2. He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel. They told Ahab, “This is what Benhadad says:
3. Your silver and gold are mine. Your beloved wives and children are mine.”
4. The king of Israel answered, “As you say, Your Majesty. I and everything I have are yours.”
5. But Benhadad sent messengers back ⌊to Ahab⌋. They said, “Benhadad has sent this message to you: ‘Your silver, gold, wives, and children are mine. Give ⌊them to me⌋.
6. At this time tomorrow I’m going to send my servants to search your palace and your servants’ houses. They will take anything that you consider valuable.’ ”
7. Then the king of Israel called for all the leaders of the country. He said, “You can see how this man is looking for trouble. When he sent for my wives, children, silver, and gold, I didn’t refuse him.”
8. All the leaders and all the people told him, “Don’t listen to him. Don’t agree ⌊to his demands⌋.”
9. Ahab told Benhadad’s messengers, “Tell His Majesty, ‘I did everything your messengers told me the first time, but I can’t do this.’” The messengers left to take back his answer.
10. Then Benhadad sent Ahab the following message: “May the gods strike me dead if there will be enough dust left from Samaria to give a handful to each soldier who follows me.”