Israel's Victories Over Aram and Ahab's Mercy
1 Kings 20:13-34
1 K.20.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והנה: ADV
- נביא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
- נגש: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- הראית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ההמון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- הנני: PRT+PRON,1,sg
- נתנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וידעת: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 17:46–47 (verbal): David declares that the LORD will deliver the Philistine into his hand and that all shall know that the LORD saves—close verbal and thematic parallel to a prophet telling Ahab God will deliver the enemy into his hand so he will know Yahweh.
- Exodus 6:7 (verbal): God’s promise to Israel uses the same formula “and ye shall know that I am the LORD,” linking divine deliverance with the revelation of Yahweh’s identity.
- Exodus 14:13–14 (thematic): Moses exhorts Israel to ‘stand still and see the salvation of the LORD,’ as God brings deliverance over hostile forces—theme of God granting victory to demonstrate his power.
- Judges 6:14 (thematic): The LORD commissions Gideon and promises victory over the Midianites—another prophetic assurance that God will give Israel’s foes into the leader’s hand.
Alternative generated candidates
- And behold, a prophet came to Ahab king of Israel and said, 'Thus says the LORD: Have you seen all this great host? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the LORD.'
- And behold, a prophet came to Ahab king of Israel and said, "Thus says the LORD: Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the LORD."
1 K.20.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אחאב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- במי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- בנערי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cstr
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המדינות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- יאסר: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Exodus 17:9-11 (structural): Moses appoints Joshua and the chosen men to go out and fight Amalek while Moses stands on the hill — a similar scene of a leader designating who will carry out the battle.
- 1 Samuel 17:32-47 (thematic): David is identified and steps forward as the one to fight Goliath by divine purpose and royal approval; both passages center on a specific person being singled out to accomplish a decisive combat.
- Isaiah 10:5-7 (thematic): God raises and uses a foreign monarch (Assyria) as an instrument of judgment — thematically parallel in that God determines which agents will execute warfare and bring outcomes.
- Jeremiah 27:6-7 (thematic): Yahweh declares that he has given nations and kings into Nebuchadnezzar’s hand, emphasizing divine appointment of who will wield military power, paralleling the motif of God (or his messenger) specifying who will carry on the fighting.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ahab said, 'By whom?' And he said, 'Thus says the LORD: By the young men of the commanders of the provinces.' And he said, 'Who shall begin the battle?' And he said, 'You.'
- And Ahab said, "By whom?" And he said, "Thus says the LORD: By the young men of the provincial commanders." And he said, "Who will begin the battle?" And he said, "You."
1 K.20.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויפקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נערי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המדינות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ויהיו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מאתים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- שנים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ואחריהם: PREP,3,pl
- פקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- העם: NOUN,m,sg,def
- כל: DET
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- אלפים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 1 Samuel 11:8 (thematic): Saul organizes and numbers Israelite forces into companies for a surprise attack — parallel theme of a king mustering and organizing troops for battle.
- 1 Samuel 13:2 (verbal): Gives specific counts of men under the king and under Jonathan (thousands and hundreds) — similar practice of enumerating commanders and soldiers as in 1 Kgs 20:15.
- 2 Samuel 10:9-14 (structural): Joab divides David’s army into companies and marshals commanders for battle against the Ammonites/Syrians — parallels the military organization and listing of leaders and troops.
- 1 Chronicles 12:23-38 (thematic): Catalogue of warriors and leaders who join David, with numbers and tribal groupings — comparable to the muster and enumeration of officers and Israelite troops in 1 Kgs 20:15.
Alternative generated candidates
- So he mustered the young men of the commanders of the provinces, and there were two hundred and thirty of them; and after them he mustered all the people of Israel, seven thousand.
- So he mustered the young men of the provincial commanders, and they were two hundred and thirty; and after them he mustered all the people, all the sons of Israel, seven thousand.
1 K.20.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בצהרים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שתה: VERB,qal,impv,2,sg
- שכור: ADJ,m,sg
- בסכות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- והמלכים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,def
- שלשים: NUM,m,pl,abs
- ושנים: CONJ+NUM,m,pl,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עזר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתו: PRON,3,m,sg,acc
Parallels
- Prov.31.4-5 (verbal): A proverbial warning that it is not for kings to drink wine or strong drink lest they forget justice — thematically parallels a king rendered incapacitated by intoxication.
- Isa.28.1-3 (allusion): Condemns the 'crown of pride' and the leaders of Ephraim as drunkards; uses imagery of intoxicated rulers whose condition precedes judgment, echoing the motif of a leader discredited by wine.
