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Book of 1 Kings - Chapter 20 - Verse 10

20:10
And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.

Meaning

When Benhadad sent a message to King Ahab declaring that not even the dust of Samaria would be enough to satisfy the number of people he had, he was making a bold, threatening statement. This verse from the Bible, found in 1 Kings 20:10, demonstrates Benhadad's arrogance and confidence in his own strength and the size of his army. By invoking the gods to make his oath even more solemn, Benhadad was essentially saying that he was willing to face dire consequences if he did not accomplish his goal. This verse sets the stage for the conflict between the forces of Benhadad and King Ahab, highlighting the tension and power dynamics at play. It reveals Benhadad's belief in his own might and the intimidation tactics he used to try to gain the upper hand in the impending battle. As part of the larger narrative of the Bible, this verse serves as a reminder of the themes of power, conflict, and faith that run throughout the scriptures.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of 1 Kings, the king of Aram, Benhadad, sends a message to Ahab, the king of Israel, boasting of his plans to conquer the city of Samaria. In his message, Benhadad invokes the gods to show the severity of his threats, indicating that even if the dust of Samaria were enough for each of his soldiers to have a handful, it still wouldn't be sufficient. This statement reveals Benhadad's confidence in the overwhelming strength of his army and his belief in the power of his gods to ensure his victory. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the arrogance and pride of Benhadad, as well as the contrast between his reliance on false gods and the faith that the people of Israel should have in the one true God. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of putting trust in earthly power and the importance of staying steadfast in one's faith.

American Standard Version

And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.
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