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.’ ”
12 Benhadad heard this as he and his allies were drinking in their tents. He told his officers to get ready. So they got ready ⌊to attack⌋ the city.
13 Then a prophet came to King Ahab of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: Have you seen this large army? I will hand it over to you today. Then you will know that I am the Lord.”
14 Ahab asked, “How ⌊will this be done⌋?”The prophet answered, “This is what the Lord says: by using the young officers of the district governors.”“Who will start the battle?” Ahab asked.“You will,” the prophet answered.