1Ki 20:32-33 | NETfull | STEP | So they put sackcloth around their waists and ropes on their heads and went to the king of Israel. They said, “Your servant Ben Hadad says, ‘Please let me live!’” Ahab replied, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.”

1 Kings 20:32-33

32 So they put sackcloth around their waists and ropes on their heads and went to the king of Israel. They said, “Your servant ^{▼▼ Your servant. By referring to Ben Hadad as Ahab’s servant, they are suggesting that Ahab make him a subject in a vassal treaty arrangement.} Ben Hadad says, ‘Please let me live!’” Ahab ^{▼▼ Heb “he”; the referent (Ahab) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} replied, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” ^{▼▼ He is my brother. Ahab’s response indicates that he wants to make a parity treaty and treat Ben Hadad as an equal partner.} 33 The men took this as a good omen and quickly accepted his offer, saying, “Ben Hadad is your brother.” Ahab ^{▼▼ Heb “he”; the referent (Ahab) has been specified in the translation for clarity.} then said, “Go, get him.” So Ben Hadad came out to him, and Ahab pulled him up into his chariot.