- Gen.9.20-21 (thematic): Noah becomes drunk and is exposed in his tent; like Ben‑Hadad drinking in his tent, intoxication produces vulnerability and loss of dignity for a prominent figure.
- 1Sam.25.36-38 (thematic): Nabal is described as very drunk in his house, a state that precipitates subsequent disaster — a parallel instance of a leader’s drunkenness leading to peril or disgrace.
Alternative generated candidates
- They went out at noon; and Ben‑hadad was drinking in his tents—he and the thirty‑two kings who were with him.
- They went out at noon; and Ben‑hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions—he and the thirty‑two kings who helped him.
1 K.20.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- נערי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המדינות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- בראשנה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויגידו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אנשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- יצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- משמרון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 20:18 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same scene: Ben‑hadad instructs his officers after the young men report that men have come out of Samaria; shows the next moves in the narrative.
- 2 Samuel 18:19-27 (thematic): Messengers/young men run to report the outcome of a battle to the king; similar motif of couriers bringing battlefield intelligence and the king’s response.
- Numbers 13:25-33 (thematic): Spies return after scouting and report to the leaders about what they saw; parallels the sending/returning of men who report enemy forces or movements.
- 2 Kings 7:6-8 (thematic): Watchmen/observers in a siege report unusual activity (the Syrians’ flight) to the city; comparable role of provincial officers/young men as first reporters of enemy action.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the young men of the commanders of the provinces went out at the head, and Ben‑hadad sent and reported it, saying, 'Men have come out from Samaria.'
- The young men of the provincial commanders went out at their head. Ben‑hadad sent and reported it to him, saying, "They have come out from the city."
1 K.20.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אם: CONJ
- לשלום: PREP
- יצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- תפשום: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- ואם: CONJ
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- חיים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
- תפשום: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 20:10-12 (structural): Gives the formal rule for siege warfare: offer terms of peace before attacking a city — parallels the conditional distinction between peace and war in 1 Kgs 20:18.
- 1 Kings 20:34 (verbal): Same narrative episode — Ahab captures Ben‑Hadad alive and later spares him; the command to take alive in v.18 is enacted and its consequences appear later in the chapter.
- 1 Samuel 24:4-11 (thematic): David spares Saul when he could have killed him, reflecting the principle of taking an opponent alive/spared rather than immediately destroying him.
- Proverbs 25:21 (thematic): Commands kindness to an enemy (feed him if he is hungry), resonating with the ethic of mercy or restraint toward foes implied by taking them alive rather than killing them.
- Romans 12:20 (allusion): Paul echoes the ethic of treating enemies kindly ('if your enemy is hungry, feed him'), a New Testament parallel to the merciful disposition toward adversaries suggested in 1 Kgs 20:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- He said, 'If they came out for peace, seize them alive; and if they came out for war, seize them alive.'
- And he said, "If they have come out for peace, seize them alive; and if for war, seize them alive."
1 K.20.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- יצאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מן: PREP
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- נערי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- שרי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- המדינות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- והחיל: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אחריהם: PREP,3,m,pl
Parallels
- 2 Kings 7:6-7 (thematic): An Aramean host suddenly flees at night (abandoning tents, horses, and camp); parallels the narrative of enemy troops/units emerging from a city/camp and the military dynamics that follow.
- 2 Kings 6:14-17 (thematic): A large Syrian force (horses and chariots, a great host) is drawn up against Israel and sends out troops; parallels the depiction of provincial princes, young men, and the armed host mustering and deploying.
- Judges 4:10-16 (structural): The mobilization and deployment of commanders and soldiers (Barak’s troops vs. Sisera’s chariots) — a similar structure of leaders and fighting men coming out to engage outside a stronghold.
- 1 Samuel 11:7-11 (structural): Saul’s rapid mustering and deployment of men from the towns/territories to pursue the Ammonites mirrors the movement of provincial leaders and host coming out from a city to fight.
Alternative generated candidates
- And these came out from the city—the young men of the commanders of the provinces and the force that was after them.
- And these went out from the city—the young men of the provincial commanders and the force that was after them.
1 K.20.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אישו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+3ms
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וירדפם: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וימלט: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- על: PREP
- סוס: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ופרשים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 10:18 (verbal): Aramean (Syrian) forces are routed and flee before Israel; similar language and outcome (Aram's flight and Israel's pursuit).
- 1 Chronicles 19:18 (structural): Parallel account to 2 Samuel 10 describing the defeat and flight of the Arameans—another structural retelling of Israel routing Syria’s forces.
