1. King Ben-hadad of Aram brought together all his army along with thirty-two kings plus horses and chariots. He went up, surrounded Samaria, and made war against it.
2. He sent messengers to Ahab, Israel’s king, inside Samaria.
3. The message said, "This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and your gold are mine. Your good-looking wives and children are mine.’"
4. Israel’s king answered, "Whatever you say, my master, great king. I am yours and so is everything I have."
5. The messengers came back again: "This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I sent you the message: Give me your silver and gold, your wives and your sons.
6. However, at this time tomorrow I will send my officers to you, and they will search your palace and the houses of your officers. Everything that you find valuable they will seize and take away.’"
7. Then Israel’s king called all the elders of the land and he said, "Please know and understand the evil this man wants to do! He demanded from me my wives and sons, and my silver and gold; and I didn’t refuse him."
8. All of the elders and the people said to him, "Don’t obey and don’t give in!"