Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version The king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said to them, “See how this man is looking for trouble! When he sent for my wives and my children, my silver and my gold, I did not refuse him.” New Living Translation Then Ahab summoned all the elders of the land and said to them, “Look how this man is stirring up trouble! I already agreed with his demand that I give him my wives and children and silver and gold.” English Standard Version Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Mark, now, and see how this man is seeking trouble, for he sent to me for my wives and my children, and for my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.” Berean Standard Bible Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him.” Berean Literal Bible And the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Know, please, and see that this one seeks evil, for he sent to me for my wives and my children and my silver and my gold, and I did not withhold from him.” King James Bible Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not. New King James Version So the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, “Notice, please, and see how this man seeks trouble, for he sent to me for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold; and I did not deny him.” New American Standard Bible Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please be aware and see that this man is looking for trouble; for he sent me his demand for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, and I did not refuse him.” NASB 1995 Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Please observe and see how this man is looking for trouble; for he sent to me for my wives and my children and my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.” NASB 1977 Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Please observe and see how this man is looking for trouble; for he sent to me for my wives and my children and my silver and my gold, and I did not refuse him.” Legacy Standard Bible Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Please know and see how this man is looking for trouble; for he sent to me for my wives and my children and my silver and my gold, and I withheld nothing from him.” Amplified Bible Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please observe and see how this man is seeking our destruction. For he sent messengers to me for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, and I did not refuse him.” Berean Annotated Bible Then the king of Israel (he wrestles with God) summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him. Christian Standard Bible Then the king of Israel called for all the elders of the land and said, “Recognize that this one is only looking for trouble, for he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, and I didn’t turn him down.” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then the king of Israel called for all the elders of the land and said, “Think it over and you will see that this one is only looking for trouble, for he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, and I didn’t turn him down.” American Standard Version Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not. Contemporary English Version Ahab called a meeting with the leaders of Israel and said, "Benhadad is causing real trouble. He told me to give him my wives and children, as well as my silver and gold. And I agreed." English Revised Version Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief: for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the king of Israel called for all the leaders of the country. He said, "You can see how this man is looking for trouble. When he sent for my wives, children, silver, and gold, I didn't refuse him." Good News Translation King Ahab called in all the leaders of the country and said, "You see that this man wants to ruin us. He sent me a message demanding my wives and children, my silver and gold, and I agreed." International Standard Version Then the king of Israel called together all of the elders of the land and told them, "Please note that this man is here looking for trouble. He sent a message to me, demanding my wives, my children, and my silver and gold, and I haven't refused him." NET Bible The king of Israel summoned all the leaders of the land and said, "Notice how this man is looking for trouble. Indeed, he demanded my wives, sons, silver, and gold, and I did not resist him." New Heart English Bible Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, "Please notice how this man seeks mischief; for he sent to me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I did not deny him." Webster's Bible Translation Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief: for he sent to me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold, and I denied him not. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him.” World English Bible Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, “Please notice how this man seeks mischief; for he sent to me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I didn’t deny him.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king of Israel calls to all [the] elderly of the land and says, “Please know and see that this [one] is seeking evil, for he sent to me for my wives, and for my sons, and for my silver, and for my gold, and I did not withhold from him.” Berean Literal Bible And the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Know, please, and see that this one seeks evil, for he sent to me for my wives and my children and my silver and my gold, and I did not withhold from him.” Young's Literal Translation And the king of Israel calleth to all the elders of the land, and saith, 'Know, I pray you, and see that evil this one is seeking, for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my sons, and for my silver, and for my gold, and I withheld not from him.' Smith's Literal Translation And the king of Israel will call for all the old men of the land, and he will say, Know now, and see that this seeks evil, for he sent to me for my wives and for my sons, and for my silver, and for my gold, and I withheld not from him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king of Israel called all the ancients of the land, and said: Mark, and see that he layeth snares for us. For he sent to me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver and gold: and I said not nay. Catholic Public Domain Version Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and he said: “Let your souls take heed, and see that he commits treachery against us. For he sent to me for my wives and sons, and for silver and gold. And I did not refuse.” New American Bible The king of Israel then summoned all the elders of the land and said: “Understand clearly that this man is intent on evil. When he sent to me for my wives and children, my silver and my gold, I did not refuse him.” New Revised Standard Version Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, “Look now! See how this man is seeking trouble; for he sent to me for my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold; and I did not refuse him.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said to them, Know, and see how this man seeks mischief; for he sent to me for my wives and for my children and for my silver and for my gold; and I denied him not. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King of Israel called all the Elders of the land and said to them: “Know and see that this one is seeking evil, for he sent to me for my wives and for my sons and for my silver and for my gold and I have not withheld any from him. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said: 'Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeketh mischief; for he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Take notice now and consider, that this man seeks mischief: for he has sent to me concerning my wives, and concerning my sons, an concerning my daughters: I have not kept back from him my silver and my gold. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ben-Hadad Attacks Samaria…6But about this time tomorrow I will send my servants to search your palace and the houses of your servants. They will seize and carry away all that is precious to you.’ ” 7Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him.” 8And the elders and the people all said, “Do not listen to him or consent to his terms.”… Cross References Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land 2 Kings 23:1 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 2 Chronicles 34:29 Then the king summoned all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 1 Kings 8:1 At that time Solomon assembled before him in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David. and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, 1 Samuel 25:17 Now consider carefully what you must do, because disaster looms over our master and all his household. For he is such a scoundrel that nobody can speak to him!” Proverbs 11:27 He who searches out good finds favor, but evil will come to him who seeks it. Proverbs 29:22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression. for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, 1 Samuel 30:2-3 They had taken captive the women and all who were there, both young and old. They had not killed anyone, but had carried them off as they went on their way. / When David and his men came to the city, they found it burned down and their wives and sons and daughters taken captive. 2 Chronicles 28:8 Then the Israelites took 200,000 captives from their kinsmen—women, sons, and daughters. They also carried off a great deal of plunder and brought it to Samaria. 2 Samuel 12:11-12 This is what the LORD says: ‘I will raise up adversity against you from your own house. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to another, and he will lie with them in broad daylight. / You have acted in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.’” I did not deny him.” 2 Kings 18:14-16 So Hezekiah king of Judah sent word to the king of Assyria at Lachish, saying, “I have done wrong; withdraw from me, and I will pay whatever you demand from me.” And the king of Assyria exacted from Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. / Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the royal palace. / At that time Hezekiah stripped the gold with which he had plated the doors and doorposts of the temple of the LORD, and he gave it to the king of Assyria. 1 Kings 15:18 So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: 2 Kings 16:8 Ahaz also took the silver and gold found in the house of the LORD and in the treasuries of the king’s palace, and he sent it as a gift to the king of Assyria. 2 Kings 6:32 Now Elisha was sitting in his house, and the elders were sitting with him. The king sent a messenger ahead, but before he arrived, Elisha said to the elders, “Do you see how this murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door to keep him out. Is not the sound of his master’s footsteps behind him?” 2 Kings 5:7 When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and asked, “Am I God, killing and giving life, that this man expects me to cure a leper? Surely you can see that he is seeking a quarrel with me!” 2 Samuel 10:4-5 So Hanun took David’s servants, shaved off half of each man’s beard, cut off their garments at the hips, and sent them away. / When this was reported to David, he sent messengers to meet the men, since they had been thoroughly humiliated. The king told them, “Stay in Jericho until your beards have grown back, and then return.” 