1 Kings 20:31

“And his servants said unto him, etc.] Being reduced to the utmost extremity; for if he attempted to go out of the city, he would fall into the hands of the Israelites, and there was no safety in it, the wall of it being fallen down; and it could not be thought he could be concealed long in the chamber where he was, wherefore his servants advised as follows: behold, now, we have heard that the kings of the Israel are merciful kings; not only the best of them as David and Solomon, but even the worst of them, in comparison of Heathen princes, were kind and humane to those that fell into their hands, and became their captives: let us, I pray thee; so said one in the name of the rest: put sack…”

“And ropes upon our heads - “Ropes about our necks” is probably meant. They, as it were, put their lives at Ahab’s disposal, who, if he pleased, might hang them at once. return to 'Top of Page'”

“He will save thy life - This encouragement have all poor sinners, to repent and humble themselves before God. The God of Israel is a merciful God; let us rend our hearts and return to him. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:32”

“20:31 burlap . . . ropes: Knowing the merciful mindset of the kings of Israel, Ben-hadad’s officers advised that they approach Ahab with symbols of humble repentance (Joel 1:13; Jon 3:5-9) and submission (Job 12:18; Lam 1:14). Ancient Near Eastern reliefs often depict captured enemies with ropes around their necks. Assyrian kings boasted of piercing their captives’ lips or cheeks with ropes.”

“his servants: Kg1 20:23; Kg2 5:13 merciful kings: Pro 20:28; Isa 16:5; Eph 1:7, Eph 1:8 I pray thee: Six of the citizens of Calais are reported to have acted nearly in the same manner, when they surrendered their city to Edward the Third, king of England, in 1346. See the whole story circumstantially related by Sir John Froissart (who lived in that time), with that simplicity and detail that give it every appearance of truth. put sackcloth: Kg1 21:27-29; Gen 37:34; Sa2 3:31, Sa2 14:2; Kg2 19:1, Kg2 19:2; Est 4:1-3; Isa 22:12; Isa 37:1; Jon 3:5, Jon 3:6; Rev 11:3 peradventure: Kg2 7:4; Est 4:16; Job 2:4; Mat 10:28 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:32”

“In this extremity his servants made the proposal to him, that trusting in the generosity of the kings of Israel, they should go and entreat Ahab to show favour to him. They clothed themselves in mourning apparel, and put ropes on their necks, as a sign of absolute surrender, and went to Ahab, praying for the life of their king. And Ahab felt so flattered by the fact that his powerful opponent was obliged to come and entreat his favour in this humble manner, that he gave him his life, without considering how a similar act on the part of Saul had been blamed by the Lord ( Sa1 15:9.). "Is he still alive? He is my brother!" was his answer to Benhadad's servants. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:33”