- Judges 4:15-16 (thematic): After Sisera’s chariots are routed the enemy flees and Israel pursues—same motif of rout, flight, and pursuit in victory narratives.
- 1 Samuel 17:51 (thematic): Following Goliath’s fall the Philistines flee and Israel pursues—another instance of an enemy’s rout and Israel’s pursuit after battle.
- Psalm 18:37 (thematic): Psalmic description of pursuing and not turning back until enemies are consumed—reflects the victorious pursuit theme found in 1 Kgs 20:20.
Alternative generated candidates
- And each struck his man; and Aram fled, and Israel pursued them, and Ben‑hadad king of Aram escaped on horses and chariots.
- Each struck his opponent; and Aram fled, and Israel pursued them; and Ben‑hadad king of Aram escaped on a horse and chariot.
1 K.20.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויך: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הסוס: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ואת: CONJ
- הרכב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והכה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בארם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדולה: ADJ,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 2 Samuel 8:4 (verbal): David's victory over the Arameans mentions taking/crippling chariots and horsemen (hamstringing chariot horses), closely paralleling the motif of striking horses and chariots.
- 2 Samuel 10:18 (thematic): After battle with the Arameans the Israelite forces rout and strike the enemy; thematically parallels Israel's decisive blow against Aram in 1 Kings 20.
- Judges 4:15 (cf. Judges 5:19) (thematic): Barak's pursuit and defeat of Sisera's chariots and horsemen echoes the image of routing an enemy force and overcoming chariotry.
- Exodus 15:1-4 (allusion): The victory-song language ('the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea', the LORD as warrior) provides a theological backdrop for Israelite triumphs over chariots and horsemen.
- 2 Kings 6:8-23 (thematic): Narratives of conflict with Arameans where God grants Israel victory and routs Syrian forces—contextually parallel in subject (Aram/Syria defeated) and divine deliverance in battle.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king of Israel went out and struck the horses and the chariots, and smote the Arameans with a great slaughter.
- Then the king of Israel went out and struck the horses and the chariots, and struck Aram a great blow.
1 K.20.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- הנביא: NOUN,m,sg,def
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- התחזק: VERB,hitpael,impv,2,m,sg
- ודע: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- וראה: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אשר: PRON,rel
- תעשה: VERB,qal,imf,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לתשובת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- השנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עליך: PREP+2ms
Parallels
- 1 Kgs 20:28-30 (verbal): Immediate continuation: the same prophet again urges Ahab to 'strengthen yourself' and gives the specific prediction and instructions about the coming Aramean king — closely parallel in wording and function.
- 2 Kgs 6:8-23 (thematic): Elisha uncovers Aramean plans and functions as prophetic adviser to Israel’s leadership; parallels the prophet’s role in warning and protecting the king against Syria (Aram).
- 2 Kgs 6:24–7:20 (thematic): Narrative of an Aramean (Syrian) siege of Samaria and a prophetic-shaped deliverance; thematically parallels Israel’s conflict with Aram and prophetic involvement in wartime counsel and outcome.
- 1 Kgs 22:5-28 (thematic): Micaiah’s confrontation with Ahab before battle — a prophet bringing a warning about an upcoming military encounter and its outcome, echoing the pattern of prophetic military counsel and prediction.
- Judg 6:14 (verbal): God’s charge to Gideon—'Go in this thy might'—echoes the imperatival encouragement 'Go, strengthen yourself,' a common prophetic exhortation to prepare for imminent military action.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then the prophet came to the king of Israel and said to him, 'Go, strengthen yourself and consider what you shall do; for in the spring the king of Aram will come up against you.'
- And the prophet came to the king of Israel and said to him, "Go, strengthen yourself and take counsel and see what you shall do; for at the return of the year the king of Aram will come up against you."
1 K.20.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועבדי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,prsfx,1s
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הרים: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אלהיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3mp
- על: PREP
- כן: ADV
- חזקו: VERB,qal,imp,2,m,pl
- ממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ואולם: CONJ
- נלחם: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- אתם: PRON,2,m,pl
- במישור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- נחזק: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
Parallels
- Judges 4:6-15 (structural): Deborah summons Barak from Mount Tabor (a height) to confront Sisera in the plain of Jezreel—similar motif of hill/plain terrain shaping battle plans and divine deliverance for Israel.
- Judges 7:12-14 (thematic): Gideon’s reconnaissance reports Midian’s forces in the valley and God grants an unexpected victory despite enemy numbers—echoes the tactical concern with terrain and the idea that Yahweh determines outcomes.
