7. King Ahab called in all the leaders of the country and said, “You see that this man wants to ruin us. He sent me a message demanding my wives and children, my silver and gold, and I agreed.”
8. The leaders and the people answered, “Don't pay any attention to him; don't give in.”
9. So Ahab replied to Benhadad's messengers, “Tell my lord the king that I agreed to his first demand, but I cannot agree to the second.”The messengers left and then returned with another message
10. from Benhadad: “I will bring enough men to destroy this city of yours and carry off the rubble in their hands. May the gods strike me dead if I don't!”
11. King Ahab answered, “Tell King Benhadad that a real soldier does his boasting after a battle, not before it.”