Topical Encyclopedia Ben-Hadad is a title used by several kings of Syria (Aram) in the Old Testament, most notably during the period of the divided monarchy in Israel. The name "Ben-Hadad" means "son of Hadad," with Hadad being the storm god worshiped in ancient Aram. The most prominent Ben-Hadads mentioned in the Bible are Ben-Hadad I, Ben-Hadad II, and Ben-Hadad III, each playing significant roles in the history of Israel and Judah.Ben-Hadad I Ben-Hadad I is first mentioned in the context of the reign of King Asa of Judah. Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad I to counter the threat posed by Baasha, king of Israel. In 1 Kings 15:18-20 , Asa sent silver and gold from the treasuries of the LORD's temple and the royal palace to Ben-Hadad, asking him to break his treaty with Baasha and attack Israel. Ben-Hadad agreed, sending his commanders to conquer several cities in Israel, thereby relieving the pressure on Judah. Ben-Hadad II Ben-Hadad II, the son of Ben-Hadad I, is a more prominent figure in the biblical narrative. He reigned during the time of Ahab, king of Israel. Ben-Hadad II is known for his military campaigns against Israel, including a significant siege of Samaria. In 1 Kings 20, Ben-Hadad gathered his forces and besieged Samaria, demanding the surrender of Ahab's wealth, wives, and children. Ahab initially agreed to Ben-Hadad's demands but refused when Ben-Hadad insisted on searching the city for additional plunder. This led to a series of battles in which the Israelites, under divine guidance, defeated the Arameans despite being vastly outnumbered. The LORD's intervention is highlighted in 1 Kings 20:28 , where a prophet tells Ahab, "Because the Arameans have said, 'The LORD is a god of the hills but not a god of the valleys,' I will deliver this vast army into your hand, and you will know that I am the LORD." Despite his defeats, Ben-Hadad survived and later sought peace with Ahab, who spared his life and made a treaty with him. Ben-Hadad III Ben-Hadad III, the son of Hazael, succeeded his father as king of Syria. His reign is noted during the time of Jehoahaz and Jehoash, kings of Israel. Under Ben-Hadad III, Syria continued to be a formidable adversary to Israel. However, the LORD showed mercy to Israel despite their unfaithfulness. In 2 Kings 13:3-5 , it is recorded that the LORD provided a deliverer for Israel, allowing them to escape from the oppression of the Arameans. This deliverance is attributed to the LORD's compassion and His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Ben-Hadad III's military campaigns against Israel were eventually thwarted by Jehoash, king of Israel, who recaptured cities that had been taken by Ben-Hadad's father, Hazael. In 2 Kings 13:25 , it is noted, "Then Jehoash son of Jehoahaz recaptured from Ben-Hadad son of Hazael the cities that Hazael had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz. Three times Jehoash defeated him, and so he recovered the cities of Israel." Historical and Theological Significance The accounts of the Ben-Hadads in the Bible illustrate the complex political and military interactions between Israel and its neighbors. These narratives highlight the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to deliver His people despite overwhelming odds. The repeated mention of divine intervention in battles against the Arameans underscores the biblical theme that victory and deliverance come from the LORD, not merely from human strength or strategy. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 15:18-20Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelled at Damascus, saying, Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 16:2-4 Library How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ... Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ... Naaman The Story of Hazael Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ... The Kingdom of Samaria. Unpossessed Possessions Elisha's Closing Ministry A Little Jewish Maid. National Apostasy Resources Old Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgHow do I hear from God? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Ahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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