Then Ben-hadad sent messengers to him and said, ‘May the gods punish me and do so severely if Samaria’s dust amounts to a handful for each of the people who follow me.’
If he retreats to some city, all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag its stones into the valley until not even a pebble can be found there.’
The enemy said: ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil. My desire will be gratified at their expense. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’