1 Kings 20:32

“So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and put ropes on their heads, etc.] Signifying they came to surrender themselves to him as his captives and prisoners, and he might do with them as seemed good to him, hang them up if he pleased, for which they brought ropes with them, as a token that they deserved it, (see <232002>Isaiah 20:2-4), and came to the king of Israel, and said, thy servant Benhadad saith, I pray thee let me live: he that a little while ago insolently demanded his wives, and children, and silver, and gold, as his property, now is his humble servant, and begs, not for his crown and kingdom, but for his life: and he said, is he yet alive? he is my brother; which was intimating…”

“put ropes on their heads--Captives were dragged by ropes round their necks in companies, as is depicted on the monuments of Egypt. Their voluntary attitude and language of submission flattered the pride of Ahab, who, little concerned about the dishonor done to the God of Israel by the Syrian king, and thinking of nothing but victory, paraded his clemency, called the vanquished king "his brother," invited him to sit in the royal chariot, and dismissed him with a covenant of peace.”

“Ben-hadad is now as humble as Ahab had been a year before 1 Kings 20:9. He professes himself the mere “slave” of his conqueror. return to 'Top of Page'”

“My brother - I do not only pardon him, but honour and love him as my brother. What a change is here! From the height of prosperity, to the depth of distress. See the uncertainty of human affairs! Such turns are they subject to, that the spoke of the wheel which is uppermost now, may soon be the lowest of all. 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:33”

“20:32-33 my brother: Ahab spoke to Ben-hadad in terms that politely indicated the Aramean king’s royal authority and Ahab’s desire for good relations. Ahab welcomed Ben-hadad into his chariot to demonstrate his warm reception of the king, yet serving notice that he should recognize Ahab as his equal. Correspondence and parity agreements between kings of the ancient Near East used the language of brotherhood to express friendship, good relations, or formal equality.”

“Thy servant: Kg1 20:3-6; Job 12:17, Job 12:18, Job 40:11, Job 40:12; Isa 2:11, Isa 2:12, Isa 10:12; Dan 5:20-23; Oba 1:3, Oba 1:4 he is my brother: Kg1 20:42; Sa1 15:8-20 3 Kings (1 Kings) 20:33”