Topical Encyclopedia Ben-Hadad, a name meaning "son of Hadad," the storm god, is a title used by several kings of Syria (Aram) in the Old Testament. The Ben-Hadad in focus here is the son of Hazael, who reigned as king of Syria during the 8th century BC. His reign is documented in the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of 2 Kings and Amos.Historical Context and Reign Ben-Hadad succeeded his father, Hazael, as king of Syria. Hazael had been a formidable adversary to Israel, and Ben-Hadad inherited a kingdom that was both powerful and influential in the region. The biblical account of Ben-Hadad's reign is primarily found in 2 Kings 13:3, 24-25, where his interactions with the kingdom of Israel are detailed. Conflict with Israel During Ben-Hadad's reign, the kingdom of Israel was under the rule of Jehoahaz and later his son Jehoash (Joash). The biblical narrative in 2 Kings 13:3 notes that "the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and into the hands of Ben-Hadad son of Hazael continually." This period was marked by significant conflict and oppression for Israel, as Ben-Hadad continued his father's aggressive policies. However, the tide began to turn when Jehoash sought the counsel of the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 13:25, it is recorded that Jehoash "recovered from Ben-Hadad son of Hazael the towns he had taken in battle from his father Jehoahaz." This recovery was seen as a fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy and a sign of divine intervention on behalf of Israel. Prophetic References The prophet Amos also references Ben-Hadad in his oracles against the nations. In Amos 1:4, the LORD declares, "So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-Hadad." This prophecy underscores the judgment that would come upon the Syrian kingdom due to its transgressions and highlights the divine retribution that was to befall Ben-Hadad's lineage. Legacy and Significance Ben-Hadad's reign is emblematic of the tumultuous relationship between Syria and Israel during this period. His interactions with the Israelite kings and the prophetic pronouncements against him reflect the broader themes of divine justice and the sovereignty of God over the nations. The biblical account of Ben-Hadad serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's chosen people and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes in history. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 13:3,24,25And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days. Nave's Topical Index Amos 1:4 Library The Story of Hazael Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ... The Kingdom of Samaria. Book 5 Footnotes Book 9 Footnotes The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Babylonia and Assyria Resources Who was Ben-Hadad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Baasha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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