1 Kings 20:18

18 And he said: Whether they come for peace, take them alive: or whether they come to fight, take them alive.

1 Kings 20:18 Meaning and Commentary

1 Kings 20:18

And he said, whether they be come out for peace
To propose terms of peace:

take them alive;
make them prisoners, which was contrary to the laws of nations:

or whether they be come out for war, take them alive;
he made no doubt of their being easily taken; but he would not have them be put to death, that he might examine them, and know the state of things in Samaria, and what Ahab intended to do, that he might take his measures accordingly.

1 Kings 20:18 In-Context

16 And they went out at noon. But Benadad was drinking himself drunk in his pavilion, and the two and thirty kings with him, who were come to help him.

17 And the servants of the princes of the provinces went out first. And Benadad sent. And they told him, saying: There are men come out of Samaria.

18 And he said: Whether they come for peace, take them alive: or whether they come to fight, take them alive.

19 So the servants of the princes of the provinces went out, and the rest of the army followed:

20 And every one slew the man that came against him: and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued after them. And Benadad, king of Syria, fled away on horseback with his horsemen.