs.20.35

A man who was one of the prophets said to a bystander, "Hit me; wound me. Do it for GOD's sake--it's his command. Hit me; wound me." But the man wouldn't do it.

1Kgs.20.35

By the word of the LORD one of the sons of the prophets said to his companion, "Strike me with your weapon," but the man refused.

1Kgs.20.35

Now a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor by the word of the LORD, "Strike me, please." And the man refused to strike him.

1Kgs.20.35

Meanwhile, the LORD instructed one of the group of prophets to say to another man, "Strike me!" But the man refused to strike the prophet.

1Kgs.20.36

So he told him, "Because you wouldn't obey GOD's orders, as soon as you leave me a lion will attack you." No sooner had the man left his side than a lion met him and attacked.

1Kgs.20.36

So the prophet said, "Because you have not obeyed the LORD, as soon as you leave me a lion will kill you." And after the man went away, a lion found him and killed him.

1Kgs.20.36

Then he said to him, "Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, surely, as soon as you depart from me, a lion shall kill you." And as soon as he left him, a lion found him and killed him.

1Kgs.20.36

Then the prophet told him, "Because you have not obeyed the voice of the LORD, a lion will kill you as soon as you leave me." And sure enough, when he had gone, a lion attacked and killed him.

1Kgs.20.37

He then found another man and said, "Hit me; wound me." That man did it--hit him hard in the face, drawing blood.

1Kgs.20.37

The prophet found another man and said, "Strike me, please." So the man struck him and wounded him.

1Kgs.20.37

And he found another man, and said, "Strike me, please." So the man struck him, inflicting a wound.

1Kgs.20.37

Then the prophet turned to another man and said, "Strike me!" So he struck the prophet and wounded him.

1Kgs.20.38

Then the prophet went and took a position along the road, with a bandage over his eyes, waiting for the king.

1Kgs.20.38

Then the prophet went and stood by the road waiting for the king. He disguised himself with his headband down over his eyes.

1Kgs.20.38

Then the prophet departed and waited for the king by the road, and disguised himself with a bandage over his eyes.

1Kgs.20.38

The prophet waited for the king beside the road, having placed a bandage over his eyes to disguise himself.

1Kgs.20.39

It wasn't long before the king happened by. The man cried out to the king, "Your servant was in the thick of the battle when a man showed up and turned over a prisoner to me, saying, "Guard this man with your life; if he turns up missing you'll pay dearly.'

1Kgs.20.39

As the king passed by, the prophet called out to him, "Your servant went into the thick of the battle, and someone came to me with a captive and said, 'Guard this man. If he is missing, it will be your life for his life, or you must pay a talent of silver.'

1Kgs.20.39

Now as the king passed by, he cried out to the king and said, "Your servant went out into the midst of the battle; and there, a man came over and brought a man to me, and said, "Guard this man; if by any means he is missing, your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.'

1Kgs.20.39

As the king passed by, the prophet called out to him, "Sir, I was in the battle, and a man brought me a prisoner. He said, `Guard this man; if for any reason he gets away, you will either die or pay a fine of seventy-five pounds of silver!'

1Kgs.20.40

But I got busy doing one thing after another and the next time I looked he was gone." The king of Israel said, "You've just pronounced your own verdict."

1Kgs.20.40

While your servant was busy here and there, the man disappeared.That is your sentence," the king of Israel said. "You have pronounced it yourself."

1Kgs.20.40

While your servant was busy here and there, he was gone." Then the king of Israel said to him, "So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it."

1Kgs.20.40

But while I was busy doing something else, the prisoner disappeared!Well, it's your own fault," the king replied. "You have determined your own judgment."

1Kgs.20.41

At that, the man ripped the bandage off his eyes and the king recognized who he was--one of the prophets!

1Kgs.20.41

Then the prophet quickly removed the headband from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.

1Kgs.20.41

And he hastened to take the bandage away from his eyes; and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.

1Kgs.20.41

Then the prophet pulled the bandage from his eyes, and the king of Israel recognized him as one of the prophets.

1Kgs.20.42

The man said to the king, "GOD's word: Because you let a man go who was under sentence by GOD, it's now your life for his, your people for his."

1Kgs.20.42

He said to the king, "This is what the LORD says: 'You have set free a man I had determined should die. Therefore it is your life for his life, your people for his people.'"

1Kgs.20.42

Then he said to him, "Thus says the LORD: "Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people."'

1Kgs.20.42

And the prophet told him, "This is what the LORD says: Because you have spared the man I said must be destroyed, now you must die in his place, and your people will die instead of his people."

1Kgs.20.43

The king of Israel went home in a sulk. He arrived in Samaria in a very bad mood.

1Kgs.20.43

Sullen and angry, the king of Israel went to his palace in Samaria.

