1 Kings 20:5

KJV

And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Benhadad, saying, Although I have sent unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

KJV (with Strong's)

And the messengers {H4397} came again {H7725}, and said {H559}, Thus speaketh {H559} Benhadad {H1130}, saying {H559}, Although I have sent {H7971} unto thee, saying {H559}, Thou shalt deliver {H5414} me thy silver {H3701}, and thy gold {H2091}, and thy wives {H802}, and thy children {H1121};

Complete Jewish Bible

The messengers returned and said, "Here is Ben-Hadad's response: 'I sent you a message to hand over your silver, gold, wives and children to me.

Berean Standard Bible

The messengers came back and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have sent to you to demand your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children.

American Standard Version

And the messengers came again, and said, Thus speaketh Ben-hadad, saying, I sent indeed unto thee, saying, Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 20:5 records the second, yet still preliminary, communication from King Ben-hadad of Aram to King Ahab of Israel during the siege of Samaria. This message, delivered by messengers, reiterates the initial, seemingly "modest" demands for Ahab's silver, gold, wives, and children as tribute. Far from a final offer, this repetition serves as a strategic maneuver by Ben-hadad to confirm Ahab's initial submission and set the stage for an even more audacious and humiliating ultimatum that immediately follows in the narrative, revealing the escalating arrogance of the Syrian king and the desperate plight of Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in the unfolding confrontation between Ben-hadad and Ahab. It immediately follows Ahab's surprising and seemingly complete submission to Ben-hadad's initial demands in [1 Kings 20:3-4](/1_kings/20-3 "1 Kings 20:3-4 - Ben-hadad's Initial Demands and Ahab's Submission"). Ben-hadad's first message, delivered by messengers, had demanded Ahab's silver, gold, wives, and children, to which Ahab replied, "My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have." Verse 5 then describes the *return* of these messengers, bearing a message that *repeats* these exact demands. This repetition is crucial, as it confirms Ben-hadad's perception of Ahab's weakness and serves as a direct prelude to the truly outrageous and non-negotiable demands that are delivered in [1 Kings 20:6](/1_kings/20-6 "1 Kings 20:6 - Ben-hadad's Escalated Demands"), where Ben-hadad asserts his right to send his servants to plunder Samaria at will. Thus, [1 Kings 20:5](/1_kings/20-5 "1 Kings 20:5 - Ben-hadad's Reiterated Demands") acts as a pivot, confirming the initial terms before the true, escalated ultimatum is issued, highlighting the psychological warfare at play.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the siege of Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, by Ben-hadad II of Aram (Syria). Sieges were common in the ancient Near East, and the terms of surrender often involved heavy tribute, including precious metals, goods, and even members of the royal family or nobility as hostages. Ben-hadad's initial demands, though severe, were within the realm of what a victorious king might impose on a defeated or besieged city. However, the subsequent escalation in [1 Kings 20:6](/1_kings/20-6 "1 Kings 20:6 - Ben-hadad's Escalated Demands") goes beyond typical tribute, aiming for total humiliation and unrestricted plunder, which was a clear violation of even the harsh norms of the time. The demand for "wives and children" was particularly devastating, as it implied not just financial loss but the destruction of the royal lineage and the subjugation of the entire household, a profound blow to honor and sovereignty in ancient Semitic cultures. This context underscores the dire straits Ahab found himself in, facing a powerful and arrogant enemy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within [1 Kings 20](/1_kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Ahab's Wars with Aram") and the broader narrative of [1 Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of 1 Kings"). Firstly, it highlights the **escalation of arrogance and pride** on the part of Ben-hadad, who, perceiving Ahab's weakness, pushes his demands to an extreme. This hubris often precedes a fall, a theme common in biblical narratives (cf. [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")). Secondly, it underscores the **vulnerability and humiliation of Israel** under Ahab's leadership, a consequence of their spiritual apostasy and reliance on foreign alliances rather than God (cf. [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal")). Thirdly, the seemingly overwhelming odds against Israel set the stage for a powerful demonstration of **divine sovereignty and intervention**. Despite Israel's unworthiness, God's prophetic word intervenes to deliver them, not for Ahab's sake, but for His own name and to reveal His power over the nations, a theme woven throughout the books of [Kings](/1_kings/1 "The Book of Kings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Messengers (Hebrew, _mal'akhim'_):** This word, often translated as "angels" when referring to divine beings, here denotes human emissaries or envoys. The repetition of their coming "again" (וַיָּשֻׁבוּ, _vayyashuvu_) emphasizes the diplomatic back-and-forth, but also the deliberate and calculated nature of Ben-hadad's strategy. Their return signifies not a negotiation, but a confirmation of terms and a prelude to further demands, highlighting the formal and non-negotiable nature of the communication from a superior power.
* **Speaketh (Hebrew, _'amar'_):** The verb "speaketh" indicates a formal declaration or pronouncement. The phrase "Thus speaketh Benhadad" is a common formula in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, lending an air of authority and finality to the message. In this context, it underscores Ben-hadad's perceived absolute power and his expectation of unquestioning obedience from Ahab, reflecting a king issuing a decree rather than proposing terms for discussion.
* **Deliver (Hebrew, _natan'_):** This verb means "to give," "to place," or "to hand over." In the context of tribute and surrender, it carries the weight of forced relinquishment and submission. The demand "Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children" is not a request but an imperative, emphasizing the complete subjugation expected. It signifies the transfer of ownership and control, stripping Ahab of his possessions and, more significantly, his family, which represented his legacy and sovereignty.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the messengers came again":** This phrase is crucial as it indicates a second, distinct communication from Ben-hadad, following Ahab's initial submission in [1 Kings 20:4](/1_kings/20-4 "1 Kings 20:4 - Ahab's Initial Submission"). The "again" implies a re-engagement, not necessarily for negotiation, but for clarification or, as the subsequent verses reveal, for an escalation of demands based on Ahab's perceived weakness.
* **"and said, Thus speaketh Benhadad, saying":** This formal diplomatic formula emphasizes that the message is a direct, authoritative pronouncement from Ben-hadad himself, not a proposal from his envoys. It signifies the non-negotiable nature of the Syrian king's will, reinforcing his position of power and contempt for Ahab's sovereignty.
* **"Although I have sent unto thee, saying":** This clause highlights Ben-hadad's perspective. The "Although" (וְכֵן, _veken_, "and so" or "indeed") implies a confirmation or reiteration of what was already communicated and agreed upon. It serves to remind Ahab of his prior concession and to establish the baseline for the subsequent, more extreme demands. Ben-hadad is holding Ahab to his word, but with a sinister twist.
* **"Thou shalt deliver me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children;":** This is the core of the reiterated demand, identical to the initial one in [1 Kings 20:3](/1_kings/20-3 "1 Kings 20:3 - Ben-hadad's First Demand"). The specific items—silver, gold, wives, and children—represent the totality of a king's wealth, power, and legacy. The demand for wives and children, in particular, was a profound act of humiliation and a threat to the very continuity of Ahab's royal line, signifying complete subjugation and the loss of national sovereignty. The repetition here sets up the shock of the *next* demand, which goes beyond even this.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Kings 20:5](/1_kings/20-5 "1 Kings 20:5 - Ben-hadad's Reiterated Demands") is **Repetition**, specifically the verbatim reiteration of Ben-hadad's initial demands from [1 Kings 20:3](/1_kings/20-3 "1 Kings 20:3 - Ben-hadad's Initial Demands"). This repetition serves multiple purposes: it underscores the initial, seemingly "final" terms to which Ahab had already agreed, thereby highlighting Ahab's prior submission. More importantly, it creates a dramatic pause and builds tension, functioning as a form of **Foreshadowing** for the truly outrageous ultimatum that immediately follows in [1 Kings 20:6](/1_kings/20-6 "1 Kings 20:6 - Ben-hadad's Escalated Demands"). The audience is led to believe these are the demands, only for the narrative to reveal Ben-hadad's even greater arrogance, creating a sense of **Escalation** in the aggressor's demands and the victim's plight. This strategic use of repetition and subsequent escalation effectively portrays Ben-hadad's cunning and increasing hubris, and Ahab's deepening predicament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a simple diplomatic exchange, powerfully illustrates the theological theme of human pride and its escalating nature when unchecked. Ben-hadad's repeated demand, followed by his even more audacious ultimatum, reveals a heart consumed by arrogance, believing himself utterly sovereign and beyond challenge. This human hubris often sets the stage for divine intervention, as God frequently humbles the proud and exalts the humble. The demands for Ahab's family and possessions are not merely political; they are an assault on the very identity and sovereignty of God's chosen nation, albeit one currently led by a wicked king. This scenario implicitly raises questions about where true sovereignty lies and foreshadows God's ultimate demonstration of His power over the nations, even through unlikely means.

* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Daniel 4:30-32](/daniel/4-30 "Daniel 4:30-32 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humiliation")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates the Plans of Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 1 Kings 20:5 offers a profound lesson on the nature of spiritual and relational conflict. Just as Ben-hadad, perceiving Ahab's initial concession, pressed for more, so too can sin, temptation, or oppressive forces gain ground when we yield even a little. The "slippery slope" of compromise often begins with seemingly tolerable demands, only to escalate to terms that are utterly destructive. This passage challenges us to discern when to stand firm, even against overwhelming odds, trusting in a power greater than our own. For Ahab, his initial submission emboldened his enemy, forcing him to a point of no return where divine intervention became the only hope. Spiritually, it reminds us that while humility before God is essential, a lack of resolve against the encroaching demands of the world or our own sinful desires can lead to spiritual subjugation. We are called to resist the devil, knowing that he will flee from us, and to stand firm in the freedom Christ has won for us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be making small concessions that could lead to greater spiritual compromise?**
* **How does Ben-hadad's escalating arrogance reflect the nature of sin's demands on a human heart?**
* **When faced with overwhelming pressure, what is my default response: immediate concession or seeking divine counsel and strength?**
* **What does this passage teach me about the importance of discerning the true intentions behind seemingly "reasonable" demands?**

### FAQ

**Why did Ben-hadad send messengers to reiterate demands that Ahab had already agreed to?**

Answer: Ben-hadad's decision to send messengers again, reiterating the exact same demands, was a calculated psychological and strategic move. Firstly, it served to confirm Ahab's initial submission, ensuring there was no misunderstanding or attempt to retract his agreement. Secondly, and more importantly, it was a test of Ahab's resolve and a prelude to an even more outrageous ultimatum. By repeating the initial terms, Ben-hadad was establishing a baseline, making Ahab's prior concession seem like a binding agreement. This set the stage for the truly humiliating demands in [1 Kings 20:6](/1_kings/20-6 "1 Kings 20:6 - Ben-hadad's Escalated Demands"), where Ben-hadad asserts his right to plunder Samaria at will. It was a demonstration of power and an act of psychological warfare, pushing Ahab to his absolute breaking point before delivering the final, crushing blow.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The escalating demands of Ben-hadad in [1 Kings 20:5](/1_kings/20-5 "1 Kings 20:5 - Ben-hadad's Reiterated Demands") find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate victory of Christ over the tyrannical demands of sin and death. Ben-hadad sought to strip Ahab of his wealth, family, and sovereignty, symbolizing the total subjugation that sin and Satan seek to impose on humanity. Just as Ahab was powerless to meet Ben-hadad's demands and required divine intervention, so too was humanity utterly incapable of satisfying the demands of God's righteous law or escaping the bondage of sin on its own (cf. [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned") and [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin")). However, unlike Ahab who initially conceded, Christ, the true King, never yielded to the demands of the enemy. He confronted sin and death head-on, not by concession, but by ultimate sacrifice and triumphant resurrection. Through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus "disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). He paid the ultimate price, not with silver or gold, but with His own precious blood, to redeem us from the dominion of darkness and transfer us into His kingdom ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Christ's Blood"); [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Thus, what Ben-hadad demanded as tribute, Christ freely gave as a ransom, securing our eternal freedom and restoring our true sovereignty in Him (cf. [John 8:36](/john/8-36 "John 8:36 - The Son Sets You Free")).

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.