- Exodus 17:11-13 (verbal): Moses’ uplifted hands bring Israel success against Amalek—an explicit linkage of Israel’s battlefield victory to divine action, paralleling the Arameans’ attribution of Israel’s wins to their god/hills.
- 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (thematic): David declares that the LORD will give him victory over Goliath—the theme of God enabling the underdog against a superior foe and deciding the outcome of a battle.
- Deuteronomy 20:4 (allusion): The command not to fear because ‘the LORD your God goes with you to fight for you’ underlines the theological rationale (Yahweh’s presence) for Israel’s success that the Arameans try to explain by terrain.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the servants of the king of Aram said to him, 'Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were strong against us. But let us fight them in the plain; perhaps we shall be stronger than they.'
- And the servants of the king of Aram said to him, "Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we. But let us fight them in the plain; if we are not stronger than they—"
1 K.20.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואת: CONJ
- הדבר: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- עשה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הסר: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- המלכים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממקמו: PREP
- ושים: VERB,qal,imperat,2,m,sg
- פחות: ADV
- תחתיהם: PREP
Parallels
- 1 Kings 2:27 (verbal): Solomon 'removed' Abiathar from the priesthood (ויסר) — a direct instance of a king removing an official from office, paralleling the language and action of dismissing officers.
- Esther 8:2 (structural): After Haman's fall the king gives Haman's position and authority to Mordecai — a royal removal and replacement of officials that mirrors the motif of deposing and installing officers.
- Daniel 2:48-49 (thematic): Nebuchadnezzar promotes Daniel and 'set him over' the province and officials, displacing previous administrators — a thematic parallel of royal reappointment and replacement of personnel.
- 2 Kings 11:12-16 (structural): The overthrow of Athaliah and the crowning of Joash involves removing the existing regime and installing a new king and supporters — structurally similar to removing officers and placing others under royal authority.
- Nehemiah 13:7-9 (thematic): Nehemiah expels Tobiah from the temple storerooms and cleanses the rooms, removing an improperly placed official/insider — echoing the theme of driving out and replacing persons in positions of authority.
Alternative generated candidates
- And this device of the kings was: each from his place would displace another, and set him beneath them.
- And the king did this thing: he sent the kings back, each to his place, and put fewer men under them.
1 K.20.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- תמנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- חיל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כחיל: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנפל: NOUN,m,sg,def
- מאותך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- וסוס: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כסוס: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ורכב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כרכב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ונלחמה: VERB,qal,impf,1,?,pl
- אותם: PRON,3,m,pl,obj
- במישור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אם: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- נחזק: VERB,qal,impf,1,pl
- מהם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- וישמע: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,m,sg
- לקלם: PREP,3,m,pl
- ויעש: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כן: ADV
Parallels
- 1 Kings 20:24 (verbal): Immediate context — Ben‑Hadad's challenge to Ahab to 'number thy men' and match horses/chariots, the same demand repeated just before v.25.
- 1 Kings 20:34 (structural): Outcome of the encounter in this narrative — the subsequent capture/treatment of the king of Syria and the resolution of the campaign that follows the challenge and battle of v.25.
- 2 Samuel 10:18 (thematic): Israel defeats the Arameans in open battle (the plain); thematically parallels Israelite–Aramean warfare and victory in a field engagement.
- 1 Kings 22:29–33 (thematic): Ahab goes out to battle (Ramoth‑Gilead) and is exposed in the fighting; parallels motifs of a reigning Israelite king personally engaging in pitched battle and the risks/Consequences of such royal warfare.
Alternative generated candidates
- And you shall muster for yourself troops like the troops that fall from you, horses like their horses, and chariots like their chariots; and fight them in the plain; perhaps we shall be stronger than they.' He listened to their words and did so.
- "And you shall number for yourself a host like the host that fell from you—horse for horse, chariot for chariot—and fight them in the plain; if we are not stronger than they—" And he heeded their words and did so.
1 K.20.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- לתשובת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons
- השנה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויפקד: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעל: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אפקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- למלחמה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- עם: PREP
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Kings 20:1 (structural): Opens the same episode: Ben‑hadad (king of Aram) gathers his forces against Israel—the immediate context for the campaign that reaches Aphek in v.26.
- 1 Kings 20:21–22 (structural): Gives the account of the battle at Aphek in which Israel defeats the Arameans—direct continuation of the military action referred to in v.26.