1Kgs.20.43

So the king of Israel went to his house sullen and displeased, and came to Samaria.

1Kgs.20.43

So the king of Israel went home to Samaria angry and sullen.

1Kgs.21.1

And then, to top it off, came this: Naboth the Jezreelite owned a vineyard in Jezreel that bordered the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

1Kgs.21.1

Some time later there was an incident involving a vineyard belonging to Naboth the Jezreelite. The vineyard was in Jezreel, close to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

1Kgs.21.1

And it came to pass after these things that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard which was in Jezreel, next to the palace of Ahab king of Samaria.

1Kgs.21.1

King Ahab had a palace in Jezreel, and near the palace was a vineyard owned by a man named Naboth.

1Kgs.21.2

One day Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, "Give me your vineyard so I can use it as a kitchen garden; it's right next to my house--so convenient. In exchange I'll give you a far better vineyard, or if you'd prefer I'll pay you money for it."

1Kgs.21.2

Ahab said to Naboth, "Let me have your vineyard to use for a vegetable garden, since it is close to my palace. In exchange I will give you a better vineyard or, if you prefer, I will pay you whatever it is worth."

1Kgs.21.2

So Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, "Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a vegetable garden, because it is near, next to my house; and for it I will give you a vineyard better than it. Or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its worth in money."

1Kgs.21.2

One day Ahab said to Naboth, "Since your vineyard is so convenient to the palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it."

1Kgs.21.3

But Naboth told Ahab, "Not on your life! So help me GOD, I'd never sell the family farm to you!"

1Kgs.21.3

But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers."

1Kgs.21.3

But Naboth said to Ahab, "The LORD forbid that I should give the inheritance of my fathers to you!"

1Kgs.21.3

But Naboth replied, "The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors."

1Kgs.21.4

Ahab went home in a black mood, sulking over Naboth the Jezreelite's words, "I'll never turn over my family inheritance to you." He went to bed, stuffed his face in his pillow, and refused to eat.

1Kgs.21.4

So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat.

1Kgs.21.4

So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no food.

1Kgs.21.4

So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth's answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat!

1Kgs.21.5

Jezebel his wife came to him. She said, "What's going on? Why are you so out of sorts and refusing to eat?"

1Kgs.21.5

His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, "Why are you so sullen? Why won't you eat?"

1Kgs.21.5

But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said to him, "Why is your spirit so sullen that you eat no food?"

1Kgs.21.5

"What in the world is the matter?" his wife, Jezebel, asked him. "What has made you so upset that you are not eating?"

1Kgs.21.6

He told her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite. I said, "Give me your vineyard--I'll pay you for it or, if you'd rather, I'll give you another vineyard in exchange.' And he said, "I'll never give you my vineyard.'"

1Kgs.21.6

He answered her, "Because I said to Naboth the Jezreelite, 'Sell me your vineyard; or if you prefer, I will give you another vineyard in its place.' But he said, 'I will not give you my vineyard.'"

1Kgs.21.6

He said to her, "Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite, and said to him, "Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if it pleases you, I will give you another vineyard for it.' And he answered, "I will not give you my vineyard."'

1Kgs.21.6

"I asked Naboth to sell me his vineyard or to trade it, and he refused!" Ahab told her.

1Kgs.21.7

Jezebel said, "Is this any way for a king of Israel to act? Aren't you the boss? On your feet! Eat! Cheer up! I'll take care of this; I'll get the vineyard of this Naboth the Jezreelite for you."

1Kgs.21.7

Jezebel his wife said, "Is this how you act as king over Israel? Get up and eat! Cheer up. I'll get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."

1Kgs.21.7

Then Jezebel his wife said to him, "You now exercise authority over Israel! Arise, eat food, and let your heart be cheerful; I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite."

1Kgs.21.7

"Are you the king of Israel or not?" Jezebel asked. "Get up and eat and don't worry about it. I'll get you Naboth's vineyard!"

1Kgs.21.8

She wrote letters over Ahab's signature, stamped them with his official seal, and sent them to the elders in Naboth's city and to the civic leaders.

1Kgs.21.8

So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, placed his seal on them, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city with him.

1Kgs.21.8

And she wrote letters in Ahab's name, sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and the nobles who were dwelling in the city with Naboth.

1Kgs.21.8

So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and other leaders of the city where Naboth lived.

1Kgs.21.9

She wrote "Call for a fast day and put Naboth at the head table.

1Kgs.21.9

In those letters she wrote: "Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people.

1Kgs.21.9

She wrote in the letters, saying, 4 Proclaim a fast, and seat Naboth with high honor among the people;

1Kgs.21.9

In her letters she commanded: "Call the citizens together for fasting and prayer and give Naboth a place of honor.

1Kgs.21.10

Then seat a couple of stool pigeons across from him who, in front of everybody will say, "You! You blasphemed God and the king!' Then they'll throw him out and stone him to death."

1Kgs.21.10

But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death."

1Kgs.21.10

and seat two men, scoundrels, before him to bear witness against him, saying, You have blasphemed God and the king. Then take him out, and stone him, that he may die.

1Kgs.21.10

Find two scoundrels who will accuse him of cursing God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death."

1Kgs.21.11

And they did it. The men of the city--the elders and civic leaders--followed Jezebel's instructions that she wrote in the letters sent to them.

1Kgs.21.11

So the elders and nobles who lived in Naboth's city did as Jezebel directed in the letters she had written to them.

1Kgs.21.11

So the men of his city, the elders and nobles who were inhabitants of his city, did as Jezebel had sent to them, as it was written in the letters which she had sent to them.

1Kgs.21.11

So the elders and other leaders followed the instructions Jezebel had written in the letters.

1Kgs.21.12

They called for a fast day and seated Naboth at the head table.

1Kgs.21.12

They proclaimed a fast and seated Naboth in a prominent place among the people.

1Kgs.21.12

They proclaimed a fast, and seated Naboth with high honor among the people.

1Kgs.21.12

They called for a fast and put Naboth at a prominent place before the people.

1Kgs.21.13

Then they brought in two stool pigeons and seated them opposite Naboth. In front of everybody the two degenerates accused him, "He blasphemed God and the king!" The company threw him out in the street, stoned him mercilessly, and he died.

1Kgs.21.13

Then two scoundrels came and sat opposite him and brought charges against Naboth before the people, saying, "Naboth has cursed both God and the king." So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death.

1Kgs.21.13

And two men, scoundrels, came in and sat before him; and the scoundrels witnessed against him, against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, "Naboth has blasphemed God and the king!" Then they took him outside the city and stoned him with stones, so that he died.

1Kgs.21.13

Then two scoundrels accused him before all the people of cursing God and the king. So he was dragged outside the city and stoned to death.

1Kgs.21.14

When Jezebel got word that Naboth had been stoned to death, she told Ahab, "Go for it, Ahab--take the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite for your own, the vineyard he refused to sell you. Naboth is no more; Naboth is dead."

1Kgs.21.14

Then they sent word to Jezebel: "Naboth has been stoned and is dead."

1Kgs.21.14

Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, "Naboth has been stoned and is dead."

1Kgs.21.14

The city officials then sent word to Jezebel, "Naboth has been stoned to death."

1Kgs.21.15

The minute Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he set out for the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite and claimed it for his own.

1Kgs.21.15

As soon as Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned to death, she said to Ahab, "Get up and take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite that he refused to sell you. He is no longer alive, but dead."

1Kgs.21.15

And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, "Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead."

1Kgs.21.15

When Jezebel heard the news, she said to Ahab, "You know the vineyard Naboth wouldn't sell you? Well, you can have it now! He's dead!"

1Kgs.21.16

Then GOD stepped in and spoke to Elijah the Tishbite,

1Kgs.21.16

When Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he got up and went down to take possession of Naboth's vineyard.

1Kgs.21.16

So it was, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab got up and went down to take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

1Kgs.21.16

So Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard to claim it.

1Kgs.21.17

"On your feet; go down and confront Ahab of Samaria, king of Israel. You'll find him in the vineyard of Naboth; he's gone there to claim it as his own.

1Kgs.21.17

Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite:

1Kgs.21.17

Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

1Kgs.21.17

But the LORD said to Elijah, who was from Tishbe,

1Kgs.21.18

Say this to him: "GOD's word: What's going on here? First murder, then theft?' Then tell him, "GOD's verdict: The very spot where the dogs lapped up Naboth's blood, they'll lap up your blood--that's right, your blood.'"

1Kgs.21.18

"Go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He is now in Naboth's vineyard, where he has gone to take possession of it.

1Kgs.21.18

"Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who lives in Samaria. There he is, in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone down to take possession of it.

1Kgs.21.18

"Go down to meet King Ahab, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth's vineyard in Jezreel, taking possession of it.

1Kgs.21.19

Ahab answered Elijah, "My enemy! So, you've run me down!Yes, I've found you out," said Elijah. "And because you've bought into the business of evil, defying GOD.

1Kgs.21.19

Say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: Have you not murdered a man and seized his property?' Then say to him, 'This is what the LORD says: In the place where dogs licked up Naboth's blood, dogs will lick up your blood-yes, yours!'"

1Kgs.21.19

You shall speak to him, saying, "Thus says the LORD: "Have you murdered and also taken possession?"' And you shall speak to him, saying, "Thus says the LORD: "In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood, even yours.""'

1Kgs.21.19

Give him this message: `This is what the LORD says: Isn't killing Naboth bad enough? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood outside the city just as they licked the blood of Naboth!'"

1Kgs.21.20

"I will most certainly bring doom upon you, make mincemeat of your descendants, kill off every sorry male wretch who's even remotely connected with the name Ahab.

1Kgs.21.20

Ahab said to Elijah, "So you have found me, my enemy!I have found you," he answered, "because you have sold yourself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD.

1Kgs.21.20

So Ahab said to Elijah, "Have you found me, O my enemy?" And he answered, "I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD:

1Kgs.21.20

"So my enemy has found me!" Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. "Yes," Elijah answered, "I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD's sight.

1Kgs.21.21

And I'll bring down on you the same fate that fell on Jeroboam son of Nebat and Baasha son of Ahijah--you've made me that angry by making Israel sin.'"

1Kgs.21.21

'I am going to bring disaster on you. I will consume your descendants and cut off from Ahab every last male in Israel-slave or free.

1Kgs.21.21

"Behold, I will bring calamity on you. I will take away your posterity, and will cut off from Ahab every male in Israel, both bond and free.

1Kgs.21.21

The LORD is going to bring disaster to you and sweep you away. He will not let a single one of your male descendants, slave or free alike, survive in Israel!

1Kgs.21.22

As for Jezebel, GOD said, "Dogs will fight over the flesh of Jezebel all over Jezreel.

1Kgs.21.22

I will make your house like that of Jeroboam son of Nebat and that of Baasha son of Ahijah, because you have provoked me to anger and have caused Israel to sin.'

1Kgs.21.22

I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, because of the provocation with which you have provoked Me to anger, and made Israel sin.'

1Kgs.21.22

He is going to destroy your family as he did the family of Jeroboam son of Nebat and the family of Baasha son of Ahijah, for you have made him very angry and have led all of Israel into sin.

1Kgs.21.23

Anyone tainted by Ahab who dies in the city will be eaten by stray dogs; corpses in the country will be eaten by carrion crows."

1Kgs.21.23

"And also concerning Jezebel the LORD says: 'Dogs will devour Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.'

1Kgs.21.23

And concerning Jezebel the LORD also spoke, saying, "The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.'

1Kgs.21.23

The LORD has also told me that the dogs of Jezreel will eat the body of your wife, Jezebel, at the city wall.

1Kgs.21.24

Ahab, pushed by his wife Jezebel and in open defiance of GOD, set an all-time record in making big business of evil.

1Kgs.21.24

"Dogs will eat those belonging to Ahab who die in the city, and the birds of the air will feed on those who die in the country."

1Kgs.21.24

The dogs shall eat whoever belongs to Ahab and dies in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat whoever dies in the field."

1Kgs.21.24

The members of your family who die in the city will be eaten by dogs, and those who die in the field will be eaten by vultures."

1Kgs.21.25

He indulged in outrageous obscenities in the world of idols, copying the Amorites whom GOD had earlier kicked out of Israelite territory.

1Kgs.21.25

(There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, urged on by Jezebel his wife.

1Kgs.21.25

But there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the LORD, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up.

1Kgs.21.25

No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD's sight as did Ahab, for his wife, Jezebel, influenced him.

1Kgs.21.26

When Ahab heard what Elijah had to say, he ripped his clothes to shreds, dressed in penitential rough burlap, and fasted. He even slept in coarse burlap pajamas. He tiptoed around, quiet as a mouse.

1Kgs.21.26

He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the LORD drove out before Israel.)

1Kgs.21.26

And he behaved very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites had done, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel.

1Kgs.21.26

He was especially guilty because he worshiped idols just as the Amorites had done--the people whom the LORD had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites.

1Kgs.21.27

Then GOD spoke to Elijah the Tishbite:

1Kgs.21.27

When Ahab heard these words, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.

1Kgs.21.27

So it was, when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his body, and fasted and lay in sackcloth, and went about mourning.

1Kgs.21.27

When Ahab heard this message, he tore his clothing, dressed in sackcloth, and fasted. He even slept in sackcloth and went about in deep mourning.

1Kgs.21.28

"Do you see how penitently submissive Ahab has become to me? Because of his repentance I'll not bring the doom during his lifetime; Ahab's son, though, will get it."

1Kgs.21.28

Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite:

1Kgs.21.28

And the word of the LORD came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

1Kgs.21.28

Then another message from the LORD came to Elijah, who was from Tishbe:

1Kgs.21.29

1Kgs.21.29

"Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself, I will not bring this disaster in his day, but I will bring it on his house in the days of his son."

1Kgs.21.29

"See how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has humbled himself before Me, I will not bring the calamity in his days. In the days of his son I will bring the calamity on his house."

1Kgs.21.29

"Do you see how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has done this, I will not do what I promised during his lifetime. It will happen to his sons; I will destroy all his descendants."