1 Kings 20:33 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 20:31-43

Here is an account of what followed upon the victory which Israel obtained over the Syrians. I. Ben-hadad's tame and mean submission. Even in his inner chamber he feared, and would, if he could, flee further, though none pursued. His servants, seeing him and themselves reduced to the last extremity, advised that they should surrender at discretion, and make themselves prisoners and petitioners to Ahab for their lives, 1 Kgs. 20:31. The servants will put their lives in their hands, and venture... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:33

Now the men did diligently observe whether anything would come from him ,.... That would be a good omen to them, and encourage them to hope for success; they observed him as diligently by his words and behaviour as soothsayers do when they look out for a lucky sign; for the word is sometimes used of divining F19 ינחשו "augurati sunt", Pagninus, Montanus, Munster, Vatablus. : and did hastily catch it ; as soon as it was out of his mouth, and laid hold on it to improve it to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 20:33

Did hastily catch it - They were watching to see if any kind word should be spoken by him, from which they might draw a favorable omen; and when they heard him use the word brother, it gave them much encouragement. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 20:1-43

The Purgatory of Nations and Kings. The two invasions of Israel by the armies of Syria, and their defeat by the finger of God, may suggest some lessons as to God's dealings with nations, and with oppressive and tyrannical kings. Two considerations must, however, be borne in mind here. First, that the present age, unlike the Mosaic, is not a dispensation of temporal rewards and punishments. It is true that even now men do receive a rough sort of retribution, according to their... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 20:22-43

Resisted Mercy. I. GOD MULTIPLIES HIS BENEFITS TO THE SINFUL ( 1 Kings 20:22-30 ). Ahab makes no public acknowledgment of God's mercy, nor, so far as appears, has it been suffered to change in any way his attitude towards Jehovah; yet God crowns him with loving-kindnesses. 1 . Delivered from one danger, he is warned of another . "Go, strengthen thyself, and see what thou doer," etc. The enemy, baffled for the time, will return again. The intimation was a call not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 20:30-43

False Mercy. The first army with which Ben-hadad invaded Israel was defeated with "great slaughter," and the king saved himself by flight. The defeat of the second was even more complete, when 127,000 men were destroyed and the king had to surrender at discretion. But Ahab, for his false mercy in sparing the life of Ben-hadad, brought judgment upon himself and upon his people. I. MERCY IS FALSE WHEN IT OPPOSES THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD . 1 . That righteousness... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 20:33

Now the men did diligently observe whether anything would come from him and did hastily catch it [Heb. and the men augured— נִחֵשׁ divinavit . Cf. Genesis 44:15 ; Le Genesis 19:26 ; 2 Kings 17:17 . LXX . οἰωνίσαντο . Vulgate acceperunt pro omine—and hasted and made him declare whether from him, the meaning of which is sufficiently clear, viz; that the men took Ahab's words,"He is my brother," as a speech of good omen, and immediately laid hold of it, and contrived... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 20:33

The meaning of this verse is that the men from the first moment of their arrival were on the watch to note what Ahab would say; and the moment he let fall the expression “He is my brother,” they caught it up and repeated it, fixing him to it, as it were, and preventing his retreat. By the Oriental law of “dakheel” anyone is at any time entitled to put himself under the protection of another, be that other his friend or his greatest enemy; and if the man applied to does not at once reject him,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 20:33

1 Kings 20:33. The men did diligently observe, &c. They were wise persons whom Ben-hadad employed in this embassy; who watched attentively to hear whether any kind word would drop from Ahab’s mouth, on which they might lay hold, and make their advantage of it, before he could retract it. And they catched hastily at the word brother, and said, Thy brother Ben-hadad lives, and implores this favour, that he may live. They repeated the word again, to try whether the king would own it,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:1-43

Defeat of Ben-hadad (20:1-43)Ahab appeared to be in serious trouble when a combined army of Syria (Aram) and neighbouring states besieged the Israelite capital Samaria and demanded heavy payments. Ahab at first submitted (20:1-4), but when their demands increased, he changed his mind and decided to fight (5-12).A prophet assured Ahab that God would give Israel victory (13-15). Ahab’s plan, based on the prophet’s advice, was to send a large group of young men ahead to distract the Syrians, then... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Kings 20:31-43

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:33

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Kings 20:33

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 20:1-43

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 20:22-43

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 20:30-43

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Kings 20:33

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Kings 20:33

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Kings 20:33

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Kings 20:1-43

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