- 1 Kings 20:34 (structural): The episode's resolution: Ahab makes a covenant with Ben‑hadad—shows the political/diplomatic aftermath of the campaign that began with the muster and advance in v.26.
- 2 Kings 6:24–7:20 (thematic): A later narrative of an Aramean (Ben‑hadad) siege of Samaria that produces famine and a miraculous deliverance (Elisha). Thematically parallels Syrian aggression and Israel's responses to sieges.
- 1 Samuel 4:1 (verbal): Mentions Aphek as a battlefield in an earlier Israelite engagement (with the Philistines), underscoring Aphek as a recurrent military locus in the biblical narrative.
Alternative generated candidates
- And it came to pass in the spring that Ben‑hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.
- And it came to pass at the turn of the year that Ben‑hadad mustered the Arameans and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel.
1 K.20.27 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובני: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- התפקדו: VERB,hithpael,perf,3,m,pl
- וכלכלו: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- וילכו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- לקראתם: PREP,3,m,pl
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נגדם: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- כשני: PREP+NUM,m,dual
- חשפי: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עזים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וארם: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלאו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- את: PRT,acc
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
Parallels
- Judges 7:2-8 (thematic): Gideon’s army is reduced to a small band by God and wins over the vastly larger Midianite host—parallel theme of a numerically small Israel prevailing by divine help.
- 1 Samuel 14:6-7 (thematic): Jonathan and his armor‑bearer attack the Philistines with a tiny force, expressing confidence that the Lord will act despite being outnumbered—similar trust and situation of few versus many.
- 1 Samuel 17:45-47 (thematic): David faces the giant Goliath alone and declares the Lord will give victory; underscores the motif of God delivering Israel when human forces are unequal.
- 2 Chronicles 20:15-17 (thematic): Jehoshaphat is told ‘the battle is not yours but God’s,’ and Judah is delivered from a large confederation—another episode where divine intervention overturns overwhelming enemy numbers.
- 2 Kings 6:16-17 (thematic): Elisha reassures his servant that the heavenly hosts are with Israel, making the invisible divine support greater than the visible enemy—echoes the idea that apparent numerical superiority of the foe is not decisive.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Israelites were mustered and arrayed; and they went out to meet them. The Israelites encamped opposite them like two droves of goats, and Aram filled the land.
- And the sons of Israel mustered and prepared themselves, and went out to meet them. The sons of Israel encamped against them like two flocks of goats; and Aram filled the country.
1 K.20.28 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויגש: VERB,qal,wayy,3,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- כה: ADV
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- יען: CONJ
- אשר: PRON,rel
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הרים: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ולא: CONJ
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- עמקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ונתתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,_,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- כל: DET
- ההמון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הגדול: ADJ,m,sg,def
- הזה: DEM,m,sg
- בידך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,suff,2,m,sg
- וידעתם: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Exodus 14:4 (verbal): God brings judgment/deliverance in battle 'that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD'—same formula of acting so that peoples will 'know that I am Yahweh,' parallel purpose-language to 1 Kgs 20:28.
- Exodus 14:18 (structural): The LORD's action in battle is explicitly linked to making his identity known; structurally parallels the prophetic announcement that victory will demonstrate 'that I am the LORD.'
- 1 Samuel 17:46 (thematic): David declares his victory will show that 'there is a God in Israel'—the theme of a military victory serving to reveal Yahweh's unique power echoes 1 Kgs 20:28's rebuke of the Arameans and demonstration of God.
- Judges 6:13-16 (thematic): Gideon's protest and God's assurance of deliverance address Israel's apparent weakness and the need for a sign of God's presence—similar dynamic of enemies (or Israelites) doubting Yahweh's sovereignty and God promising victory to make himself known.
- Psalm 115:4-8 (thematic): Contrast between the living LORD and impotent idols: the psalm undermines gods made of stone, corresponding to 1 Kgs 20:28's implicit refutation of the Arameans' claim that Yahweh is only 'god of the hills'—affirming Yahweh's sovereign power over all places.
Alternative generated candidates
- Then a man of God drew near and said to the king of Israel, 'Thus says the LORD: Because the gods of the Arameans said, “The LORD is God of the hills, but not of the valleys,” therefore I will give into your hand all this great multitude, and you shall know that I am the LORD.'
- Then the man of God approached the king of Israel and said, "Thus says the LORD: Because the men of Aram have said, 'The LORD is God of the hills, and not of the valleys,' therefore I will give into your hand all this great multitude, and you shall know that I am the LORD."
1 K.20.29 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחנו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- נכח: PREP
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- שבעת: NUM,card,construct
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ויהי: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- ביום: PREP
- השביעי: ADJ,m,sg,def
- ותקרב: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- המלחמה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ויכו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- ארם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מאה: NUM,f,sg,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- רגלי: NOUN,f,pl,cons
- ביום: PREP
- אחד: NUM,card,m,sg
Parallels
- Judges 7:19-22 (thematic): Gideon's surprise attack leads to a divinely wrought rout in which the enemy slays one another and great numbers fall in a short time — a motif of sudden, overwhelming victory against a larger foe.
- Joshua 6:15-20 (structural): The seven‑day ritual culminates on the seventh day in the city's fall — parallels the seven‑day encampment followed by decisive victory on the seventh day in 1 Kgs 20:29.
- 2 Kings 7:6-7 (thematic): Aramean army unexpectedly panics and flees, leaving camp and provisions for Israel — another episode of Syrian defeat and sudden rout in the northern kingdom narratives.
- 2 Chronicles 20:21-24 (thematic): Jehoshaphat's enemies are thrown into confusion and destroy one another so Judah's victory is completed with little direct combat by Israel, echoing the motif of divinely granted, rapid victory in a single day.
- 1 Samuel 14:14 (thematic): Jonathan's sudden strike produces panic in the Philistine camp and leads to widespread slaughter in a short time — another instance of an Israelite force causing rapid, large‑scale enemy losses in one day.
Alternative generated candidates
- They camped opposite one another seven days; and on the seventh day the battle was fought, and the Israelites struck Aram a hundred thousand footmen in one day.
- So they encamped opposite each other seven days. And it came to pass on the seventh day that the battle was joined; and the sons of Israel struck Aram a hundred thousand footmen in one day.
1 K.20.30 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וינסו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- אפקה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ותפל: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- החומה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- על: PREP
- עשרים: NUM,card,pl
- ושבעה: NUM,m,pl,abs
- אלף: NUM,m,sg
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הנותרים: ADJ,m,pl,def
- ובן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נס: VERB,niphal,perf,3,m,sg
- ויבא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אל: NEG
- העיר: NOUN,f,sg,def
- חדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בחדר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Joshua 6:20-21 (structural): The walls of a city fall (Jericho) leading directly to the city's destruction; parallels the motif of a wall collapsing and causing mass casualties during a battle.
- Judges 9:52-54 (thematic): Attackers are repelled at a fortified place and suffer death when the defenders' actions and the city's defenses lead to the downfall of the assailant — similar theme of attackers trapped or undone at a stronghold.
- 2 Chronicles 20:22-24 (thematic): Jehoshaphat's enemies are destroyed in a surprising/divine way with many casualties and subsequent scenes of havoc; parallels the sudden, large-scale defeat of an enemy force.
- Exodus 14:27-28 (thematic): Pursuing forces are overwhelmed when a barrier collapses (the returning waters) and are destroyed en masse—comparable motif of pursuers suddenly cut off and killed by a collapsing barrier.
- 2 Kings 19:35 (thematic): A large number of enemy troops are slain suddenly by divine intervention (the angel striking the Assyrian camp), echoing the motif of mass casualties inflicted on an invading army.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the rest fled to Aphek into the city; and the wall fell upon twenty‑seven thousand of the people who were left. Ben‑hadad fled and entered the city into an inner chamber.
- And the rest fled to Aphek into the city, and the wall fell upon twenty‑seven thousand of the remaining men; and Ben‑hadad fled and entered the city into an inner chamber.
1 K.20.31 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- עבדיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs+3ms
- הנה: PART
- נא: PART
- שמענו: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,pl
- כי: CONJ
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- בית: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- מלכי: NOUN,pl,m,cons
- חסד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הם: PRON,personal,3,m,pl
- נשימה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- נא: PART
- שקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- במתנינו: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+1,_,pl
- וחבלים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בראשנו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,pl
- ונצא: VERB,qal,cohort,1,pl
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אולי: ADV
- יחיה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- נפשך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m
Parallels
- Jonah 3:5-10 (thematic): The people of Nineveh (including the king) put on sackcloth and fasted to avert destruction, and God relented—parallel in the use of humble, public mourning to obtain mercy and avert judgment.
- 2 Samuel 13:19 (verbal): Tamar puts ashes on her head and tears her garment as a sign of humiliation and mourning; parallels the physical signs (sackcloth/ashes/loose garments) used here to express humility and seek pity.
