Topical Bible: Syria: Asa Sought Aid of, Against Israel

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the kingdom of Syria, also known as Aram, plays a significant role in the history of Israel and Judah. One notable event involving Syria is King Asa of Judah seeking its aid against the northern kingdom of Israel. This episode is recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Kings 15:16-22 and 2 Chronicles 16:1-6.

Historical Context

During the divided monarchy period, the kingdom of Israel in the north and the kingdom of Judah in the south often found themselves in conflict. Asa, the third king of Judah, reigned from approximately 911 to 870 BC. His reign was marked by religious reforms and efforts to strengthen Judah both spiritually and militarily. However, Asa faced significant challenges from Baasha, the king of Israel, who sought to fortify Ramah, a strategic city near the border of Judah, to control access and exert pressure on Asa's kingdom.

Asa's Alliance with Syria

In response to Baasha's aggression, Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad I, the king of Syria. This decision is detailed in 1 Kings 15:18-19 : "Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he entrusted it to his servants. Then King Asa sent them to Ben-Hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, saying, 'Let there be a treaty between me and you, as there was 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.'"

Asa's strategy was to divert Baasha's attention by encouraging Ben-Hadad to attack Israel from the north. The Syrian king accepted Asa's proposal, and his forces attacked several cities in Israel, including Ijon, Dan, and Abel Maim, as well as all the store cities of Naphtali. This military pressure forced Baasha to abandon his fortification efforts at Ramah, allowing Asa to dismantle the construction and use the materials to fortify his own cities, Geba and Mizpah.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, Asa's reliance on Syria rather than seeking divine intervention is viewed critically in the biblical text. The prophet Hanani rebuked Asa for his lack of faith, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 16:7-9 : "At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, 'Because you relied on the king of Aram and not on the LORD your God, the army of the king of Aram has escaped from your hand. Were not the Cushites and Libyans a mighty army with great numbers of chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the LORD, He delivered them into your hand. For the eyes of the LORD roam to and fro over all the earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are fully devoted to Him. You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on, therefore, you will be at war.'"

This rebuke highlights a recurring biblical theme: the importance of trusting in God rather than foreign alliances or human strength. Asa's decision to seek Syrian aid is seen as a failure to fully rely on God's providence and protection, a lesson that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Legacy

Asa's alliance with Syria had immediate military success but long-term spiritual consequences. His reliance on a foreign power rather than God serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political expediency over faithfulness. This episode underscores the biblical principle that true security and victory come from trusting in the Lord, a message that remains relevant for believers today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 15:18-20
Then 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,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

National Apostasy
... therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of ... exceeding great: yet in
his disease he sought not to ... Two years before the death of Asa, Ahab began to ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 8 national apostasy.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... trained in the schools of the prophets, thus sought to bring ... xv.1-8), and Hanani
under Asa (2 Ghron. ... they would thus disable Urartu and reconquer Syria at one ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... the repeated changes of dynasty in Israel"Asa and Baasha ... for, the bulk of the Israelites
sought to cross ... the direction of Damascus, Tyre, and Coele-Syria.**. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

A Discourse
... stand before the dragon, who with open mouth sought to destroy ... of her enemy: 'for
the head of Syria is Damascus ... 'Asa had' at one time 'an army of men that bare ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm