Ahab Spares Ben-hadad

Then the servants of [Ben-hadad] said to him,“Look now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful Let us go out to the king of Israel [with] sackcloth around our waists and ropes around our heads. Perhaps he will spare your life.”

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So [with] sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their heads, they went to the king of Israel and said,“Your servant vvv Ben-hadad says,‘Please spare my life.’ ”

And [the king] answered,“Is he still alive? He is my brother.”

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Now the men were looking for a sign of hope, and they quickly grasped [at this word] and replied,“Yes, your brother vvv Ben-hadad.”

“Go and get him!” said [the king].

vvv Then Ben-hadad came out and Ahab had him come up into his chariot.

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Ben-hadad said to him,“I will restore the cities my father took from your father; you may set up your own marketplaces in Damascus, as my father [did] in Samaria.”

“ By this treaty[fn] I release you ,” [Ahab replied]. So he made a treaty with him and sent him away.

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