1Ki 20:31 | TNotes | STEP | 20:31 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 ; Jon 3:5-9 ) and submission (Job 12:18 ; Lam 1:14 ). 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.

bJoel 1:13►

cJon 3:5-9►

dJob 12:18►

eLam 1:14►

‏ 1 Kings 20:31

20:31 ^a 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 ^b; Jon 3:5-9 ^c) and submission (Job 12:18 ^d; Lam 1:14 ^e). 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.