- 1 Kings 21:27-29 (thematic): Ahab tears his clothes and puts on sackcloth to humble himself after Elijah’s pronouncement; parallels the idea that Israel’s rulers (or those under their authority) respond with humility and that such repentance can lead to mercy.
- Esther 4:15–5:3 (structural): Mordecai and the Jews put on sackcloth and Esther approaches the king to plead for her people’s life—parallel in combining public signs of mourning with a risky petition to a ruler in hopes of securing mercy and preserving life.
Alternative generated candidates
- And his servants said to him, 'Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Put sackcloth on our loins and ropes on our heads and go out to the king of Israel; perhaps he will save your life.'
- And his servants said to him, "Behold, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Please put sackcloth on our loins and ropes on our heads and go to the king of Israel; perhaps he will save your life."
1 K.20.32 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויחגרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,pl
- שקים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- במתניהם: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+3,m,pl
- וחבלים: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- בראשיהם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+3,m,pl
- ויבאו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אל: NEG
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- עבדך: NOUN,m,sg,abs,2,ms
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- תחי: VERB,qal,juss,2,m,sg
- נא: PART
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- העודנו: INT
- חי: ADJ,m,sg
- אחי: NOUN,m,pl,suff
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Jonah 3:5 (verbal): Nineveh’s inhabitants ‘put on sackcloth’ as a public sign of repentance and urgent plea for mercy—same ritualized garb of humiliation and supplication as in 1 Kgs 20:32.
- Esther 4:1–3 (thematic): Mordecai (and the Jews) put on sackcloth and ashes and mourned publicly to avert royal/cosmic threat—parallels the use of sackcloth/ash as visible supplication before rulers and God.
- 2 Samuel 3:31–33 (verbal): After Abner’s death David commands mourning with torn clothes and sackcloth—another royal/civic scene where sackcloth functions as penitential/public lamentation like the envoys’ dress in 1 Kgs 20:32.
- Psalm 35:13 (thematic): The psalmist describes wearing sackcloth in times of affliction and pleading for deliverance—reflects the same association of sackcloth with humility and begging for life in 1 Kgs 20:32.
Alternative generated candidates
- So they girded sackcloth on their loins and ropes on their heads and came to the king of Israel and said, 'Your servant Ben‑hadad says, “Let my life live.”' And Ahab said, 'Is he yet alive? He is my brother.'
- So they put sackcloth on their loins and ropes on their heads and came to the king of Israel and said, "Your servants are Ben‑hadad's servants; please let the life of my lord be spared." And he said, "Is he still alive? He is my brother."
1 K.20.33 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והאנשים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ינחשו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וימהרו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ויחלטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- הממנו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- אחיך: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- באו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- קחהו: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,pl
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הדד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויעלהו: VERB,hiphil,impf,3,m,sg+3,m
- על: PREP
- המרכבה: DET+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1Kgs.20.32 (structural): Immediate literary parallel in the same episode: the identification and decision about Ben‑hadad is made in the preceding verse, so v.33 continues the same action (men decide, call him 'your brother', and he is taken).
- Gen.44:14-16 (verbal): Brothers identify and present one of their number as 'our brother' to influence the outcome. The Hebrew word and tactic of naming someone 'אחיך' (your brother) to secure clemency or a favored course echoes 1 Kgs 20:33.
- 2 Sam.12:30-31 (thematic): David's treatment of defeated enemy leaders—bringing them before him, removing their crowns, and displaying spoils—parallels the motif of presenting a captured leader for decision by the victor (capture, display, and adjudication).
- 2 Kgs.9:20-22 (thematic): The chariot motif and the movement of key figures by chariot (military/political display, reception or removal of leaders) parallels v.33's detail that Ben‑hadad 'went up into the chariot,' linking chariot as a sign of status/mobilization in royal/captive contexts.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the men hurried and took counsel, and they brought him from among them and said, 'He is your brother Ben‑hadad.' And he said, 'Bring him to me.' So Ben‑hadad came out to him, and they brought him up into the chariot.
- And the men conspired and hastened and shaved him, and they said, "Your brother Ben‑hadad." And the king said, "Take him and bring him in." So Ben‑hadad came out to him, and they brought him up into the chariot.
1 K.20.34 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויאמר: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אליו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- הערים: NOUN,f,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לקח: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- מאת: PREP
- אביך: NOUN,m,sg,suff+2ms
- אשיב: VERB,hiphil,impf,1,sg
- וחוצות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- תשים: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בדמשק: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- כאשר: CONJ
- שם: ADV
- אבי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בשמרון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- בברית: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אשלחך: VERB,qal,impf,1,x,sg
- ויכרת: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
- ברית: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וישלחהו: CONJ+VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg,obj:3,m,sg
Parallels
- 1 Kings 20:35-43 (structural): Immediate narrative sequel: a prophet rebukes Ahab for making a covenant with Ben‑Hadad and dramatizes the consequences; the chapter then records the covenant’s moral and political fallout.
- Genesis 21:22-34 (thematic): Abraham and Abimelech make a sworn covenant over wells and property between former adversaries—parallel motif of negotiated settlements and treaties between rival rulers.
- 1 Kings 5:1-12 (thematic): Diplomatic agreement between Solomon and Hiram involving exchange of resources and peaceful arrangements—comparable example of Israelite kings concluding treaties with neighboring rulers.
- 2 Samuel 8:6-8 (cf. 1 Chronicles 18:3-4) (thematic): David’s campaigns against Aram/Damascus, the taking of cities and establishment of garrisons, provide a parallel geopolitical background to disputes over cities and vassal relations between Israel and Aram.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Ahab said to him, 'I will restore the cities my father took from your father, and you shall set up marketplaces in Damascus as my father set up in Samaria.' So he made a covenant with him and sent him away.
- And he said to him, "I will restore the cities that my father took from your father, and you shall set open markets for yourself in Damascus, as my father had in Samaria." Then he made a covenant with him and sent him away; and Ben‑hadad returned to his place.
And behold, a certain prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, 'Thus says the LORD: Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give them into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the LORD.' And Ahab said, 'By whom?' He said, 'Thus says the LORD: By the young men, the captains of the provinces.' And Ahab said, 'Who will draw up the battle?' He said, 'You.' And he mustered the young men, the captains of the provinces; they were two hundred and thirty. And after them he mustered all the people, all the men of Israel, seven thousand. And they went out at noon. Ben‑hadad was drinking in the pavilion, and the thirty‑two kings who were with him. And the young men, the captains of the provinces, went out at their head; and Ben‑hadad sent and they reported to him, saying, 'Men have come out of Samaria.' And he said, 'If they have come for peace—take them alive; and if for war—take them alive.' And these went out from the city: the young men, the captains of the provinces, and the troops that followed them. And they each struck his man; Aram fled, and Israel pursued them, and Ben‑hadad king of Aram escaped on horse and chariot. And the king of Israel went out, smote the horses and the chariots, and struck Aram a great blow. And a prophet came near to the king of Israel and said to him, 'Go, strengthen yourself and consider what you shall do; for at the return of the year the king of Aram will come up against you.' And the servants of the king of Aram said to him, 'Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore be strong. Yet if we fight them in the plain, perhaps we will be stronger than they.' And the king did this thing: he removed the chiefs from their posts and set lesser men under them. And he said, 'Number for yourself a host equal to their host; horse for horse, chariot for chariot, and fight them on the plain; perhaps we will be stronger than they.' The king hearkened to their words and did so. And it came to pass at the return of the year that Ben‑hadad mustered Aram and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. And the Israelites were mustered and arrayed to meet them; the Israelites encamped against them like two little flocks of kids, and Aram filled the land. And a man of God came near and said to the king of Israel, 'Thus says the LORD: Because the men of Aram have said, “The LORD is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys,” therefore I will give into your hand all this great multitude, and you shall know that I am the LORD.' And they encamped opposite each other seven days; and on the seventh day the battle was joined, and the Israelites struck Aram a hundred thousand footmen in one day. And the remnant fled to Aphek toward the city, and the wall fell on twenty‑seven thousand of the remaining men. And Ben‑hadad fled and entered the city and went into an inner chamber. And his servants said to him, 'Behold, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings; let us put sackcloth about our loins and ropes about our heads and go to the king of Israel; perhaps he will save your life.' So they girded sackcloth about their loins and ropes about their heads and came to the king of Israel, and said, 'Your servant Ben‑hadad says, “Please let my life live.”' And the king said, 'Is he yet alive? He is my brother.' And the men took counsel, and in haste they shaved themselves and cut off their sackcloth and ropes. They went in to the king and said, 'Your servants are Ben‑hadad's brethren.' And the king said, 'Take him.' So they went and took Ben‑hadad, and he came out to the king, and he mounted him on the chariot. And the king said to him, 'I will restore to you the cities my father took from your father, and you shall set markets for yourself in Damascus as my father set in Samaria; and I will make a covenant with you and send you away.' So he made a covenant with him and sent him away.