1 Kings 20:18

KJV

And he said, Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they be come out for war, take them alive.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559}, Whether they be come out {H3318} for peace {H7965}, take {H8610} them alive {H2416}; or whether they be come out {H3318} for war {H4421}, take {H8610} them alive {H2416}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, "Whether they have come out for peace or for war, take them alive."

Berean Standard Bible

“If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.”

American Standard Version

And he said, Whether they are come out for peace, take them alive; or whether they are come out for war, take them alive.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 20:18 captures a critical juncture in the second military confrontation between King Ben-hadad of Aram (Syria) and King Ahab of Israel, powerfully illustrating Ben-hadad's strategic hubris and profound overconfidence. As his scouts report movement from the besieged city of Samaria, the Aramean king issues a swift and unequivocal directive: whether the emerging Israelites are a peace delegation or an attacking force, they are to be captured alive. This command reveals Ben-hadad's desire for tactical intelligence, his assertion of absolute dominance, and his persistent underestimation of Israel's God, thereby setting the stage for a divinely orchestrated reversal of fortune.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of [1 Kings 20](/1-kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Ahab's Wars with Aram"), which meticulously details two significant military engagements between Aram and Israel. The preceding verses ([1 Kings 20:1-21](/1-kings/20-1-21 "1 Kings 20:1-21 - Ben-hadad's First Siege and Defeat")) recount Ben-hadad's initial siege of Samaria, his outrageous demands, and his subsequent humiliating defeat at the hands of a small Israelite force—a victory explicitly attributed to divine intervention. Following this, Ben-hadad's advisors, reflecting a common polytheistic worldview, attribute Israel's success to their God being a "god of the hills" and suggest a battle on the plains ([1 Kings 20:23-25](/1-kings/20-23-25 "1 Kings 20:23-25 - Ben-hadad's Advisors and Renewed War Plans")). Undeterred by his previous loss and still brimming with arrogance, Ben-hadad gathers an even larger army. Verse 18 occurs just before the second major battle at Aphek, as Ben-hadad's scouts report men emerging from Samaria. His command here is a direct, immediate tactical response to this intelligence, reflecting his unwavering confidence. The subsequent verses ([1 Kings 20:29-30](/1-kings/20-29-30 "1 Kings 20:29-30 - Israel's Decisive Victory at Aphek")) vividly describe the decisive Israelite victory, fulfilling the prophetic word from God ([1 Kings 20:28](/1-kings/20-28 "1 Kings 20:28 - God's Declaration of Sovereignty")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a volatile region characterized by frequent military conflicts between competing regional powers. Kings like Ben-hadad routinely sought to expand their territories, secure trade routes, and exert influence through conquest. Intelligence gathering was a paramount aspect of ancient warfare; capturing prisoners alive was a common and highly effective tactic to extract crucial information regarding enemy troop strength, intentions, fortifications, and supply lines. Such captives could also be exploited for forced labor, utilized as bargaining chips in negotiations, or paraded as a public display of power and dominance. The Aramean belief in "gods of the hills" ([1 Kings 20:23](/1-kings/20-23 "1 Kings 20:23 - Aramean Misunderstanding of God")) reflects a widespread polytheistic worldview of the era, where deities were often localized and associated with specific geographical regions or natural phenomena. This profound cultural and theological misunderstanding of Yahweh, the God of Israel, as a limited, localized deity, rather than the sovereign Lord of all creation, directly contributed to Ben-hadad's strategic miscalculations and ultimate downfall. The city of Aphek, where this pivotal battle unfolded, was a strategically vital location, controlling access to the fertile Jezreel Valley, thus making it a highly desirable military objective.

