ore than a few of
them escape to their own city Aphek, who were also killed by the walls
falling upon them, being in number twenty-seven thousand. [38] Now there
were slain in this battle a hundred thousand more; but Benhadad, the
king of the Syrians, fled away, with certain others of his most faithful
servants, and hid himself in a cellar under ground; and when these told
him that the kings of Israel were humane and merciful men, and that
they might make use of the usual manner of supplication, and obtain
deliverance from Ahab, in case he would give them leave to go to him, he
gave them leave accordingly. So they came to Ahab, clothed in sackcloth,
with ropes about their heads, [for this was the ancient manner of
supplication among the Syrians,] [39] and said, that Benhadad desired
he would save him, and that he would ever be a servant to him for that
favor. Ahab replied he was glad that he was alive, and not hurt in the
battle; and he further promised him the same honor and kindness that
a man would show to his brother. So they received assurances upon oath
from him, that when he came to him he should receive no harm from him,
and then went and brought him out of the cellar wherein he was hid, and
brought him to Ahab as he sat in his chariot. So Benhadad worshipped
him; and Ahab gave him his hand, and made him come up to him into his
chariot, and kissed him, and bid him be of good cheer, and not to expect
that any mischief should be done to him. So Berthadad returned him
thanks, and professed that he would remember his kindness to him all
the days of his life; and promised he would restore those cities of the
Israelites which the former kings had taken from them, and grant that he
should have leave to come to Damascus, as his forefathers had to come
to Samaria. So they confirmed their covenant by oaths, and Ahab made him
many presents, and sent him back to his own kingdom. And this was
the conclusion of the war that Benhadad made against Ahab and the
Israelites.

5. But a certain prophet, whose name was Micaiah, [40] came to one of
the Israelites, and bid him smite him on the head, for by so doing he
would please God; but when he would not do so, he foretold to him, that
since he disobeyed the commands of God, he should meet with a lion, and
be destroyed by him. When that sad accident had befallen the man, the
prophet came again to another, and gave him the same injunction; so he
smote him, and wounded his skull; upon