1 Kings 20:18

18 He said, "If they have come out in peace, take them alive; if they have come out for war, take them alive as well."

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 At noon they marched for battle. Meanwhile, Ben-hadad and the thirty-two kings allied with him were getting drunk in their tents.

17 The servants of the district officials were at the head of the march. Ben-hadad sent for information and was told, "Some men have marched out of Samaria."

18 He said, "If they have come out in peace, take them alive; if they have come out for war, take them alive as well."

19 So the servants of the district governors with the army behind them marched out from the city.

20 Each one struck down his opponent, so that the Arameans fled. Israel chased after them. Ben-hadad, Aram's king, escaped with some horses and chariots.