1 Ben-Hadad king of Aram gathered together all his army. There were thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots who went with him and surrounded Samaria and attacked it.
2 The king sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel.This was his message: “Ben-Hadad says,
3 ‘Your silver and gold belong to me, as well as the best of your wives and children.’ ”
4 Ahab king of Israel answered, “My master and king, I agree to what you say. I and everything I have belong to you.”
5 Then the messengers came to Ahab again. They said, “Ben-Hadad says, ‘I told you before that you must give me your silver and gold, your wives and your children.
6 About this time tomorrow I will send my men, who will search everywhere in your palace and in the homes of your officers. Whatever they want they will take and carry off.’ ”
7 Then Ahab called a meeting of all the elders of his country. He said, “Ben-Hadad is looking for trouble. First he said I had to give him my wives, my children, my silver, and my gold, and I have not refused him.”