1Ki 20:26-34 | TNotes | STEP | 20:26 Aphek was east of the Sea of Galilee in northern Ramoth-gilead. Ben-hadad’s officers assumed that this location would favor the Aramean chariots and take away the power of Israel’s “gods of the hills.”

20:26 ^a Aphek was east of the Sea of Galilee in northern Ramoth-gilead. Ben-hadad’s officers assumed that this location would favor the Aramean chariots and take away the power of Israel’s “gods of the hills.”
Summary for 1Kgs 20:27-30: 20:27-30 ^b Despite the Arameans’ superior numbers, Israel won another outstanding victory by God’s help. All the parties learned that “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 ^c; see Matt 19:26 ^d; Mark 10:27 ^e) and that when God is on one’s side, the enemy will retreat (Ps 56:9 ^f) with staggering losses (Deut 32:30-31 ^g; 2 Kgs 19:32-36 ^h). Israel could face the foe fearlessly (Pss 3:6 ⁱ; 27:1-3 ^j).

• God’s assurance to Israel through the man of God showed that this battle was not just for Israel’s well-being but for the Lord’s glory.
20:31 ^k burlap ... ropes: Knowing the merciful mindset of the kings of Israel, Ben-hadad’s officers advised that they approach Ahab with symbols of humble repentance (Joel 1:13 ^l; Jon 3:5-9 ^m) and submission (Job 12:18 ⁿ; Lam 1:14 ^o). Ancient Near Eastern reliefs often depict captured enemies with ropes around their necks. Assyrian kings boasted of piercing their captives’ lips or cheeks with ropes.
Summary for 1Kgs 20:32-33: 20:32-33 ^p my brother: Ahab spoke to Ben-hadad in terms that politely indicated the Aramean king’s royal authority and Ahab’s desire for good relations. Ahab welcomed Ben-hadad into his chariot to demonstrate his warm reception of the king, yet serving notice that he should recognize Ahab as his equal. Correspondence and parity agreements between kings of the ancient Near East used the language of brotherhood to express friendship, good relations, or formal equality.
20:34 ^q The treaty that Ahab and Ben-hadad established provided parity between the parties, although it was especially favorable to Ahab as the victor.

• The towns that Israel had lost to Aram (15:20 ^r) were restored and Ben-hadad made important trade concessions to Ahab, who may have reasoned that such an arrangement would be profitable and provide him with an ally against the rising power of Shalmaneser III of Assyria.