1 Kings 15:19

"Let there be a treaty between me and you, between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me."

Study Bible

Let there be a treaty between me and you as there was between my father and your father.
This phrase reflects the political alliances common in the ancient Near East. Treaties were often established to ensure peace and mutual benefit between neighboring kingdoms. The reference to a previous treaty between the fathers of the current kings suggests a historical precedent for cooperation. This aligns with the biblical theme of generational influence and the importance of maintaining alliances for stability. The fathers mentioned are likely Abijah of Judah and a previous king of Aram, indicating a continuation of diplomatic relations.

See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold.
Offering gifts was a customary practice to secure favor and demonstrate sincerity in negotiations. The use of silver and gold highlights the wealth and resources available to the king of Judah, as well as the importance of these metals in ancient economies. This act of sending valuable gifts underscores the seriousness of the request and the desire to influence the recipient's decision. Biblically, gifts often symbolize attempts to sway or appease, as seen in other instances like Jacob sending gifts to Esau.

Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel,
This request for the king of Aram to break his treaty with Baasha reflects the complex political landscape of the time, where alliances could shift rapidly. Baasha was the king of the northern kingdom of Israel, and his actions were a threat to Judah. The breaking of a treaty was a significant act, often leading to conflict, and it demonstrates the strategic maneuvering employed by the king of Judah to protect his kingdom. This reflects the broader biblical narrative of the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah and their often-contentious relationship.

so that he will withdraw from me.
The ultimate goal of this diplomatic effort is to relieve pressure from Baasha's military actions against Judah. The withdrawal of Baasha's forces would provide security and stability for the kingdom of Judah. This phrase highlights the constant threat of warfare and the need for strategic alliances to ensure a nation's survival. In the biblical context, it also illustrates the reliance on human strategies rather than divine intervention, a recurring theme in the history of Israel and Judah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asa
King of Judah, known for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. He sought to strengthen his kingdom by forming alliances.

2. Ben-Hadad
King of Aram (Syria), approached by Asa to break his treaty with Baasha and form an alliance with Judah instead.

3. Baasha
King of Israel, who was in conflict with Asa and had fortified Ramah to control access to Judah.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of the divided Israelite monarchy, ruled by Asa during this period.

5. Israel
The northern kingdom, ruled by Baasha, often in conflict with Judah.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Human Alliances
Asa's decision to form an alliance with Ben-Hadad highlights the temptation to rely on human strength and wisdom rather than seeking God's guidance and provision.

The Importance of Trusting God
Asa's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of placing our trust in God, even in difficult circumstances, rather than seeking security through worldly means.

Consequences of Compromise
Asa's compromise in seeking an alliance with a foreign king led to temporary relief but ultimately demonstrated a lack of faith, which had spiritual consequences for his reign.

The Role of Leadership
Asa's decision-making as a leader had significant implications for his kingdom, illustrating the responsibility leaders have to seek God's will and lead with integrity.

Learning from Past Mistakes
Asa's actions can encourage us to learn from the mistakes of biblical figures, understanding that reliance on God is always the best course of action.

Bible Study Questions

1. What motivated Asa to seek an alliance with Ben-Hadad, and how does this reflect on his faith in God?

2. How does Asa's decision to rely on a foreign king compare to other biblical examples of leaders who trusted in God during times of conflict?

3. In what ways can we be tempted to rely on human solutions rather than seeking God's guidance in our own lives?

4. How does the account of Asa's alliance with Ben-Hadad challenge us to evaluate our own leadership and decision-making processes?

5. What lessons can we learn from Asa's actions about the importance of maintaining faith and integrity in our relationship with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Chronicles 16:1-6
This passage provides a parallel account of Asa's actions, offering additional details about his alliance with Ben-Hadad and the consequences of his reliance on human alliances rather than God.

Proverbs 3:5-6
These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding, which contrasts with Asa's decision to seek a human alliance.

Isaiah 31:1
Warns against relying on foreign alliances and military strength instead of trusting in God, which is relevant to Asa's actions in seeking help from Ben-Hadad.