Topical Bible: Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Encouraged and Assisted by God, Overcame

◄ Syria: The Israelites: Under Ahab Encouraged and Assisted by God, Overcame ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the relationship between Israel and Syria (Aram) is marked by conflict and divine intervention. During the reign of King Ahab, the son of Omri, Israel faced significant military challenges from Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria. Despite Ahab's reputation as a king who "did more evil in the sight of the LORD than all who were before him" (1 Kings 16:30), God, in His sovereignty, chose to assist Israel in overcoming the Syrian threat.

The account of Israel's victory over Syria is primarily found in 1 Kings 20. Ben-Hadad, along with thirty-two allied kings, besieged Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. In a display of arrogance, Ben-Hadad demanded Ahab's silver, gold, wives, and children. Ahab initially agreed to these terms, but when Ben-Hadad's demands escalated, Ahab sought counsel from the elders of Israel, who advised against compliance.

In this moment of crisis, a prophet approached Ahab with a message from the LORD: "This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this vast army? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you will know that I am the LORD’" (1 Kings 20:13). Despite Ahab's idolatrous practices, God intended to demonstrate His power and sovereignty, not only to Israel but also to the surrounding nations.

Encouraged by the divine promise, Ahab mustered his forces, which included 7,000 young men, and launched a surprise attack against the Syrians. The Israelites achieved a decisive victory, and Ben-Hadad barely escaped with his life. However, the conflict was not yet over. The prophet warned Ahab that Ben-Hadad would return the following year, advising him to strengthen his defenses.

True to the prophecy, Ben-Hadad regrouped and attacked Israel again at Aphek. The Syrians, believing that the God of Israel was a god of the hills, sought to engage the Israelites on the plains, thinking they would have the advantage. However, another prophetic message assured Ahab of victory: "Because the Arameans have said, ‘The LORD is a god of the hills and not of the valleys,’ I will deliver this vast army into your hand, and you will know that I am the LORD" (1 Kings 20:28).

In the ensuing battle, the Israelites, though vastly outnumbered, struck down 100,000 Syrian foot soldiers in one day. The remaining Syrian forces fled to the city of Aphek, where a wall collapsed, killing 27,000 more. Ben-Hadad, realizing his defeat, sought mercy from Ahab, who spared his life and made a treaty with him.

This episode in Israel's history underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people, even when led by a king who did not fully follow His ways. It also highlights the LORD's desire to make His name known among the nations, demonstrating that He is not limited by geography or human expectation. The victories over Syria served as a testament to God's power and faithfulness, despite the unfaithfulness of Israel's leadership.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 20:13-20
And, behold, there came a prophet to Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus said the LORD, Have you seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into your hand this day; and you shall know that I am the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook