1 Kings 20:8

KJV

And all the elders and all the people said unto him, Hearken not [unto him], nor consent.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all the elders {H2205} and all the people {H5971} said {H559} unto him, Hearken {H8085} not unto him, nor consent {H14}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All the leaders and all the people said to him, "Don't listen, and don't agree."

Berean Standard Bible

And the elders and the people all said, “Do not listen to him or consent to his terms.”

American Standard Version

And all the elders and all the people said unto him, Hearken thou not, neither consent.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 20:8 captures the pivotal moment when the collective wisdom of Israel's elders and people decisively advised King Ahab to reject the exorbitant and tyrannical second demands of Ben-hadad, King of Aram. Following Ahab's initial, ill-considered concession, Ben-hadad escalated his demands to include the indiscriminate plundering of Samaria. This verse marks a crucial turning point, signaling a unified national resolve to resist further appeasement and stand firm against an oppressive foreign power, thereby setting the stage for the ensuing conflict.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Ahab's reign, specifically detailing his conflict with Ben-hadad of Aram. The preceding verses establish Ben-hadad's initial, seemingly reasonable demands for Ahab's silver, gold, wives, and children, to which Ahab readily assented ([1 Kings 20:3-4](/1_kings/20-3 "1 Kings 20:3-4 - Ahab's Initial Concession")). However, Ben-hadad, emboldened by Ahab's submission, then sent a second, far more audacious ultimatum, threatening to send his servants to plunder Samaria indiscriminately ([1 Kings 20:5-6](/1_kings/20-5 "1 Kings 20:5-6 - Ben-hadad's Escalated Demands")). Feeling trapped and recognizing the unreasonableness of these new terms, Ahab consulted with the elders of the land ([1 Kings 20:7](/1_kings/20-7 "1 Kings 20:7 - Ahab Consults the Elders")). Verse 8 records their unified and unequivocal counsel to refuse, which directly leads to Ahab's defiant message back to Ben-hadad in [1 Kings 20:9](/1_kings/20-9 "1 Kings 20:9 - Ahab's Refusal"). This moment of collective resistance sets the stage for God's intervention and the subsequent miraculous victory granted to Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, kings often engaged in a complex web of alliances, vassalage, and warfare. Suzerainty treaties, where a more powerful king (suzerain) dictated terms to a lesser king (vassal), were common. Ben-hadad's initial demands, while severe, might have been interpreted as a form of tribute or a claim of suzerainty. However, his second demand to send servants to plunder at will was an extreme act of humiliation and subjugation, effectively stripping Samaria of its sovereignty and dignity. The consultation with "elders" (זְקֵנִים, _zeqenim'_) was a common practice in Israelite society, reflecting their role as respected leaders, advisors, and representatives of the people. Their collective voice carried significant moral and political authority, often serving as a check on royal power. The city of Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom, represented the heart of Israelite power and identity, making the threat of its indiscriminate plunder an existential crisis.
* **Key Themes:** This verse highlights several significant themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Value of Prudent Counsel**. Ahab's initial, hasty promise led him into a deeper predicament, but the unified voice of the elders and the people provided a necessary course correction. This illustrates the biblical principle that "where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" ([Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Counsel")). Secondly, it demonstrates **Resistance to Tyranny**. The elders recognized that Ben-hadad's demands were not merely burdensome but represented an unacceptable assault on their nation's sovereignty and dignity. Their firm advice marks a shift from passive appeasement to active defiance against unjust and oppressive demands, reflecting a broader biblical call to stand against evil. Finally, the narrative implicitly touches upon the **Consequences of Hasty Promises**. While not explicitly stated in this verse, Ahab's predicament stemmed from his initial, unthinking agreement, emphasizing the dangers of making commitments without careful thought and consultation, a lesson found throughout wisdom literature (e.g., [Proverbs 20:25](/proverbs/20-25 "Proverbs 20:25 - Rash Vows")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elders (Hebrew, _zeqenim'_):** This term refers to the respected, often older, leaders of the community or nation. In ancient Israel, elders held significant judicial, administrative, and advisory roles. Their counsel was highly valued and often represented the collective wisdom and consensus of the people. The fact that "all the elders" were consulted and agreed underscores the gravity of the situation and the unified national sentiment against Ben-hadad's demands.
* **Hearken not (Hebrew, _al tishma'_):** This is a strong negative imperative formed from the verb שָׁמַע (_shama'_), which means "to hear," but often carries the deeper meaning of "to listen attentively," "to obey," or "to assent." The negative command "Hearken not" therefore means not merely to ignore, but to actively refuse to obey or agree to the demands. It conveys a firm and unequivocal rejection of Ben-hadad's proposition.
* **Consent (Hebrew, _al to'veh'_):** This is also a strong negative imperative derived from the verb אָבָה (_'avah'_), meaning "to be willing," "to agree," "to incline," or "to desire." Paired with "Hearken not," it reinforces the absolute nature of the refusal. It's not just about not listening, but about not being willing to comply or give one's approval to the terms. This dual negative emphasizes the elders' decisive and resolute counsel against any further compromise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And all the elders and all the people said unto him":** This clause highlights the remarkable unanimity and broad support for the counsel given to King Ahab. The inclusion of "all the elders" and "all the people" signifies that this was not merely the opinion of a few advisors, but a national consensus. This collective voice lent immense moral and political weight to the advice, making it difficult for Ahab to disregard. It suggests that Ben-hadad's demands were so outrageous that they united every segment of Israelite society in opposition.
* **"Hearken not [unto him]":** This is the first part of the direct counsel, a clear and forceful command to Ahab. It instructs him to completely disregard Ben-hadad's latest demands, indicating that they are beyond the bounds of acceptable negotiation or tribute. It's a rejection of the authority and legitimacy of the one making the demand in this specific context.
* **"nor consent":** This second negative command reinforces the first, providing a complete and unequivocal refusal. While "hearken not" might imply a refusal to listen or obey, "nor consent" specifically means not to agree to the terms, not to be willing to comply. Together, these two phrases form a powerful and decisive rejection, urging Ahab to stand firm and not yield to the escalating tyranny.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is the **Unanimous Voice** or **Chorus**, emphasized by the repetition of "all the elders and all the people." This creates a powerful sense of unified national resolve, lending immense authority and weight to the counsel given to Ahab. The use of **Direct Discourse** allows the elders' words to be presented immediately and forcefully, giving their advice a direct and impactful quality. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Juxtaposition** by contrasting this firm, unified rejection with Ahab's earlier, hasty and submissive agreement to Ben-hadad's first set of demands. This highlights a crucial turning point in the narrative. Finally, the use of strong **Negative Imperatives** ("Hearken not," "nor consent") conveys an urgent and decisive tone, underscoring the seriousness of the situation and the absolute necessity of refusal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The counsel of the elders in 1 Kings 20:8 provides profound theological and thematic insights. It underscores the divine wisdom often found in the collective discernment of God's people, especially when facing oppressive forces. While Ahab's initial response was driven by fear and self-preservation, the elders' advice reflects a recognition that there are limits to appeasement and that true wisdom sometimes calls for courageous resistance against injustice and tyranny. This decision to stand firm, born out of a unified national resolve, implicitly trusts that God will honor such a stand, even against overwhelming odds. It reminds us that wisdom is not merely intellectual acumen but often involves moral courage and a refusal to compromise on fundamental values, trusting that God is sovereign over all earthly powers.

* [Proverbs 11:14](/proverbs/11-14 "Proverbs 11:14 - Safety in Abundance of Counsel")
* [Proverbs 15:22](/proverbs/15-22 "Proverbs 15:22 - Plans Fail Without Counsel")
* [James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The unified and courageous counsel given to King Ahab by the elders of Israel offers timeless lessons for believers today. In a world often characterized by escalating demands, pressures to conform, and the temptation to appease, this verse calls us to cultivate discernment and the fortitude to say "no" when necessary. It highlights the vital importance of seeking and heeding wise counsel from trusted, godly advisors, especially in moments of crisis or when faced with decisions that could compromise our values, resources, or spiritual well-being. Just as Ahab was saved from further folly by the collective wisdom of his people, we too need to be open to correction and guidance from the body of Christ. Furthermore, this passage encourages us to stand firm in our convictions, recognizing that yielding to unrighteous demands often emboldens oppressors rather than satisfying them. It's a call to spiritual courage, trusting that God empowers us to resist evil and stand for what is right, even when it feels daunting.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When have I been tempted to make hasty promises or yield to unreasonable demands, either personally or in my relationships?**
* **Who are the "elders" or trusted, godly advisors in my life whose counsel I should seek more diligently, especially in difficult situations?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize and resist oppressive pressures, whether they come from cultural trends, personal temptations, or spiritual adversaries?**
* **What does it mean for me to "stand firm" in my convictions and not consent to compromises that go against God's truth, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging?**

### FAQ
**Why did Ahab consult the elders only after Ben-hadad's second, more audacious demand, rather than his initial one?**

Answer: Ahab's initial agreement to Ben-hadad's first set of demands ([1 Kings 20:3-4](/1_kings/20-3 "1 Kings 20:3-4 - Ahab's Initial Concession")) was likely a hasty decision driven by fear or a desire to avoid immediate conflict, perhaps underestimating Ben-hadad's true intentions. He might have seen it as a heavy but acceptable tribute to avert war. However, Ben-hadad's second demand ([1 Kings 20:5-6](/1_kings/20-5 "1 Kings 20:5-6 - Ben-hadad's Escalated Demands")) was so egregious—threatening indiscriminate plunder and complete humiliation—that it clearly crossed a line. This escalation likely shocked Ahab into realizing the true tyrannical nature of Ben-hadad and the existential threat to his kingdom, prompting him to seek broader, more legitimate counsel from the elders and the people. It demonstrates that some demands are so outrageous they compel even a weak leader to seek collective wisdom.

**What was the significance of "all the elders and all the people" agreeing to the counsel?**

Answer: The unanimity of "all the elders and all the people" was profoundly significant. In ancient Israel, the elders represented the established leadership and wisdom of the community, while the inclusion of "all the people" indicated a broad, popular consensus. This collective agreement meant that the counsel was not merely the opinion of a few advisors but a unified national front. This lent immense moral and political weight to the advice, making it virtually impossible for King Ahab to ignore. It legitimized any subsequent resistance and demonstrated to Ben-hadad that he was facing not just a king, but a united nation, which would have been a powerful deterrent and a source of strength for Israel in the ensuing conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Kings 20:8 describes a moment of human wisdom and resolve, it points forward to the ultimate wisdom and steadfastness found in Jesus Christ. The elders' counsel to "Hearken not, nor consent" to tyranny foreshadows Christ's perfect refusal to yield to the temptations of Satan ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1 "Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus")) and His unwavering commitment to His Father's will, even unto death ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He is the embodiment of divine wisdom, in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). The unified stand of the elders and people against an oppressive foe also prefigures Christ's victory over the ultimate oppressor, Satan, and the powers of sin and death. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, Christ disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities, triumphing over them ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers, united in Christ, are called to emulate this steadfastness, to "stand firm against the schemes of the devil" ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Armor of God")), and to "resist the devil, and he will flee from you" ([James 4:7](/james/4-7 "James 4:7 - Resist the Devil")), drawing strength from the Lamb of God who perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and never consented to evil ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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.