John Gill Commentary 1 Kings 20:2

"And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith Ben-hadad," — 1 Kings 20:2 (ASV)

And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel, into the city ,
&c.] Who there remained, and attempted not to go forth and meet him, and stop his progress, though he must have passed great part of his dominions to come to Samaria:

and said unto him, thus saith Benhadad ;
by them, his messengers, as follows.