He said, “If they have come out for peace, take them alive. Or if they have come out for war, take them alive.”
The treaty between the besiegers and the besieged being broken off abruptly, we have here an account of the battle that ensued immediately. I. The Syrians, the besiegers, had their directions from a drunken king, who gave orders over his cups, as he was drinking (Kg1 20:12), drinking himself drunk (Kg1 20:16) with the kings in the pavilions, and this at noon.
Commenting on 1 Kings 20:12-21
And he said, whether they be come out for peace,.... To propose terms of peace: take them alive; make them prisoners, which was contrary to the laws of nations: or whether they be come out for war, take them alive; he made no doubt of their being easily taken; but he would not have them be put to death, that he might examine them, and...
Take them alive - He was confident of victory. Do not slay them; bring them to me, they may give us some useful information.