Ben-hadad בֶּן־הֲדַד
King of Aram, contemporary of Asa and Baasha.
Who is Ben-hadad in the Bible?
Ben-hadad was a king of Aram (Syria) who played a significant role in the politics of the northern Levant during the 9th century BC. He is first mentioned in 1 Kings 15:18-20 and 2 Chronicles 16:2-4, where King Asa of Judah bribed him with silver and gold to break his alliance with Baasha of Israel and attack Israel's northern cities instead. Later, Ben-hadad led a coalition of thirty-two kings against King Ahab of Israel, but despite his superior numbers, he was defeated twice through prophetic guidance, after which he sued for peace (1 Kings 20). His conflicts with Israel's kings and his interaction with Asa illustrate the complex political rivalries of the period and God's sovereignty over earthly power, as demonstrated through the prophet's condemnation of Ahab for sparing his defeated enemy.
Biography
Ben-hadad I was the king of Aram (Syria) during the reigns of Asa, king of Judah, and Baasha, king of Israel. He is first mentioned in 1Ki.15.18-20 and 2Ch.16.2-4, where Asa sends him a gift of silver and gold from the temple treasuries to persuade him to break his treaty with Baasha and attack Israel. Ben-hadad I agrees and conquers several cities in northern Israel, forcing Baasha to abandon his fortification project at Ramah. Later, in 1 Kings 20, Ben-hadad I leads a coalition of thirty-two kings against Ahab, king of Israel. Despite his initial confidence, Ben-hadad I is defeated twice by Ahab, who is guided by prophetic advice. After his second defeat, Ben-hadad I humbles himself before Ahab, who spares his life and makes a treaty with him. The prophet condemns Ahab for this decision, as Ben-hadad I was to be destroyed. Jer.49.27 mentions the "wall of Damascus," likely referring to Ben-hadad's capital city, in a prophecy of judgment against Aram. Ben-hadad I's reign was marked by his military campaigns against Israel and his diplomatic interactions with Judah, shaping the political landscape of the region.
Family
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 1 with study content1 Kings 5 verses
- 1 Kings 15:18
"So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus:"
- 1 Kings 15:20
"And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth."
- 1 Kings 20:1
"Now Ben-hadad king of Aram assembled his entire army. Accompanied by thirty-two kings with their horses and chariots, he marched up, besieged Samaria, and waged war against it."
- 1 Kings 20:2
"Then he sent messengers into the city to Ahab king of Israel,"
- 1 Kings 20:5
"The messengers came back and said, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘I have sent to you to demand your silver, your gold, your wives, and your children."
2 Chronicles 2 verses
- 2 Chronicles 16:2
"So Asa withdrew the silver and gold from the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he sent it with this message to Ben-hadad king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus:"
- 2 Chronicles 16:4
"And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali."
Jeremiah 1 verse
- Jeremiah 49:27
"“I will set fire to the walls of Damascus; it will consume the fortresses of Ben-hadad.”"
Study Jeremiah →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בֶּן־הֲדַד | ben-hădad | Ben-Hadad , the name of several Syrian kings |