Ben Hadad
“Son of Hadad (the Syrian storm/sun god)”
Summary
A title meaning 'son of Hadad' borne by at least three kings of Damascus who figure prominently in Israel's history.
☩Ben-hadad I
The first Ben-hadad was king of Damascus when Asa of Judah bribed him with temple treasures to break his alliance with Baasha of Israel. He responded by invading northern Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maachah, and all Naphtali, forcing Baasha to abandon his fortification of Ramah.
☩Ben-hadad II
Son of Ben-hadad I, this king conducted extensive wars against Israel. He besieged Samaria with thirty-two vassal kings but was defeated by Ahab after claiming Israel's God was only 'a God of the hills.' Years later he besieged Samaria again during Jehoram's reign, causing severe famine until a divine panic caused the Syrian army to flee. He was later murdered by his servant Hazael, who smothered him with a wet cloth.
☩Ben-hadad III
Son of Hazael, this Ben-hadad's reign was disastrous for Damascus. Jehoash of Israel, in fulfillment of Elisha's dying prophecy, recovered cities lost to Syria and defeated Ben-hadad three times. The prophet Amos foretold fire upon 'the palaces of Ben-hadad' as judgment against Damascus.
Related Verses6 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ben-hadad," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.George Morrish, "Benhadad," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Ben-Hadad," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).