1 Kings 20:10
1 Kings 20:10 in Multiple Translations
Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.”
And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.
And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.
Then Ben-hadad sent to him, saying, May the gods' punishment be on me if there is enough of the dust of Samaria for all the people at my feet to take some in their hands.
Ben-hadad responded to him, “May the gods do as much to me and more if there remains enough dust in Samaria to give my subjects a handful each!”
And Ben-hadad sent vnto him, and sayde, The gods do so to me and more also, if the dust of Samaria be ynough to all the people that follow me, for euery man an handfull.
And Ben-Hadad sendeth unto him, and saith, 'Thus do the gods to me, and thus do they add, if the dust of Samaria suffice for handfuls for all the people who [are] at my feet.'
Ben Hadad sent to him, and said, “The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria will be enough for handfuls for all the people who follow me.”
And Ben-hadad sent to him, and said, The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.
And the messengers returning brought him word. And he sent again and said: Such and such things may the gods do to me, and more may they add, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.
In that message he said, “We will destroy your city completely, with the result that there will not be enough dust and rubble left for each of my soldiers to have one handful! I hope/wish that the gods will strike me dead if we do not do that!”
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Kings 20:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Kings 20:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
אֵלָי/ו֙
בֶּן
הֲדַ֔ד
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
כֹּֽה
יַעֲשׂ֥וּ/ן
לִ֛/י
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
וְ/כֹ֣ה
יוֹסִ֑פוּ
אִם
יִשְׂפֹּק֙
עֲפַ֣ר
שֹׁמְר֔וֹן
לִ/שְׁעָלִ֕ים
לְ/כָל
הָ/עָ֖ם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
בְּ/רַגְלָֽ/י
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
בֶּן
Ben-Hădad
H1130
Ben-hadad
N-proper
הֲדַ֔ד
Ben-Hădad
H1130
Ben-hadad
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
thus
Adv
יַעֲשׂ֥וּ/ן
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Juss-3mp | Suff
לִ֛/י
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וְ/כֹ֣ה
kôh
H3541
thus
Conj | Adv
יוֹסִ֑פוּ
yâçaph
H3254
to add
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יִשְׂפֹּק֙
çâphaq
H5606
to slap
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
עֲפַ֣ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
שֹׁמְר֔וֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
Samaria
N-proper
לִ/שְׁעָלִ֕ים
shôʻal
H8168
handful
Prep | N-mp
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
בְּ/רַגְלָֽ/י
regel
H7272
foot
Prep | N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Kings 20:10
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֵלָי/ו֙
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
בֶּן
Ben-Hădad
H1130
"Ben-hadad"
N-proper
Ben-Hadad was a Syrian king during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3. His name means son of the false god Hadad. He was a contemporary of Asa of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.3; son of: Hazael (H2371) § Ben-hadad = "son of [the false god] Hadad" 1) the king of Syria, contemporary with Asa of Judah 2) the son of Hazael, also king of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Benhadad. See also: 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 20:32; Jeremiah 49:27.
הֲדַ֔ד
Ben-Hădad
H1130
"Ben-hadad"
N-proper
Ben-Hadad was a Syrian king during the Divided Monarchy, mentioned in 2 Kings 13:3. His name means son of the false god Hadad. He was a contemporary of Asa of Judah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.13.3; son of: Hazael (H2371) § Ben-hadad = "son of [the false god] Hadad" 1) the king of Syria, contemporary with Asa of Judah 2) the son of Hazael, also king of Syria
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: Benhadad. See also: 1 Kings 15:18; 1 Kings 20:32; Jeremiah 49:27.
וַ/יֹּ֕אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כֹּֽה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יַעֲשׂ֥וּ/ן
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
לִ֛/י
""
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/כֹ֣ה
kôh
H3541
"thus"
Conj | Adv
This Hebrew word means thus or in this manner. It can also indicate a location or time, such as here or now. The KJV translates it in various ways, including also, here, and so.
Definition: 1) thus, here, in this manner 1a) thus, so 1b) here, here and there 1c) until now, until now...until then, meanwhile Aramaic equivalent: kah (כָּה "thus" H3542)
Usage: Occurs in 541 OT verses. KJV: also, here, + hitherto, like, on the other side, so (and much), such, on that manner, (on) this (manner, side, way, way and that way), + mean while, yonder. See also: Genesis 15:5; 1 Kings 22:20; Isaiah 7:7.
יוֹסִ֑פוּ
yâçaph
H3254
"to add"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3mp
To add means to increase or do something again, like adding more of something or continuing an action. This word is used in the Bible to describe growth or repetition.
Definition: : add/more[amount] 1) to add, increase, do again 1a) (Qal) to add, increase, do again 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to join, join oneself to 1b2) to be joined, be added to 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to add, increase 1c2) to do more, do again
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: add, [idiom] again, [idiom] any more, [idiom] cease, [idiom] come more, [phrase] conceive again, continue, exceed, [idiom] further, [idiom] gather together, get more, give more-over, [idiom] henceforth, increase (more and more), join, [idiom] longer (bring, do, make, much, put), [idiom] (the, much, yet) more (and more), proceed (further), prolong, put, be (strong-) er, [idiom] yet, yield. See also: Genesis 4:2; 2 Samuel 19:14; Psalms 10:18.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יִשְׂפֹּק֙
çâphaq
H5606
"to slap"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To suffice or be enough is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also mean to clap hands in satisfaction or grief. The KJV translates it as 'clap, smite, strike, suffice, wallow'.
Definition: 1) to clap, slap 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to slap, clap 1a2) to slap, chastise 1a3) to splash, throw up 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to clap
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: clap, smite, strike, suffice, wallow. See also: Numbers 24:10; Isaiah 2:6; Jeremiah 31:19.
עֲפַ֣ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
שֹׁמְר֔וֹן
Shômᵉrôwn
H8111
"Samaria"
N-proper
Samaria means watch mountain, a region in northern Palestine and the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, located near Jerusalem. It was the kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel after Solomon's death.
Definition: § Samaria = "watch mountain" 1) the region of northern Palestine associated with the northern kingdom of the 10 tribes of Israel which split from the kingdom after the death of Solomon during the reign of his son Rehoboam and were ruled by Jeroboam 2) the capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel located 30 miles (50 km) north of Jerusalem and 6 miles (10 km) northwest of Shechem
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Samaria. See also: 1 Kings 13:32; 2 Kings 17:5; Isaiah 7:9.
לִ/שְׁעָלִ֕ים
shôʻal
H8168
"handful"
Prep | N-mp
This term means the hollow of the hand or a handful, as in Exodus 9:8 and Leviticus 2:2.
Definition: 1) hollow hand, hollow of hand, handful 1a) hollow hand, hollow of hand 1b) handful
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: handful, hollow of the hand. See also: 1 Kings 20:10; Isaiah 40:12; Ezekiel 13:19.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/עָ֖ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
בְּ/רַגְלָֽ/י
regel
H7272
"foot"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
Study Notes — 1 Kings 20:10
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- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:10
- Sermons on 1 Kings 20:10
Context — Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria
8And the elders and the people all said, “Do not listen to him or consent to his terms.”
9So Ahab answered the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you demanded of your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I cannot do.’” So the messengers departed and relayed the message to Ben-hadad.
10Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.”
11And the king of Israel replied, “Tell him: ‘The one putting on his armor should not boast like one taking it off.’” 12Ben-hadad received this message while he and the kings were drinking in their tents, and he said to his servants, “Take your positions.” So they stationed themselves against the city.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 19:2 | So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like the lives of those you killed!” |
| 2 | Exodus 11:8 | And all these officials of yours will come and bow before me, saying, ‘Go, you and all the people who follow you!’ After that, I will depart.” And hot with anger, Moses left Pharaoh’s presence. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 19:23–24 | Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest outposts, the densest of its forests. I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” |
| 4 | Judges 4:10 | where he summoned Zebulun and Naphtali. Ten thousand men followed him, and Deborah also went with him. |
| 5 | Isaiah 37:24–25 | Through your servants you have taunted the Lord, and you have said: “With my many chariots I have ascended to the heights of the mountains, to the remote peaks of Lebanon. I have cut down its tallest cedars, the finest of its cypresses. I have reached its farthest heights, the densest of its forests. I have dug wells and drunk foreign waters. With the soles of my feet I have dried up all the streams of Egypt.” |
| 6 | Acts 23:12 | When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 17:12–13 | Then we will attack David wherever we find him, and we will descend on him like dew on the ground. And of all the men with him, not even one will remain. If he retreats to a city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not even a pebble can be found.” |
| 8 | Isaiah 10:13–14 | For he says: ‘By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, for I am clever. I have removed the boundaries of nations and plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their rulers. My hand reached as into a nest to seize the wealth of the nations. Like one gathering abandoned eggs, I gathered all the earth. No wing fluttered, no beak opened or chirped.’” |
1 Kings 20:10 Summary
This verse shows Ben-hadad's confidence in his military power, as he boasts that he will destroy Samaria so completely that each of his men will only have a handful of dust left. However, this boasting is a warning against pride and arrogance, as seen in other Bible verses like Proverbs 16:18. We can learn from Ben-hadad's example to be humble and cautious, rather than relying on our own strength, and instead trust in God's power and provision, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8. By doing so, we can avoid the dangers of pride and boasting, and instead speak wisely and thoughtfully, as encouraged in James 1:19-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ben-hadad's statement about the gods dealing with him?
Ben-hadad's statement is an oath, invoking the gods to punish him severely if he fails to destroy Samaria, highlighting his confidence in his military power, as seen in similar oaths in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Jeremiah 22:5.
