Definition: And Benhadad sent unto him, and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Kings 20:10. It’s a really dramatic and unsettling passage about a powerful and dangerous figure. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Benhadad is Powerful: The verse establishes that Benhadad, a king of the Amorites, is incredibly strong and has amassed a vast army. He's essentially a military powerhouse. He Wants to Control Israel: Benhadad wants to control all of Israel – its people, land, and everything within it. He’s aiming for absolute dominance. He Needs a Massive Amount of Dust: The core of the verse is that he needs a huge amount of dust from the city of Samaria (which was once a major Jewish center) to be able to summon his army. Let's unpack it word by word: “And Benhadad sent unto him…” : This means Benhadad addressed someone – likely King David. “…and said, The gods do so unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me.” This is where it gets really strange and ominous: “The gods do so unto me…” : This suggests a divine connection – that God is involved in this power. “…and more also…” : This indicates something extra significant is about to happen. “if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls…” : This is the crucial part. The "dust" refers to the ancient remains of the city of Samaria – specifically, the soil and remnants of its walls. It’s said that this dust could be gathered in handfuls . “for all the people that follow me” : This means the army he gathers would be everyone who follows him. What it Means (Interpretation): The verse paints a picture of immense power and potential for destruction. It suggests: A Threat to David: Benhadad is essentially saying, "I will use this vast power, and this massive amount of dust from Samaria, to crush your kingdom and force everyone to obey me." Divine Punishment: The phrase “the gods do so unto me” hints at a divine judgment or punishment beingfall on David and his people. Important Note: This verse is often seen as a warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the potential for divine wrath. It’s a dramatic, somewhat unsettling passage that highlights the immense threat posed by a powerful, ancient ruler. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example: We could discuss the historical context of Samaria? Why is this verse considered a significant part of biblical prophecy? How does it relate to other stories in the Bible about power and kings?