1 Kings 20 8

1 Kings 20:8 kjv

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

1 Kings 20:8 nkjv

And all the elders and all the people said to him, "Do not listen or consent."

1 Kings 20:8 niv

The elders and the people all answered, "Don't listen to him or agree to his demands."

1 Kings 20:8 esv

And all the elders and all the people said to him, "Do not listen or consent."

1 Kings 20:8 nlt

"Don't give in to any more demands," all the elders and the people advised.

1 Kings 20 verses

1 Kings 20 8 Meaning

1 Kings 20:8 reveals the united and firm counsel given to King Ahab by the collective body of elders and all the people of Israel. They advised him decisively not to acquiesce or yield to the increasingly outrageous demands of Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, thereby signifying their resolute defiance against further subjugation and plunder. This pivotal moment illustrates a community's refusal to tolerate oppressive terms and underscores the importance of national resolve against external threats.

1 Kings 20 8 Context

This verse is set in the immediate aftermath of King Ben-Hadad of Aram's siege on Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel. Initially, Ben-Hadad demanded Ahab's silver, gold, and his finest wives and children (1 Kgs 20:3). Surprisingly, Ahab conceded (1 Kgs 20:4), accepting terms that would reduce him to a vassal. However, Ben-Hadad then escalated his demands (1 Kgs 20:5-6), sending envoys to declare that the next day his servants would come to search and take whatever was valuable from Ahab's palace and the homes of his officials. This was a violation of the accepted terms and a further act of extreme arrogance and oppression. Ahab, faced with this unacceptable escalation, consulted "all the elders and all the people." Their unanimous advice in verse 8 marks a decisive turning point, transforming Ahab's initial capitulation into a resolute stance of resistance against Ben-Hadad's tyrannical imposition.

1 Kings 20 8 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֹּאמְרוּ, vayyomru): The prefixed waw consecutive ("and") indicates a chronological and consequential flow of events. It marks the immediate response and signifies a shift in the narrative, highlighting that the advice directly follows Ahab's consultation.
• all (כָּל־, kol-): This emphatic term denotes totality, underscoring the widespread consensus and complete agreement among both leadership and common people. It suggests a powerful, unified national voice.
• the elders (הַזְּקֵנִים, hazzeqenim): The definite article indicates a specific, recognized group. Zeqenim refers to older men who were recognized as leaders in Israelite society, often holding positions of authority, wisdom, and judgment from ancient times (e.g., in the Exodus, the desert wanderings). Their counsel carried significant moral and societal weight. Their involvement signals the gravity of the situation and the community's reliance on experienced leadership.
• and all (וְכָל־, vekol-): Another "all" reinforcing the comprehensive unity of the nation.
• the people (הָעָם, ha'am): Refers to the general populace, the assembly of the citizens of Israel. Their inclusion signifies that the defiance was not merely a decision of the elite but reflected the national will. This widespread support would provide legitimacy and strength to Ahab's subsequent actions.
• said to him (אֵלָיו, elav): Directly addressed to King Ahab, confirming his role as the decision-maker who sought their counsel.
• Do not (אַל־, al-): A strong negative imperative, meaning "do not" or "you shall not." It conveys a direct prohibition and an authoritative command.
• listen (תִּשְׁמַע, tishma): From the verb shama (שָׁמַע), meaning to hear, listen, pay attention, or obey. In this context, it implies not only to literally "hear" but also not to "heed" or "pay attention" to Ben-Hadad's further demands as if they held any legitimacy or binding power.
• or (וְאַל־, ve'al-): "And not," connecting the two negative commands, emphasizing their combined force.
• consent (תֹּאבֶה, to'veh): From the verb 'abah (אָבָה), meaning to be willing, to consent, to agree, or to comply. This term is even stronger than "listen" because it addresses the internal disposition and willingness. It advises Ahab not to have any desire or agreement in his heart to these new, unjust terms. Together with "do not listen," it conveys a total rejection and an unwillingness to entertain the demands further.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "all the elders and all the people": This phrase highlights the remarkable unity and collective wisdom presented to Ahab. In contrast to many of Ahab's other actions influenced by Jezebel or his own impetuous nature, here he receives unanimous and righteous counsel from the broadest representation of his kingdom. This unity is crucial; it elevates the decision beyond a mere king's choice to a national resolve, indicating the Spirit's underlying guidance within the community.
• "Do not listen or consent": This resolute double negation serves as an absolute and unequivocal rejection. It's a powerful statement against both acknowledging Ben-Hadad's claims and against any internal willingness to submit to them. This collective "no" reflects not just pragmatism but a deep-seated rejection of humiliation and excessive demands, signaling Israel's commitment to self-preservation and sovereignty under God.

1 Kings 20 8 Bonus section

• This instance is noteworthy because it presents Ahab, often portrayed as an unrighteous and indecisive king, in a different light, choosing to seek and, importantly, heed wise counsel from his own people. This stands in stark contrast to King Rehoboam who rejected similar counsel in 1 Kings 12, leading to the division of the kingdom.
• The unanimous agreement of "all the elders and all the people" signals the depth of the national outrage at Ben-Hadad's escalating arrogance, creating a collective resolve that empowered Ahab to resist rather than capitulate further.
• The Aramean king's actions here display classic signs of overconfidence and hubris ("pride goes before destruction," Prov 16:18), underestimating the point at which even a seemingly weak or subjugated nation will find the will to resist, especially when facing existential threats to their honor and possessions.

1 Kings 20 8 Commentary

1 Kings 20:8 marks a pivotal shift in Ahab's interaction with Ben-Hadad, characterized by a crucial and rare display of collective national resolve. When faced with an enemy's escalating and oppressive demands, King Ahab sought counsel not from his usual coterie or foreign influences but from the established elders and the general populace. This wise decision on Ahab's part yielded sound advice. The unified response, "Do not listen or consent," embodies not merely political sagacity but a moral refusal to be trampled upon further. The elders, as conduits of Israelite traditional wisdom, and the people, representing the national will, recognized that total subjugation and unrestrained plunder would negate their very identity and livelihood. Their strong, unambiguous advice emboldened Ahab and marked a turning point towards resistance. This counsel indirectly highlights that divine intervention often aligns with courageous, righteous opposition to tyranny, as seen in the subsequent battles where God gives Israel victory against Aram. It implicitly teaches that listening to wise communal counsel can guide even a flawed leader toward a path aligned with God's ultimate protective plan for His people.