And his servants said unto him, Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life.
His servants said to him, 'Listen, we have heard that the kings of Israel are merciful kings. Please, let us put on rough cloth around our waists and ropes around our heads, and go out to the king of Israel. Maybe he will spare your life.'
The servants are suggesting they dress in humble mourning clothes and surrender to Israel's king, hoping his reputation for mercy might save their master's life.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs after Ben-hadad, king of Syria, was decisively defeated by King Ahab of Israel in battle. Ben-hadad was hiding in an inner room, and his servants were advising him on how to approach the victorious Ahab. Sackcloth and ropes were traditional signs of mourning, humility, and surrender in ancient Near Eastern culture.
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