Why does Ben-hadad want to destroy Samaria so completely?
Ben-hadad's desire to destroy Samaria is driven by his desire for power and control, as well as a desire to prove his military superiority, similar to the motivations of other conquerors in the Bible, such as Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:30.
What can we learn from Ben-hadad's boasting?
Ben-hadad's boasting serves as a warning against pride and arrogance, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which states that pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall, and as illustrated in the fall of Lucifer in Isaiah 14:12-15.
How does Ahab's response to Ben-hadad relate to this verse?
Ahab's response, as seen in 1 Kings 20:11, serves as a warning to Ben-hadad not to boast prematurely, highlighting the importance of humility and caution in the face of conflict, as also seen in Proverbs 21:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are the dangers of pride and boasting in my own life, and how can I cultivate humility instead?
- How can I trust in God's power and provision, rather than relying on my own strength, as seen in Psalm 20:7-8?
- What are some ways that I can avoid making idle boasts or threats, and instead speak wisely and thoughtfully, as encouraged in James 1:19-20?
- How can I apply the lesson of Ben-hadad's boasting to my own relationships and interactions with others, and seek to build others up rather than tearing them down, as seen in Ephesians 4:29-32?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Kings 20:10
And Benhadad sent unto him, and said,.... That is, to Ahab: the gods do so unto me, and more also; bring greater evils upon me than I can think or express: if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:10
And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:10
If I do not assault thy city with so potent and numerous an army, that shall turn all thy city into a heap of dust, and shall be sufficient to carry it all away, though every soldier take but one handful of it: see the like boast .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:10
1 Kings 20:10 And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.Ver. 10. The gods do so to me, and more also.] Indictio belli plusquam Thrasonica. Such prodigious pride and presumption usually precedeth ruin. Thus Julian the apostate, going against the Persians, vowed at his return to sacrifice the blood of Christians. So the Constable of France vowed the destruction of Geneva, but God forbade it. If the dust of Samaria.] We shall be able not only to reduce it to dust, but also to carry it away in our hands when we have so done; quanquam aurum quaerebant Syri, non arenam, although it was not dust they came for, but gold, silver, and all desirables.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:10
(10) The dust of Samaria—when razed to the ground. The phrase probably implies a threat of destruction, as well as a boast of overwhelming strength. Josephus (Ant. viii. 14, 2) has a curious explanation—that, if each of the Syrians took only a handful of dust, they could raise a mound against the city, higher than the walls of Samaria. The historian, with a touch of patriotic scorn, paints Ben-hadad as a luxurious and insolent braggart. He receives the message at a feast, “drinking himself drunk,” and, stung by its tone of sarcasm, does not condescend to bestir himself, but orders his servants to an instant attack. The command is given, with a haughty brevity, in a single word (“Set”), which may be “Array troops,” or “Place engines,” as in the margin. The LXX. translates, “Build a stockade” (for attack on the walls).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:10
Verse 10. If the dust of Samaria shall suffice] This is variously understood. Jonathan translates thus: "If the dust of Shomeron shall be sufficient for the soles of the feet of the people that shall accompany me;" i.e., I shall bring such an army that there will scarcely be room for them to stand in Samaria and its vicinity.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Kings 20:10
10. if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me] i.e. I will bring such a host that if each man were but to take with him a handful of earth, Samaria would be all carried away. The boastful tone is quite of a piece with all Ben-hadad’s previous conduct. The LXX. has read ωֻׁ ?ςָ ?μִ ?ιν instead of ωְׁ ?ςָ ?μִ ?ιν and so instead of ‘handfuls’ it gives ταο͂ςἀλώπεξι = ‘for the foxes (or jackals).’ Josephus explains Ben-hadad’s threat to have meant, that the Syrian army, bringing each man his handful of earth, would make a mound against Samaria higher than the present walls. Thus contemptuously hinting at the ease with which he could overthrow the Israelitish fortifications. The original text is incapable of such a sense.
Barnes' Notes on 1 Kings 20:10
If the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls ... - In its general sense this phrase is undoubtedly a boast that the number of Ben-hadad’s troops was such as to make resistance vain and foolish.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Kings 20:10
10. If the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls — That is, I will bring such a host that all the dust of the city of Samaria will not be sufficient to give each soldier a handful.
Sermons on 1 Kings 20:10
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6 Blessings + 6 Barriers by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses six blessings and six barriers in the work of OM (Operation Mobilization). The first blessing is the power of the Holy Spirit, which enables b |
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World Vision - How Om Began by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being moved or discouraged by the challenges and burdens that come with ministry. He encourages listeners to renew thei |
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Promise Keepers - What's It About by George Verwer | In this video, the speaker discusses his decision to put his picture on the cover of a book, despite initially feeling hesitant about it. He mentions being inspired by other admire |
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