* **Key Themes:** The passage in [1 Kings 20:18](/1-kings/20-18 "1 Kings 20:18 - Ben-hadad's Arrogant Command") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully highlights **Divine Sovereignty over Nations and Kings**. Despite Ben-hadad's overwhelming military might and sophisticated strategic cunning, the narrative consistently demonstrates that ultimate victory or defeat rests solely with Yahweh, not with human armies or their perceived strength. This truth is explicitly articulated in [1 Kings 20:28](/1-kings/20-28 "1 Kings 20:28 - God's Declaration of Sovereignty"), where God declares He will deliver the vast Aramean army into Israel's hand specifically to prove His identity as the Lord. Secondly, the verse vividly exemplifies **Human Arrogance and Hubris**. Ben-hadad's repeated overconfidence, despite clear divine intervention in his prior defeat, serves as a stark warning about the danger of pride, a theme consistently echoed throughout Scripture, such as in [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall"). His command to "take them alive" regardless of their intent reflects a deep-seated belief in his own invincibility and absolute control over the situation. Lastly, the passage underscores the profound theme of **God's Faithfulness to His People**, even when their king (Ahab) is demonstrably unfaithful. God intervenes not primarily for Ahab's sake, but to uphold His holy name and demonstrate His unparalleled power to both Israel and the surrounding nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **תָּפַשׂ (Hebrew, _tâphas'_ - "take"):** This is the root verb from which the Piel imperative plural form "תִּפְשׂוּם" (_tifsum_) is derived. According to H8610, _tâphas_ means "to manipulate, i.e. seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably." In this context, the imperative form conveys a direct, forceful military command to actively apprehend or capture the individuals. The intensity of the verb underscores the urgency and strategic importance Ben-hadad placed on securing these men.
* **חַי (Hebrew, _chay'_ - "alive"):** This word (H2416) is defined as "from חָיָה; alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or living thing), whether literally or figuratively." The plural form "חַיִּים" (_chayyim_) is used adverbially here, meaning "while living" or "alive." The explicit instruction to take them "alive" is crucial, emphasizing that the objective was not to kill them but to secure them in their living state, highlighting the intelligence-gathering aspect of the command, as dead men yield no information.
* **שָׁלוֹם (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_ - "peace"):** This ubiquitous Hebrew word (H7965) is defined as "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." In a military context, it refers to a state of non-aggression, a proposal for a truce, or an offer of surrender. Ben-hadad's inclusion of "peace" as a possibility, alongside "war," demonstrates his readiness to deal with any posture from the Israelites, but always from a position of perceived strength and control, where the ultimate outcome is their capture.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said,"**: This concise introductory phrase immediately establishes Ben-hadad's authority as the supreme king and military commander. It sets the stage for a pivotal tactical decision, highlighting that this is a direct, authoritative utterance from the leader.
* **"Whether they be come out for peace, take them alive;"**: This clause presents the first of two distinct possibilities for the approaching Israelite contingent. If they are emerging with an offer of peace, implying surrender or negotiation, Ben-hadad's order remains unequivocally to capture them. This reveals his absolute intent to control the terms of any engagement, even diplomatic ones. Capturing a peace delegation would prevent them from returning with intelligence and would serve as a powerful psychological blow, demonstrating the Aramean king's absolute dominance and his refusal to negotiate from a position of anything less than overwhelming superiority.
* **"or whether they be come out for war, take them alive."**: This second clause addresses the alternative scenario: if the Israelites are emerging with the intent to fight. Even in this situation, the command remains precisely the same – capture them alive. This is a highly unusual order for an attacking force, as the primary objective in battle is typically to neutralize or kill the enemy. Ben-hadad's insistence on taking them alive, even if they are a fighting force, further underscores his desire for intelligence (through interrogation), a public display of power (by parading captives), or perhaps even a strategic move to demoralize the Israelite army by showing their leaders or vanguard captured rather than killed. It profoundly reflects his supreme confidence that his forces are so superior that they can easily capture, rather than merely defeat, the enemy.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device at play in [1 Kings 20:18](/1-kings/20-18 "1 Kings 20:18 - Ben-hadad's Arrogant Command") is **Repetition**, specifically of the phrase "take them alive." This emphatic repetition serves to underscore Ben-hadad's unwavering resolve and the singular, non-negotiable objective of his command. It highlights his strategic priority, which is not merely to defeat the enemy but to utterly dominate them through capture for intelligence or as a display of power. The repetition also subtly emphasizes Ben-hadad's profound **Arrogance** and overconfidence; he is so certain of victory that the specific intent of the approaching Israelites (peace or war) is rendered irrelevant to his desired outcome. Furthermore, a powerful element of **Irony** permeates this verse. Ben-hadad's confident command to capture the Israelites alive, regardless of their intent, stands in stark contrast to the divine plan that will soon see his own vast army utterly defeated and himself captured and humiliated by Ahab ([1 Kings 20:30-34](/1-kings/20-30-34 "1 Kings 20:30-34 - Ben-hadad's Defeat and Capture")). This dramatic ironic reversal powerfully underscores the theme of divine sovereignty over human pride and the futility of relying on one's own strength against God's will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple military command in [1 Kings 20:18](/1-kings/20-18 "1 Kings 20:18 - Ben-hadad's Arrogant Command") serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of God and the inherent folly of human pride. Ben-hadad's overconfidence, rooted in a limited and erroneous understanding of Yahweh as merely a "god of the hills," leads him to believe he can dictate terms to the God of Israel. His command to "take them alive" is a clear manifestation of his perceived invincibility and absolute control, yet it is precisely this hubris that God intends to shatter. The subsequent narrative powerfully demonstrates that God is not confined by geography or human strategic brilliance; He is the sovereign Lord of all creation, perfectly capable of delivering victory through unconventional means and humbling the most powerful and arrogant of kings. This passage reinforces the timeless biblical truth that God resists the proud but extends abundant grace to the humble, and that true power, wisdom, and ultimate victory belong to Him alone.

* [Psalm 33:16-17](/psalms/33-16-17 "Psalm 33:16-17 - God's Deliverance, Not Human Might")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Rely on Horses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ben-hadad's command in [1 Kings 20:18](/1-kings/20-18 "1 Kings 20:18 - Ben-hadad's Arrogant Command"), born of arrogance and a tragically limited view of God, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. In our own lives, we frequently encounter challenges that appear insurmountable, or we might, much like Ben-hadad, become overly confident in our own strategies, resources, or intellectual understanding. This verse serves as a potent reminder of the inherent danger in underestimating the boundless power and absolute sovereignty of God, who consistently works in ways that defy human logic and expectation. It calls us to cultivate a deep sense of humility, encouraging us to recognize that true victory, lasting peace, and genuine security come not from our cleverness or strength, but from wholeheartedly trusting in the Lord, who is indeed the God of both the "hills" and the "valleys"—the God who is sovereign over every circumstance, whether easy or difficult. When we face spiritual battles, personal struggles, or complex societal challenges, our primary response should never be to rely solely on human wisdom or might, but rather to earnestly seek divine guidance and humbly acknowledge God's ultimate control. This narrative powerfully encourages us to surrender our pride and our meticulously crafted plans to Him, resting in the profound assurance that His ways are infinitely higher than ours, and His power is truly limitless.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be operating with a "Ben-hadad mindset," relying primarily on my own strength, intellect, or resources rather than fully trusting in God's provision and guidance?**
* **How does the concept of God being the "God of the hills and the valleys" apply specifically to my current circumstances, encompassing both moments of ease and periods of significant difficulty?**
* **What specific areas of my life, my relationships, or my future plans need to be fully surrendered to God's sovereignty, rather than attempting to control them through my own strategic efforts?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to cultivate a deeper, more consistent sense of humility and profound dependence on God in my daily walk and decision-making?**

### FAQ

**Why was Ben-hadad so insistent on taking the Israelites alive, regardless of their intent?**

Answer: Ben-hadad's command to "take them alive" stemmed from a combination of strategic and psychological motives, reflecting his overconfidence. Militarily, capturing prisoners alive was a primary method for intelligence gathering in ancient warfare. Interrogation could reveal crucial information about enemy troop strength, fortifications, supply lines, and intentions. Psychologically, parading captured enemy soldiers or delegates, especially from a besieged city, would serve as a powerful demoralizing tactic for the Israelite defenders. It asserted Ben-hadad's absolute dominance and control, demonstrating his perceived ability to not just defeat but utterly subjugate his opponents, even before the main battle began. This command reflects his profound hubris, believing his forces were so superior that capture was a foregone conclusion, whether the Israelites sought [peace or war](/1-kings/20-18 "1 Kings 20:18 - Ben-hadad's Command").

**What was the outcome of this battle for Ben-hadad and the Arameans?**

Answer: Despite Ben-hadad's immense army and confident command, the outcome was a devastating defeat for the Arameans, a profound reversal of fortune. As prophesied by God through a prophet ([1 Kings 20:28](/1-kings/20-28 "1 Kings 20:28 - God's Declaration of Sovereignty")), the Israelites, though vastly outnumbered, inflicted a crushing blow. [1 Kings 20:29](/1-kings/20-29 "1 Kings 20:29 - The Battle at Aphek") states that the Israelites killed 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers in one day. The remaining Aramean forces fled to the city of Aphek, where a wall collapsed on 27,000 more ([1 Kings 20:30](/1-kings/20-30 "1 Kings 20:30 - The Wall Collapses")). Ben-hadad himself was forced to humble himself and seek mercy from Ahab, ultimately being captured ([1 Kings 20:31-34](/1-kings/20-31-34 "1 Kings 20:31-34 - Ben-hadad's Humiliation and Release")). This dramatic reversal powerfully demonstrated God's sovereignty over all nations and His ability to humble the proud.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Ben-hadad's arrogance and ultimate defeat, despite his strategic cunning and overwhelming military might, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom over all earthly powers and spiritual adversaries through Jesus Christ. Ben-hadad's desire to "take them alive" to assert dominance and gather intelligence pales in comparison to Christ's profound victory, where He willingly laid down His life to conquer sin and death, thereby taking captivity captive and leading a host of captives ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ Leads Captivity Captive")). Unlike Ben-hadad, who sought to capture for control and information, Jesus' divine mission was to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin and death. His victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them publicly ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The pride and miscalculation of earthly kings like Ben-hadad find their ultimate antithesis in the profound humility of Christ, who, though existing in the very nature of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the very form of a servant ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Philippians 2:6-8 - The Humility of Christ")). His triumph is not achieved through brute force or strategic capture, but through sacrificial love, resurrection power, and the establishment of an eternal kingdom, securing lasting peace and true freedom for all who believe. The "God of the hills and the valleys" who humbled Ben-hadad is the same sovereign God revealed perfectly in Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose kingdom is not of this world but will ultimately reign supreme over all creation ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - My Kingdom is Not of This World"); [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 14:8

¶ Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the son of Jehoahaz son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.

2 Kings 14:12

And Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every man to their tents.

1 Samuel 17:44

And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field.

1 Samuel 2:3

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let [not] arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD [is] a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.

1 Samuel 2:4

The bows of the mighty men [are] broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

1 Samuel 14:11

And both of them discovered themselves unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.

1 Samuel 14:12

And the men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armourbearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will shew you a thing. And Jonathan said unto his armourbearer, Come up after me: for the LORD hath delivered them into the hand of Israel.