Matthew Henry on 1 Kings 20:31–end
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, Kg1 20:31. The servants will put their lives in their hands, and venture first, and their master will act according as they speed. Their inducement to take this course is the great reputation the kings of Israel had for clemency above any of their neighbours: "We have heard tha…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Kings 20:39
a talent of silver--£342.
Next: 1 Kings Chapter 21
Adam Clarke on 1 Kings 20:43
Heavy and displeased - Heavy or afflicted, because of these dreadful tidings; and displeased with the prophet for having announced them. Had he been displeased with himself, and humbled his soul before God, even those judgments, so circumstantially foretold, might have been averted.
1. We have already seen, in Kg1 20:30, that according to our text, twenty-seven thousand men were slain by the falling of a wall. Serious doubts are entertained concerning the legitimacy of this rendering. I have, in the note, given the conjecture concerning sapping the foundation of the wall, and thus overthrowing them that were upon it. If instead of חומה chomah, a wall, we read חומה confusion or disorder, then…
Read the whole note in the consoleJohn Gill on 1 Kings 20:43
And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased,.... With the prophet for what he had said, and with himself for what he had done in letting Benhadad go; the Targum is, he was
"troubled and grieved,''
not so much for the sin he had committed, as for the punishment of it on him and his people:
and came to Samaria; with a heavy heart, for the message of the prophet had spoiled the joy of his victory.
