Topical Encyclopedia Benhadad, the king of Syria, is a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of his military campaigns against the northern kingdom of Israel. His interactions with Israel are recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where he is depicted as a formidable adversary to the Israelite kings.Background and Historical Context Benhadad was a common name among the kings of Syria, and the Benhadad who besieged Samaria is often identified as Benhadad II, the son of Hazael. The kingdom of Syria, with its capital in Damascus, was a significant power in the ancient Near East, frequently clashing with Israel over territorial and political dominance. The Siege of Samaria The most notable event involving Benhadad and the kingdom of Israel is the siege of Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom. This event is detailed in 2 Kings 6:24-7:20. Benhadad mustered his entire army and laid siege to Samaria, causing a severe famine within the city. The situation became so dire that the people of Samaria resorted to desperate measures for survival. Divine Intervention and Deliverance In the midst of this crisis, the prophet Elisha played a crucial role. Elisha prophesied the end of the famine and the deliverance of Samaria, declaring, "Hear the word of the LORD. This is what the LORD says: 'About this time tomorrow, at the gate of Samaria, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a shekel, and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a shekel'" (2 Kings 7:1). Skepticism greeted Elisha's prophecy, particularly from the king's officer, who doubted the possibility of such a miraculous turnaround. However, the LORD orchestrated a miraculous deliverance. The Syrian army heard the sound of a great army approaching, causing them to flee in panic, abandoning their camp and leaving behind provisions that ended the famine in Samaria (2 Kings 7:6-7). Theological Significance The siege of Samaria and its subsequent deliverance underscore several theological themes. Firstly, it highlights the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to deliver His people in seemingly impossible situations. Secondly, it demonstrates the power of prophetic word and the importance of faith in God's promises, as seen in the contrast between Elisha's faith and the skepticism of the king's officer. Legacy of Benhadad Benhadad's interactions with Israel serve as a reminder of the constant threat posed by surrounding nations to the people of God. Despite his military prowess and initial success, Benhadad's plans were ultimately thwarted by divine intervention, illustrating the biblical principle that human power is subordinate to the will of God. The account of Benhadad's siege of Samaria remains a powerful testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His word through His prophets, reinforcing the faith of believers in the reliability and sovereignty of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 20:1-12And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and there were thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots; and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Hadad King of Damascus and of Syria, Made Two Expeditions ... Elisha's Closing Ministry Jehoram Succeeds Jehoshaphat; How Joram, his Namesake, King of ... Book 5 Footnotes Book 9 Footnotes The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources Does war with Syria have anything to do with the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Syria/Aram in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Syria: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Syria: A Saviour Raised up for Israel Against Syria: Abana and Pharpar Rivers of Syria: And It Included Phoenicia Syria: Army of, Miraculously Routed Syria: Asa Sought Aid of, Against Israel Syria: Benhadad King of, Besieged Samaria Syria: Called Aram, from the Son of Shem Syria: Confederates With Nebuchadnezzar Syria: Conquest of by Jeroboam Syria: Conquest of by Tiglath-Pileser, King of Assyria Syria: Damascus the Capital of Syria: David: Dedicated the Spoils of Syria: David: Destroyed a Second Army of Syria: David: Destroyed the Army of, Which Assisted Hadadezer Syria: David: Garrisoned and Made Tributary Syria: David: Obtained Renown by his Victory Over Syria: David: Sent Joab Against the Armies of, Hired by the Ammonites Syria: Death of the King of, and the Cruelty of his Successor Syria: Elijah Anointed Hazael King Over, by Divine Direction Syria: Elisha Predicted to Joash his Three Victories Over Syria: God Smote With Blindness Those Sent Against Elisha by The Syria: Gospel Preached and Many Churches Founded In Syria: Inhabitants of a Commercial People Syria: Inhabitants of a Warlike People Syria: Inhabitants of an Idolatrous People Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians Syria: Inhabitants of Called Syrians of Damascus Syria: Inhabitants of Spoke the Syriack Language Syria: Israel Delivered Into the Hands of, for the Sins of Jehoahaz Syria: Israel Followed the Idolatry of Syria: Joined With Israel Against Ahaz and Besieged Jerusalem Syria: Joram King of Israel in Seeking to Recover Ramothgilead From, Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: And in the Title of Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Rehob, Also Called Beth-Rehob Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Aram-Zobah, Also Called, Zobah and Zoba Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Damascus Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Geshur Syria: Minor Kingdoms Within the Region: Hamath Syria: More Properly the Country Around Damascus Syria: Originally Included Mesopotamia Syria: Paul Goes To, With Letters to Apprehend the Christians Syria: People of, Colonized in Samaria by the King of Assyria Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Burning of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Ceasing to be a Kingdom Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Its Inhabitants Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Destruction of Rezin King of Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Calamities, the Punishments of Its Sins Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its History in Connection With the Macedonia Empire Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its Inhabitants to be Captives Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Plundering of Damascus Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Terror and Dismay In, Occasioned by Its Invasion Syria: Retook Elath and Drove out the Jews Syria: Subdued and Governed by the Romans Syria: Subdued and Its Inhabitants Taken Captive by Assyria Syria: The Fame of Jesus Extended Over Syria: The Israelites: At Peace With, for Three Years Syria: The Israelites: Craftily Drawn Into a League With Syria: The Israelites: Defeated By, and Ahab Slain Syria: The Israelites: Encouraged and Assisted by God Overcame a Second Time Syria: The Israelites: Forewarned of Invasion By, at the Return of the Year Syria: The Israelites: Harassed by Frequent Incursions of Syria: The Israelites: Heard the Secrets of, from Elisha Syria: The Israelites: Insignificant Before Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Encouraged and Assisted by God, Overcame Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Sought to Recover Ramoth-Gilead From Syria: The Roman Province of, Included the Land of Canaan Related Terms |
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