1 Kings 20:1-21

1Now King Ben Hadad of Syria assembled all his army, along with thirty-two other kings with their horses and chariots. He marched against Samaria and besieged and attacked it.

2He sent messengers to King Ahab of Israel, who was in the city.

3He said to him, “This is what Ben Hadad says, ‘Your silver and your gold are mine, as well as the best of your wives and sons.’”

4The king of Israel replied, “It is just as you say, my master, O king. I and all I own belong to you.”

5The messengers came again and said, “This is what Ben Hadad says, ‘I sent this message to you, “You must give me your silver, gold, wives, and sons.”

6But now at this time tomorrow I will send my servants to you and they will search through your palace and your servants’ houses. They will carry away all your valuables.”

7The king of Israel summoned all the leaders of the land and said, “Notice how this man is looking for trouble. Indeed, he demanded my wives, sons, silver, and gold, and I did not resist him.”

8All the leaders and people said to him, “Do not give in or agree to his demands.”

9So he said to the messengers of Ben Hadad, “Say this to my master, the king, ‘I will give you everything you demanded at first from your servant, but I am unable to agree to this latest demand.’” So the messengers went back and gave their report.

10Ben Hadad sent another message to him, “May the gods judge me severely if there is enough dirt left in Samaria for my soldiers to scoop up in their hands.”

11The king of Israel replied, “Tell him the one who puts on his battle gear should not boast like one who is taking it off.”

12When Ben Hadad received this reply, he and the other kings were drinking in their quarters. He ordered his servants, “Get ready to attack!” So they got ready to attack the city.

13Now a prophet visited King Ahab of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Do you see this huge army? Look, I am going to hand it over to you this very day. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’”

14Ahab asked, “By whom will this be accomplished?” He answered, “This is what the Lord says, ‘By the servants of the district governors.’” Ahab asked, “Who will launch the attack?” He answered, “You will.”

15So Ahab assembled the 232 servants of the district governors. After that he assembled all the Israelite army, numbering 7,000.

16They marched out at noon, while Ben Hadad and the thirty-two kings allied with him were drinking heavily in their quarters.

17The servants of the district governors led the march. When Ben Hadad sent messengers, they reported back to him, “Men are marching out of Samaria.”

18He ordered, “Whether they come in peace or to do battle, take them alive.”

19They marched out of the city with the servants of the district governors in the lead and the army behind them.

20Each one struck down an enemy soldier; the Syrians fled and Israel chased them. King Ben Hadad of Syria escaped on horseback with some horsemen.

21Then the king of Israel marched out and struck down the horses and chariots; he thoroughly defeated Syria.