1 Kings 20 18

1 Kings 20:18 kjv

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

1 Kings 20:18 nkjv

So he said, "If they have come out for peace, take them alive; and if they have come out for war, take them alive."

1 Kings 20:18 niv

He said, "If they have come out for peace, take them alive; if they have come out for war, take them alive."

1 Kings 20:18 esv

He said, "If they have come out for peace, take them alive. Or if they have come out for war, take them alive."

1 Kings 20:18 nlt

"Take them alive," Ben-hadad commanded, "whether they have come for peace or for war."

1 Kings 20 verses

1 Kings 20 18 Meaning

In 1 Kings 20:18, Ben-Hadad, the Aramean King, confidently declared to his army, regarding the men emerging from Samaria, that no matter their intent—whether for a peaceful parley or to engage in combat—they were to be captured alive. This command reveals his absolute certainty of victory, dismissing the Israelite forces as utterly inconsequential, implying his army's overwhelming superiority.

1 Kings 20 18 Context

1 Kings Chapter 20 recounts two significant military conflicts between Aram (Syria), led by King Ben-Hadad, and Israel, under King Ahab. At this point, Ben-Hadad has amassed an immense army, including 32 allied kings, and has besieged Samaria, the capital of Israel. His initial demands on Ahab are escalatingly harsh, signifying a complete subjugation of Israel.

Verse 18 occurs just before the first major battle. Ahab, by divine instruction delivered through a prophet, has gathered a small, unlikely force: 232 young men who were "princes of the provinces" and a core army of 7,000 Israelites. This verse highlights Ben-Hadad's immense overconfidence and hubris. He and the allied kings are in their tents, likely feasting and celebrating prematurely, when reports reach them that men are coming out of Samaria. Without discerning their true intention or numbers, Ben-Hadad, with utter disdain for the besieged Israelites, issues this contemptuous command to "take them alive," showcasing his complete disregard for their capacity to fight.

1 Kings 20 18 Word analysis

• And he said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyomer): Refers to Ben-Hadad, King of Aram. His words here reveal his character: overconfident, arrogant, and utterly dismissive of his opponents.
• Whether they be come out for peace (אִם־לְשָׁלוֹם - im leshalom): "Shalom" (peace) in this context implies a peaceful approach, perhaps for negotiation, surrender, or a parley. Ben-Hadad's assumption shows he doesn't expect a challenge, only submission or seeking terms.
• or whether they be come out for war (וְאִם־לְמִלְחָמָה - ve'im leMilchamah): "Milchamah" (war, battle). The phrase demonstrates his all-encompassing confidence; whether seeking peace or war, he views the outcome as already determined—his victory. This negates any real threat from the approaching force.
• take them alive (תִּפְשׂוּם חַיִּים - tifsum chayyim): Lit. "seize/capture them living/alive." This is a significant command.
  • Contempt: It shows a lack of respect for the opponent, implying they are not even worth the effort of killing in battle.
  • Control/Display: Prisoners taken alive could be used for interrogation, public humiliation, ransom, or as trophies of war, showcasing the victor's power. It could also prevent further combat or an attempt at self-sacrifice.
  • No Retreat: It emphasizes the commander's expectation of absolute subjugation and capture, allowing no escape.

1 Kings 20 18 Bonus section

• The battle instigated by Ben-Hadad in this chapter (and its follow-up) served as a direct demonstration by Yahweh to establish His sovereignty. The Arameans later claimed that Israel's God was "God of the hills, but not God of the valleys" (1 Kgs 20:28), which God refutes by orchestrating another victory in the plain. Ben-Hadad's confidence here in 1 Kgs 20:18 likely stems from his initial assessment that God's power was localized or limited.
• Ben-Hadad's drunken state, alluded to in verse 16 ("Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk..."), further amplifies his imprudent decision-making and underscores the reckless pride that preceded his fall. A sound-minded military leader would typically seek to understand an enemy's intentions or numbers before issuing such a dismissive command.

1 Kings 20 18 Commentary

1 Kings 20:18 vividly captures the essence of Ben-Hadad's profound arrogance and misjudgment. Surrounded by allied kings and an overwhelming force, he viewed the emergent Israelites not as a threat, but as insignificant pawns destined for capture. His command to "take them alive" irrespective of their purpose speaks to an almost comical overconfidence, failing to recognize the unseen hand of Yahweh that was preparing to intervene. This declaration stands in stark contrast to the unfolding reality. God had already declared to Ahab that He would deliver this vast Aramean army into Israel's hands to prove His identity as the true God, not just a deity of mountains. Thus, Ben-Hadad's arrogant decree swiftly met its ironic reversal. What he intended as a display of contempt and control became the very first step in his humiliation, as the seemingly meager Israelite force routed his grand army (1 Kgs 20:20-21), demonstrating God's power over the pride of man and the might of empires.