1 Kings 20:5

Verse

The messengers came back and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have sent to you to demand your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children.

American Standard Version (1901)

And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Ben-hadad, saying, I sent indeed unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

Bible in Basic English

Then the representatives came back again, and said, These are the words of Ben-hadad: I sent to you saying, Give up to me your silver and your gold, your wives and your children;

Free Bible Version

The messengers returned and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: I have sent you a message demanding you give me your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children.

Geneva Bible 1599

And when the messengers came againe, they said, Thus commandeth Ben-hadad, and saith, When I shall send vnto thee, and command, thou shalt deliuer me thy siluer and thy golde, and thy women, and thy children,

King James (Authorized) Version

And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Ben-hadad, saying, Although I have sent unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

Translation for Translators

The messengers told that to Ben-Hadad, and he sent them back with another message: “I sent a message to you saying that you must give me all your silver and gold and your wives and your children.

Unlocked Literal Bible

The messengers came again and said, “Ben Hadad says this, 'I sent word to you saying that you must give me your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children.

Noah Webster Bible

And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Ben-hadad, saying, Although I have sent to thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver to me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

World English Bible

The messengers came again and said, “Ben Hadad says, ‘I sent indeed to you, saying, “You shall deliver me your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children;

Young's Literal Translation

And the messengers turn back and say, 'Thus spake Ben-Hadad, saying, Surely I sent unto thee, saying, Thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy sons, to me thou dost give;

Context

Ben-hadad Attacks Samaria

⁴And the king of Israel replied, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.”⁵The messengers came back and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have sent to you to demand your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children.⁶But about this time tomorrow I will send my servants to search your palace and the houses of your servants. They will seize and carry away all that is precious to you.’”

Summary

In this verse, King Ahab of Israel is approached by Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, who demands Ahab's silver, gold, wives, and children. This aggressive demand reflects the arrogance and greed of Ben-Hadad, seeking to exploit and oppress the Israelites. Ahab's response to this unjust demand reveals his weakness and lack of leadership, as he agrees to the demands rather than standing up for his people. This interaction sets the stage for the conflict between the kingdoms of Israel and Aram, highlighting the consequences of compromising with evil and the importance of strong and righteous leadership.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And the messengers came again,.... From Benhadad: and said, thus speaketh Benhadad, saying, although I have sent unto thee, saying: at the first message: thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children; into his possession, and not as Ahab understood it, that he should be his vassal, and pay a yearly tribute for his quiet enjoyment of them; yet even this he would not now abide by, growing still more haughty upon the mean submission of Ahab, as by what follows.