Topical Bible: King: Ben-Hadad

◄ King: Ben-Hadad ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Ben-Hadad is a dynastic name attributed to several kings of Aram-Damascus, a kingdom located in present-day Syria. The name "Ben-Hadad" means "son of Hadad," with Hadad being the storm and rain god worshiped in the region. The biblical narrative primarily mentions three kings by this name, 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. Ben-Hadad agreed, attacking the northern cities of Israel, which forced Baasha to withdraw from his fortifications in Judah.

Ben-Hadad II

Ben-Hadad II is perhaps the most prominent of the Ben-Hadads in the biblical narrative. He reigned during the time of Ahab, king of Israel. Ben-Hadad II formed a coalition of thirty-two kings and besieged Samaria, the capital of Israel. In 1 Kings 20:1-21 , the LORD delivered the Arameans into the hands of the Israelites despite their overwhelming numbers. Ben-Hadad's forces were defeated, but he managed to escape.

Later, Ben-Hadad II returned to fight against Israel at Aphek. Again, the LORD promised victory to Israel, as recorded in 1 Kings 20:28-30 , and the Israelites struck down 100,000 Aramean foot soldiers in one day. Ben-Hadad fled to the city of Aphek, where a wall collapsed, killing 27,000 of his remaining men. He eventually sought mercy from Ahab, who spared his life and made a treaty with him.

Ben-Hadad II's interactions with Israel continued during the reign of Jehoram, Ahab's son. In 2 Kings 6:24-25 , Ben-Hadad besieged Samaria again, leading to a severe famine. The siege was lifted miraculously when the LORD caused the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, prompting them to flee, leaving their camp and supplies behind (2 Kings 7:6-7).

Ben-Hadad III

Ben-Hadad III, the son of Hazael, succeeded his father as king of Aram. His reign is noted for the fulfillment of the prophecy given to Elisha. In 2 Kings 13:3-5 , the LORD allowed the Arameans to oppress Israel because of their sin, but He later provided deliverance through Jehoahaz, king of Israel. Ben-Hadad III lost several cities to Jehoash, Jehoahaz's son, as foretold by Elisha (2 Kings 13:25).

Historical and Theological Significance

The accounts of the Ben-Hadads highlight the complex political and military interactions between Israel and its neighbors. These narratives demonstrate the sovereignty of God over the nations, as He uses these foreign kings to accomplish His purposes, whether as instruments of judgment or as means of deliverance for His people. The accounts of Ben-Hadad also underscore the importance of faithfulness to God, as the Israelites' victories and defeats were often tied to their obedience or disobedience to the LORD.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 20:16
And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Concerning Jehoshaphat the King of Jerusalem and How Ahab Made an ...
... And when they sought to kill Ahab alone, but could not find him, there was a young
nobleman belonging to king Benhadad, whose name was Naaman; he drew his bow ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 concerning jehoshaphat the.htm

How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ...
... [38] Now there were slain in this battle a hundred thousand more; but Benhadad,
the king of the Syrians, fled away, with certain others of his most faithful ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 how hadad king.htm

Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ...
... [9] Wherefore Joram obeyed the prophet; and when he had feasted the Syrians in a
splendid and magnificent manner, he let them go to Benhadad their king. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 4 jehoram succeeds jehoshaphat.htm

Absolute Surrender
... What Ahab said to his enemy, King Ben-hadad""My lord, O king, according to thy word
I am thine, and all that I have""shall we not say to our God and loving ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/absolute surrender.htm

The Kingdom of Samaria.
... These Syrians were appointed to bring punishment upon Samaria; but at first, two
great victories were vouchsafed to Ahab, because Benhadad, King of Syria ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson viii the kingdom of.htm

The Story of Hazael
... took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden,
and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the story of hazael.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... Ben-hadad, the dark-eyed King of Syria, could no longer leap into his chariot
and drive his swift horses through the fields as he used to do. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

Concerning Jehoshaphat Again; How He Constituted Judges And,
... 1. When Jehoshaphat the king was come to Jerusalem, from the assistance he had afforded
Ahab, the king of Israel, when he fought with Benhadad, king of Syria ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 concerning jehoshaphat again.htm

Elisha's Way of Treating Enemies
... So the robber bands of Arameans no longer invaded the land of Israel. Later, Benhadad,
king of Aram, gathered all his army and besieged Samaria. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/elishas way of treating enemies.htm

Naaman
... Ben-hadad, king of Syria, had defeated the armies of Israel in the battle
which resulted in the death of Ahab. Since that time the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 20 naaman.htm