1 Kings 20:7

KJV

Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this [man] seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then the king {H4428} of Israel {H3478} called {H7121} all the elders {H2205} of the land {H776}, and said {H559}, Mark {H3045}, I pray you, and see {H7200} how this man seeketh {H1245} mischief {H7451}: for he sent {H7971} unto me for my wives {H802}, and for my children {H1121}, and for my silver {H3701}, and for my gold {H2091}; and I denied {H4513} him not.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king of Isra'el summoned all the leaders of the land and said, "Please take notice! Do you see how this man is trying to make trouble? First he demanded my wives, children, silver and gold; and I denied him nothing."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him.”

American Standard Version

Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Kings 20:7, King Ahab of Israel, facing increasingly outrageous and malicious demands from Ben-Hadad of Aram, convenes the elders of the land. This verse marks a critical turning point where Ahab, having initially conceded to Ben-Hadad's tribute demands, recognizes the Syrian king's true intent to inflict harm and plunder. He appeals to his council for their discernment and support, signaling a shift from appeasement to a resolve for resistance against an aggressor whose aims extend beyond mere tribute to total subjugation and humiliation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the larger narrative of [1 Kings 20](/1_kings/20 "1 Kings 20 - Ahab's Victory Over Ben-Hadad"). The chapter opens with Ben-Hadad besieging Samaria and sending an initial demand for Ahab's silver, gold, wives, and children. Surprisingly, Ahab, in an attempt to avert bloodshed, concedes, declaring, "My lord, O king, I am thine, and all that I have" ([1 Kings 20:4](/1_kings/20-4 "1 Kings 20:4 - Ahab's Initial Concession")). However, Ben-Hadad, emboldened by Ahab's submission, immediately escalates his demands. He sends a second message, declaring that his servants would search Samaria the following day and seize whatever they pleased from Ahab's house and his officials' homes ([1 Kings 20:5-6](/1_kings/20-5 "1 Kings 20:5-6 - Ben-Hadad's Escalated Demands")). It is this blatant disregard for the initial agreement and the clear intent for total plunder and humiliation that prompts Ahab to call the elders, realizing that Ben-Hadad "seeketh mischief" and cannot be appeased. This sets the stage for the miraculous deliverance God grants Israel, despite Ahab's unfaithfulness.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, under siege by the Aramean (Syrian) army led by Ben-Hadad. Conflicts between Israel and Aram were frequent during this period, often involving border disputes, trade routes, and tribute payments. Siege warfare was a common tactic, aiming to starve out or demoralize a city into surrender. In ancient Near Eastern societies, "elders of the land" (זִקְנֵי הָאָרֶץ) held significant political, judicial, and advisory roles. They represented the people, provided counsel to the king, and their consensus often legitimized royal decisions, especially in matters of war and peace. Ahab's act of consulting them was not a sign of weakness but a strategic move to rally national support and demonstrate that the decision to resist was a collective one, based on a clear understanding of the enemy's malicious intentions, rather than merely a personal affront to the king.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates the **Escalation of Conflict** when dealing with an aggressor; initial appeasement, rather than satisfying, often emboldens the oppressor to make even more unreasonable and tyrannical demands, moving beyond tribute to outright subjugation and plunder. It highlights the importance of **Seeking Wise Counsel**, as Ahab, despite his generally negative portrayal in Scripture ([1 Kings 16:30](/1_kings/16-30 "1 Kings 16:30 - Ahab's Wickedness")), recognized the gravity of the situation and wisely sought the advice and solidarity of the elders, a principle echoed in wisdom literature ([Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel")). Most significantly, it marks Ahab's **Recognition of Malicious Intent**. His statement, "see how this [man] seeketh mischief," signifies a crucial discernment that Ben-Hadad's true aim was not merely tribute but complete humiliation and destruction, even after initial concessions. This discernment of evil intent is a critical turning point, leading to a necessary shift from passive acceptance to active resistance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Mischief (Hebrew, _rāʿâ_):** The Hebrew word רָעָה (*rāʿâ*) is a broad term that can mean "evil," "harm," "calamity," "adversity," or "wickedness." When combined with "seeketh" (בִּקֵּשׁ, *biqqēš*), it vividly describes Ben-Hadad's deliberate, premeditated, and malevolent intention to inflict harm and bring disaster upon Israel. It goes beyond simple tribute or conquest to imply a desire for utter devastation and humiliation, revealing a moral depravity in his actions.
* **Elders of the land (Hebrew, _ziqnê hāʾāreṣ_):** The phrase זִקְנֵי הָאָרֶץ (*ziqnê hāʾāreṣ*) refers to the respected, experienced, and authoritative leaders of the community or nation. In ancient Israel, elders served as local judges, administrators, and advisors to the king. Calling them together signifies Ahab's need for their collective wisdom, their endorsement, and their ability to rally the people's support. It indicates that the crisis was not merely a personal affront to the king but a threat to the entire nation, requiring a unified response.
* **Denied him not (Hebrew, _lōʾ ḥāśaktî_):** The Hebrew לֹא חָשַׂכְתִּי (*lōʾ ḥāśaktî*) means "I did not withhold" or "I did not spare." This phrase underscores Ahab's initial, full compliance with Ben-Hadad's first set of demands. It highlights the extent of Ahab's appeasement and sets up a stark contrast with Ben-Hadad's subsequent, insatiable greed. Ahab's willingness to give up his wives, children, silver, and gold demonstrates his desire to avoid conflict, making Ben-Hadad's escalating demands appear all the more unreasonable and malicious.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land":** This opening clause signifies a formal and urgent summons. Ahab, facing a national crisis, recognizes the need for counsel and legitimacy beyond his own authority. The "elders of the land" represent the collective wisdom and will of the people, and their involvement would be crucial for any subsequent military action or diplomatic stance.
* **"and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this [man] seeketh mischief":** Ahab's address to the elders is an appeal for their discerning judgment. The phrase "Mark, I pray you, and see" is an urgent call to observe and understand the true nature of Ben-Hadad's intentions. Ahab explicitly accuses Ben-Hadad of "seeking mischief," which implies a deliberate and malevolent desire to inflict harm, not merely to gain tribute. This marks Ahab's realization that Ben-Hadad's actions are driven by malice and a desire for total subjugation, not just material gain.
* **"for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not":** This final clause serves as Ahab's justification for his accusation of "mischief." He reminds the elders of Ben-Hadad's initial, extravagant demands (his wives, children, and all his wealth) and, crucially, emphasizes his own full compliance ("and I denied him not"). This highlights the treacherous nature of Ben-Hadad, who, despite receiving everything he initially asked for, escalated his demands, proving his true intent was not satisfaction but total plunder and humiliation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of Ahab's initial compliance ("I denied him not") with Ben-Hadad's escalating, insatiable demands, which reveal his true malicious intent. This highlights the futility of appeasing an aggressor. **Rhetorical Question** is implicitly used in Ahab's plea, "Mark, I pray you, and see how this [man] seeketh mischief," which is not a genuine question but an urgent call for the elders to recognize the obvious treacherous nature of Ben-Hadad's actions. This serves to unify the council against a common, clearly defined enemy. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Foreshadowing** by exposing Ben-Hadad's character early on, setting the stage for his eventual defeat and the divine intervention that will protect Israel despite Ahab's own failings. The entire scene also carries a subtle **Irony**, as Ahab, often depicted as a wicked king, here demonstrates a moment of shrewd discernment and wise leadership by seeking counsel and recognizing the true nature of evil.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This pivotal moment in 1 Kings 20:7 offers profound theological and thematic insights. It underscores the biblical principle that evil, when appeased, often grows bolder and more destructive. Ben-Hadad's escalating demands reveal a heart bent on mischief, highlighting the insatiable nature of sin and unchecked greed. Theologically, it speaks to the importance of discernment – the ability to perceive the true intentions behind actions, especially those that appear manipulative or exploitative. Ahab's recognition of Ben-Hadad's "mischief" is a vital step towards resisting oppression. Furthermore, the act of seeking counsel from the elders reflects a divine wisdom principle: that in a multitude of counselors there is safety and strength, and that collective wisdom can provide clarity and legitimacy in times of national or personal crisis. This decision to stand firm, born out of discernment and collective wisdom, ultimately opens the door for God's intervention and deliverance for His people.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.")
* [Proverbs 24:6](/proverbs/24-6 "Proverbs 24:6 - For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors there is safety.")
* [Psalm 7:14-16](/psalm/7-14 "Psalm 7:14-16 - The wicked conceive mischief, give birth to iniquity, and bring forth falsehood. They dig a pit and fall into it.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of 1 Kings 20:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, recognizing that not all overtures are genuine and that some individuals or ideologies are truly bent on "mischief" or harm. Just as Ahab learned that appeasement only emboldened Ben-Hadad, we are reminded that compromising with evil or neglecting to confront malicious intent can lead to greater detriment. This verse calls us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, understanding that while we are to be peacemakers, we must also be discerning about the true nature of threats, whether they arise in personal relationships, societal challenges, or spiritual warfare. The act of calling the elders emphasizes the invaluable role of wise counsel and community in navigating difficult decisions. We are called to seek guidance from trusted, godly advisors, to lean on the collective wisdom of the church, and to stand united against forces that seek to undermine truth, justice, or peace. Understanding the true nature of a threat is the first step toward effectively addressing it, relying not on our own strength, but on God's wisdom and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to appease something that is truly "seeking mischief," rather than confronting it with discernment?**
* **Who are the "elders" or wise counselors in your life whom you consult when facing difficult decisions or discerning malicious intent? How often do you seek their input?**
* **How can we cultivate greater spiritual discernment to recognize true intentions, whether in personal interactions, media, or cultural trends?**
* **What is the balance between seeking peace and standing firm against injustice or aggression, as illustrated in this passage?**

### FAQ

**Why did King Ahab initially concede to Ben-Hadad's demands, even though they were so extreme?**

Answer: Ahab's initial concession, as seen in [1 Kings 20:4](/1_kings/20-4 "1 Kings 20:4 - Ahab's Initial Concession"), was likely a desperate attempt to avoid bloodshed and a full-scale siege of Samaria. He may have genuinely believed that by giving Ben-Hadad what he asked for—even his wives, children, silver, and gold—he could satisfy the Aramean king and avert further conflict. This reveals a misjudgment of Ben-Hadad's true character, which was not merely greedy but malicious and intent on total subjugation and humiliation, as evidenced by his escalated demands in [1 Kings 20:6](/1_kings/20-6 "1 Kings 20:6 - Ben-Hadad's Escalated Demands").

**What was the significance of Ahab calling "all the elders of the land"?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, the elders were respected community leaders who held significant political, judicial, and advisory authority. By calling them, Ahab was not just seeking personal advice; he was seeking national consensus and legitimization for any future action. Their presence and agreement would signify that the decision to resist Ben-Hadad was not merely the king's personal choice but a unified stand by the entire nation. This move was crucial for rallying popular support and demonstrating that the threat was to all of Israel, not just to the royal household.

**How does this verse reveal Ben-Hadad's character?**

Answer: This verse powerfully exposes Ben-Hadad's treacherous and insatiable character. His initial demands, though extreme, were met by Ahab. Yet, Ben-Hadad immediately escalated, demanding the right for his servants to plunder anything they desired from Samaria. Ahab's statement, "this [man] seeketh mischief," encapsulates Ben-Hadad's true intent: not merely tribute or conquest, but deliberate harm, humiliation, and destruction. He is revealed as a deceitful and malicious aggressor who cannot be appeased and whose word cannot be trusted.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 20:7 depicts an earthly king discerning and confronting an earthly aggressor, it subtly points to the ultimate King, Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies discernment and decisively confronts the true "mischief-seeker"—Satan and the forces of evil. Ahab's limited wisdom in recognizing Ben-Hadad's malicious intent foreshadows Christ, who perfectly knows the hearts and intentions of all men ([Matthew 9:4](/matthew/9-4 "Matthew 9:4 - Jesus Knows Thoughts")) and discerns the schemes of the enemy ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - You are of your father the devil")). Unlike Ahab, who initially appeased, Christ never compromised with evil, directly confronting temptation in the wilderness ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")) and rebuking those who sought to undermine God's truth ([Matthew 23](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). The ultimate "mischief" wrought by sin and death, which no human king could overcome, was decisively defeated by Christ through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. He disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities who sought to enslave humanity ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")), and through His resurrection, He destroyed the one who had the power of death ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). Thus, Christ is the ultimate wisdom and the victorious King who has secured our triumph over all spiritual mischief.

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 5:7

And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, [Am] I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me.

Proverbs 24:2

For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief.

Romans 3:13

Their throat [is] an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps [is] under their lips:

Romans 3:18

There is no fear of God before their eyes.

1 Chronicles 13:1

¶ And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, [and] with every leader.

1 Chronicles 28:1

¶ And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.

Job 15:35

They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.