20:31 His advisers41 said to him, “Look, we have heard that the kings of the Israelite dynasty are kind.42 Allow us to put sackcloth around our waists and ropes on our heads43 and surrender44 to the king of Israel. Maybe he will spare our lives.”
tn Or “merciful.” The word used here often means “devoted” or “loyal.” Perhaps the idea is that the Israelite kings are willing to make treaties with other kings.
43
snSackcloth was worn as a sign of sorrow and repentance. The precise significance of the ropes on the head is uncertain, but it probably was a sign of submission. These actions were comparable to raising a white flag on the battlefield or throwing in the towel in a boxing match.