2 Chronicles 18:30-31 Now the king of Aram had ordered his chariot commanders, “Do not fight with anyone, small or great, except the king of Israel.” / When the chariot commanders saw Jehoshaphat, they said, “This is the king of Israel!” So they turned to fight against him, but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him. God drew them away from him. Treasury of Scripture Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man seeks mischief: for he sent to me for my wives, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I denied him not. all the elders 1 Kings 8:1 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the chief of the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of the city of David, which is Zion. 2 Kings 5:7 And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he rent his clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man doth send unto me to recover a man of his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. 1 Chronicles 13:1 And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. seeketh mischief Job 15:35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit. Psalm 7:14 Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. Psalm 36:4 He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way that is not good; he abhorreth not evil. 1 Kings 20:4 And the king of Israel answered and said, My lord, O king, according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have. Jump to Previous Children Denied Deny Elders Gold Israel Mark Mischief Notice Observe Please Seeketh Seeking Seeks Silver Summoned Trouble WivesJump to Next Children Denied Deny Elders Gold Israel Mark Mischief Notice Observe Please Seeketh Seeking Seeks Silver Summoned Trouble Wives1 Kings 20 1. Ben-Hadad, not content with Ahab's homage, besieges Samaria13. By the direction of a prophet, the Syrians are slain 22. As the prophet forewarned Ahab, the Syrians come against him in Aphek 28. By the word of the prophet, and God's judgment, the Syrians are smitten again 31. The Syrians submit; Ahab sends Ben-Hadad away with a covenant 35. The prophet, under the parable of a prisoner, 39. making Ahab judge himself, denounces God's judgment against him Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land The king of Israel at this time is Ahab, who reigned from approximately 874 to 853 BC. Ahab is known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, which led Israel into further sin. The elders of the land were leaders and advisors, often representing the tribes or clans. Their summoning indicates a serious situation requiring collective wisdom. This reflects the biblical principle of seeking counsel from wise and experienced leaders, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." and said, “Please take note and see that this man is looking for trouble, for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him.” Persons / Places / Events 1. King of IsraelThe unnamed king in this passage is Ahab, who ruled the northern kingdom of Israel. Known for his idolatry and marriage to Jezebel, Ahab's reign was marked by conflict with prophets and foreign powers. 2. Elders of the Land These were the leaders and advisors in Israel, often consulted for their wisdom and guidance in matters of state and community. 3. Ben-Hadad The king of Aram (Syria), who was a frequent adversary of Israel. His demands and aggression towards Israel set the stage for the events in this chapter. 4. Aram (Syria) A neighboring kingdom to Israel, often in conflict with Israel during this period. The capital was Damascus. 5. Samaria The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, where King Ahab resided and where these events took place. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselAhab's decision to consult the elders highlights the value of seeking wisdom from others, especially in times of crisis. In our lives, we should also seek godly counsel when faced with difficult decisions. Recognizing the Enemy's Intentions Ahab's recognition of Ben-Hadad's intentions as seeking trouble reminds us to be discerning about the motives of those who oppose us. Spiritual discernment is crucial in identifying threats to our faith and well-being. The Cost of Compromise Ahab's initial willingness to comply with Ben-Hadad's demands shows the danger of compromising with evil. We must stand firm in our convictions and not yield to pressures that lead us away from God's will. Leadership and Responsibility As a leader, Ahab had a responsibility to protect his people and make decisions that aligned with God's commands. Similarly, we are called to lead with integrity and accountability in our spheres of influence. Trusting in God's Sovereignty Despite Ahab's flaws, God ultimately intervenes in Israel's favor. This reminds us that God's sovereignty prevails, and we can trust Him to work through even imperfect leaders and situations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Kings 20:7?2. How does 1 Kings 20:7 demonstrate the importance of seeking wise counsel? 3. What can we learn about leadership from the king's response in 1 Kings 20:7? 4. How does 1 Kings 20:7 relate to Proverbs 11:14 on seeking advice? 5. How can we apply the king's approach in 1 Kings 20:7 to our decisions? 6. What does 1 Kings 20:7 teach about facing threats with a community mindset? 7. How does 1 Kings 20:7 reflect the moral challenges faced by Israel's leaders? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in 1 Kings 20:7? 9. How does 1 Kings 20:7 illustrate the theme of divine justice? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Kings 20? 11. Who were the Meunites in the Bible? 12. Who were the elders in the Old Testament? 13. How plausible is it that just 232 junior officers could rout a massive Aramean army (1 Kings 20:15-21)? 14. 