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.”
11. The king of Israel answered, “The saying goes, ‘Don’t brag about a victory before you have even dressed for battle.’ ”