John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Wherefore he sent unto the messengers of Benhadad , etc.] Upon the advice the elders had given him, and encouraged thereby, though in a poor sneaking manner after all: tell my lord the king, all that thou didst send for to thy servant at the first I will do ; owning him as his lord, and himself as his servant, and promising to grant his first demand, though so insolent, in the sense he understood him, of paying tribute to him for it: but this thing I may not do ; to have not only all put into his hands, but his and his servant’s houses to be searched and pillaged, because the elders of his people would not agree; and yet he seems to speak as if he himself would have submitted to it, but was restrained by his council: and the messengers departed, and brought him word again ; reported to Benhadad the answer they received from Ahab.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-11 - Benhadad sent Ahab a very insolent demand. Ahab sent a very disgracefu submission; sin brings men into such straits, by putting them out of the Divine protection. If God do not rule us, our enemies shall: guil dispirits men, and makes them cowards. Ahab became desperate. Men wil part with their most pleasant things, those they most love, to sav their lives; yet they lose their souls rather than part with an pleasure or interest to prevent it. Here is one of the wisest saying that ever Ahab spake, and it is a good lesson to all. It is folly to boast of any day to come, since we know not what it may bring forth Apply it to our spiritual conflicts. Peter fell by self-confidence Happy is the man who is never off his watch.
Original Hebrew ויאמר559 למלאכי4397 בן הדד1130 אמרו559 לאדני113 המלך4428 כל3605 אשׁר834 שׁלחת7971 אל413 עבדך5650 בראשׁנה7223 אעשׂה6213 והדבר1697 הזה2088 לא3808 אוכל3201 לעשׂות6213 וילכו1980 המלאכים4397 וישׁבהו7725 דבר׃1697