2 Kings 20:7: Why was a simple poultice of figs sufficient to cure a fatal illness if it was truly life-threatening? What Does 1 Kings 20:7 Mean Then the king of Israel summoned all the elders of the land• Ahab does not face Ben-hadad’s threat alone; he calls together Israel’s leaders, modeling the principle seen in Proverbs 11:14 that “in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” • Earlier kings did the same when crisis loomed (1 Kings 12:6; 2 Chronicles 10:6). Scripture consistently presents such gatherings as real events, underscoring both the historicity of the record and God’s design for corporate wisdom among His people. Please take note and see • Ahab asks the elders to weigh the situation carefully, echoing the call for discernment found in Proverbs 2:1-5. • He is inviting accountability, reminiscent of Moses urging the leaders to “make sure you know what has happened” (Deuteronomy 13:14). • By seeking their evaluation, Ahab acknowledges that the matter is not merely political; it affects the covenant community. this man is looking for trouble • “This man” is Ben-hadad of Aram (1 Kings 20:1-2), whose aggression is not accidental but intentional. • The phrase exposes the heart behind the demands—like the “violent man” of Psalm 140:2 who “plots trouble in their hearts.” • Scripture repeatedly warns of enemies who seek pretexts for war (Judges 14:4; 2 Samuel 10:3). Ahab rightly discerns that appeasement has only emboldened Ben-hadad. for when he demanded my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, I did not deny him • Verses 3-4 detail Ahab’s earlier concession: “The king of Israel answered, ‘Just as you say, my lord the king, I am yours, along with all I have’ ”. • The costliness of that surrender parallels Hezekiah stripping the gold from the temple doors to satisfy Assyria (2 Kings 18:14-16). Concessions rarely satisfy tyrants; they invite further oppression. • Ahab’s confession reveals two realities: – He had already yielded what should have been protected. – The enemy’s greed now threatens the nation itself, exposing the folly of compromise. summary 1 Kings 20:7 captures Ahab’s turning point. Having tried appeasement, he recognizes that Ben-hadad’s hostility is relentless. Gathering the elders, he seeks collective wisdom and exposes the enemy’s true intent. The verse teaches that God’s people must confront evil with discernment and unity, for surrendering sacred trusts only invites greater assault. Verse 7. - Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land [Bahr remarks that this expression, compared with "the elders of the city" (1 Kings 21:8, etc.), suggests either that these nobles, as the highest officials, had their residences at the court, or upon the approach of Ben-hadad had betaken themselves thither with their treasures. Rawlinson builds on this slender basis the conclusion that the council of elders which, he says, belonged to the undivided kingdom, had been continued among the ten tribes, had an important place in the government, and held regular sittings at the capital] and said, Mark, I pray you, and see how this man [or fellow. The זֶה expresses either hatred or contempt. Cf. 1 Kings 22:27; Luke 23:2, 18, etc.] seeketh mischief [the purport of Ahab's address is not, "Ben-hadad is not satisfied with my treasures; he wants yours also" (Bahr), for there is no reference whatsoever to their property, but, "See how he is determined on our ruin. Nothing short of our destruction will suffice him. He is bent on provoking an encounter, that he may plunder the city at pleasure." The salient word is the רָעָה]: far he sent unto me for my wives, and for my children [LXX. περι τῶν υἱῶν μου. This shows clearly that "the most eminent young men "cannot be meant in ver. 3], and for my silver and for my gold: and I dented him not. [What these words mean depends on what ver. 4 (where see note) means. It is difficult to conceive that any monarch could gravely proclaim his own shame to his counsellors; could confess, that is, that he had consented to surrender his children and concubines without a struggle.]Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then the kingמֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king of Israel יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc summoned וַיִּקְרָ֤א (way·yiq·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7121: To call, proclaim, read all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the elders זִקְנֵ֣י (ziq·nê) Adjective - masculine plural construct Strong's 2205: Old of the land הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 776: Earth, land and said, וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “Please נָ֣א (nā) Interjection Strong's 4994: I pray', 'now', 'then' take note, דְּעֽוּ־ (də·‘ū-) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 3045: To know and you will see וּרְא֔וּ (ū·rə·’ū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see that כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction this [man] זֶ֣ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that is looking for מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ (mə·ḇaq·qêš) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after trouble, רָעָ֖ה (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil for כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction when he demanded שָׁלַ֨ח (šā·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out my wives, לְנָשַׁ֤י (lə·nā·šay) Preposition-l | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female my children, וּלְבָנַי֙ (ū·lə·ḇā·nay) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 1121: A son my silver, וּלְכַסְפִּ֣י (ū·lə·ḵas·pî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 3701: Silver, money and my gold, וְלִזְהָבִ֔י (wə·liz·hā·ḇî) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky I did not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no deny מָנַ֖עְתִּי (mā·na‘·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 4513: To debar, from benefit, injury him.” מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃ (mim·men·nū) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of Links 1 Kings 20:7 NIV1 Kings 20:7 NLT 1 Kings 20:7 ESV 1 Kings 20:7 NASB 1 Kings 20:7 KJV 1 Kings 20:7 BibleApps.com 1 Kings 20:7 Biblia Paralela 1 Kings 20:7 Chinese Bible 1 Kings 20:7 French Bible 1 Kings 20:7 Catholic Bible OT History: 1 Kings 20:7 Then the king of Israel called all (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg) |
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