Table of Contents
The name “Ben-Hadad” means “son of Hadad,” referencing Hadad, a chief deity in Syrian and Canaanite religion, associated with storms and fertility. The name functioned as a royal title, similar to “Pharaoh” in Egypt. Three kings bearing this title are mentioned in the Bible, and their interactions with Israel reveal important themes of power, pride, and divine sovereignty.
Ben-Hadad I
Ben-Hadad I, the first of the three kings, ruled over Aram during the time of King Asa of Judah (circa 900 BC). His reign is recorded in 1 Kings 15:18-20.
Alliance with Asa
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 treasuries of the king’s house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants. And King Asa sent them to Ben-Hadad the son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, who dwelt in Damascus, saying, 'Let there be a treaty between you and me, as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a present of silver and gold. Come and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.'"
King Asa of Judah sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad to weaken King Baasha of Israel, who had fortified the border town of Ramah. In exchange for gold and silver from the temple treasury, Ben-Hadad agreed to attack Baasha’s territories, causing Baasha to abandon his plans against Judah.
Military Campaign
1 Kings 15:20 - "So Ben-Hadad heeded King Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel. He attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maachah, and all Chinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali."
Ben-Hadad’s campaign destabilized northern Israel, showcasing his influence in regional politics. However, Asa’s reliance on a pagan king rather than trusting in God drew criticism from the prophet Hanani:
2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - "And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: 'Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand.'"
Ben-Hadad II
Ben-Hadad II was the son or successor of Ben-Hadad I and ruled during the reigns of King Ahab and King Jehoram of Israel (circa 860–840 BC). He is the most prominent Ben-Hadad mentioned in the Bible.
Conflict with Ahab
This Syrian king is first introduced as an adversary of King Ahab of Israel, launching a military campaign against Samaria:
1 Kings 20:1 - "Now Ben-Hadad the king of Syria gathered all his forces together; thirty-two kings were with him, with horses and chariots. And he went up and besieged Samaria, and made war against it."
The Syrian king’s arrogance is evident in his demands for Israel’s wealth, women, and children. Ahab initially agreed but resisted when Ben-Hadad demanded even more:
1 Kings 20:6 - "But I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house and the houses of your servants. And it shall be, that whatever is pleasant in your eyes, they will put in their hands and take it."
Divine Intervention
Despite Ahab’s failings as a king, God intervened to protect Israel and demonstrate His sovereignty:
1 Kings 20:13 - "Suddenly a prophet approached Ahab king of Israel, saying, 'Thus says the Lord: “Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand today, and you shall know that I am the Lord."'"
A series of battles followed, resulting in Israel’s victory:
- In the first battle, Ben-Hadad’s forces were defeated despite their numerical superiority (1 Kings 20:20-21).
- In the second battle, fought on the plains (where Ben-Hadad’s advisers believed their gods would have the advantage), Israel again triumphed (1 Kings 20:28-30).
Ben-Hadad’s Capture and Release
Ben-Hadad was eventually captured but pleaded for mercy:
1 Kings 20:32 - "So they wore sackcloth around their waists and put ropes around their heads, and came to the king of Israel and said, 'Your servant Ben-Hadad says, “Please let me live."' And he said, 'Is he still alive? He is my brother.'"
Ahab released the Syrian king after a treaty, a decision that displeased God:
1 Kings 20:42 - "Then he said to him, 'Thus says the Lord: “Because you have let slip out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people."'"
Later Conflicts
Ben-Hadad II continued to harass Israel, particularly during the reign of King Jehoram. He besieged Samaria again, leading to severe famine:
2 Kings 6:24-25 - "And it happened after this that Ben-Hadad king of Syria gathered all his army, and went up and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria; and indeed they besieged it until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver, and one-fourth of a kab of dove droppings for five shekels of silver."
This siege ended miraculously when God caused the Syrian army to flee after hearing the sound of an approaching army (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 briefly mentioned in the Bible during the time of King Jehoash of Israel (circa 800 BC).
Defeat by Jehoash
Ben-Hadad III inherited a weakened kingdom due to the decline of his father’s power. He suffered defeats at the hands of Jehoash, fulfilling a prophecy by Elisha:
2 Kings 13:24-25 - "So Hazael king of Syria died. Then Ben-Hadad his son reigned in his place. And Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz recaptured from the hand of Ben-Hadad, the son of Hazael, the cities which he had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by war. Three times Joash defeated him and recaptured the cities of Israel."
These victories restored some of Israel’s territories and marked the decline of Syrian dominance.
Theological Lessons from the Ben-Hadads
The accounts of the Ben-Hadads provide valuable insights into God’s dealings with Israel and the surrounding nations:
God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
The Ben-Hadads’ rise and fall demonstrate that God is sovereign over all nations and uses their actions to accomplish His purposes:
Proverbs 21:1 - "The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."
Isaiah 46:9-10 - "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.'"
The Danger of Pride and Arrogance
The arrogance of the Ben-Hadads, particularly Ben-Hadad II, serves as a warning against pride:
Proverbs 16:18 - "Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall."
God’s Mercy and Judgment
God showed mercy to Israel despite their disobedience, delivering them from their enemies to reveal His power and call them to repentance.
Psalm 86:15 - "But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth."
The Importance of Obedience
Ahab’s failure to obey God by sparing Ben-Hadad II led to dire consequences for himself and Israel. This underscores the importance of complete obedience to God’s commands:
1 Samuel 15:22 - "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams."
Conclusion
The Ben-Hadads were influential kings whose interactions with Israel reveal the interplay of politics, warfare, and divine intervention. Their stories emphasize God’s control over history, the consequences of pride, and the need for trust in Him. As believers, these accounts encourage us to rely on God’s sovereignty, walk in humility, and remain obedient to His Word.
Psalm 47:8 - "God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne."