1Ki 20:31 | MHM | STEP | Ahab Shows Mercy to Ben-hadad and Is Reproved This passage describes what happened after Israel’s great victory over the Syrians. Ben-hadad, the defeated king, tried to save his life by begging for mercy. Ahab, instead of seeking God’s will, made a treaty with him. God then sent a prophet to rebuke Ahab for his foolishness and warn him of the consequences. v. 31–32 : Ben-hadad’s servants advised him to surrender to Ahab and beg for his life (1 Kings 20:31 ). They dressed in sackcloth and put ropes on their heads to show they were sorry and afraid. They hoped Ahab would be merciful, since the kings of Israel were known for showing kindness. Ben-hadad’s message was simple: Thy servant Ben-hadad saith, I pray thee, let me live (1 Kings 20:32 ). This was a big change from his earlier pride and threats. Now he was humble and desperate, showing how quickly fortunes can change.

‏ 1 Kings 20:31

Ahab Shows Mercy to Ben-hadad and Is Reproved

This passage describes what happened after Israel’s great victory over the Syrians. Ben-hadad, the defeated king, tried to save his life by begging for mercy. Ahab, instead of seeking God’s will, made a treaty with him. God then sent a prophet to rebuke Ahab for his foolishness and warn him of the consequences.

v. 31–32: Ben-hadad’s servants advised him to surrender to Ahab and beg for his life (1 Kings 20:31 ^a). They dressed in sackcloth and put ropes on their heads to show they were sorry and afraid. They hoped Ahab would be merciful, since the kings of Israel were known for showing kindness. Ben-hadad’s message was simple: Thy servant Ben-hadad saith, I pray thee, let me live (1 Kings 20:32 ^b). This was a big change from his earlier pride and threats. Now he was humble and desperate, showing how quickly fortunes can change.