benhadad Summary and Overview

(son of Hadad), the name of three kings of Damascus. BENHADAD I., King of Damascus, which in his time was supreme in Syria. He made an alliance with Asa, and conquered a great part of the north of Israel. #1Ki 15:18| His date is B.C. 950. BEN-HADAD II., son of the preceding, and also king of Damascus. Long wars with Israel characterized his reign. Some time after the death of Ahab, Benhadad renewed the war with Israel, attacked Samaria a second time, and pressed the siege so closely that there was a terrible famine in the city. But the Syrians broke up in the night in consequence of a sudden panic. Soon after Ben-hadad fell sick, and sent Hazael to consult Elisha as to the issue of his malady. On the day after Hazael's return Ben-hadad was murdered, probably by some of his own servants. #2Ki 8:7-15| Ben-hadad's death was about B.C. 890, and he must have reigned some 30 years. BEN-HADAD III., son of Hazael, and his successor on the throne of Syria. When he succeeded to the throne, Jehoash recovered the cities which Jehoahaz had lost to the Syrians, and beat him in Aphek. #2Ki 13:17,25| The date of Ben-hadad III is B.C. 840.

BEN-HA'DAD (son, i. e. worshipper, of Hadad). 1. King of Damascus in the time of Asa, king of Judah, with whom he formed an alliance against Baasha, king of Israel. 1 Kgs 15:18. See Asa, Baasha. 2. King of Damascus, and a son of the preceding. 1 Kgs 20:1. He was engaged in numerous wars with Israel, and once was taken prisoner. 1 Kgs 20. See Ahab. Afterward he declared war against Jehoram, king of Israel, but the prophet Elisha disclosed his plans so accurately that Jehoram was able to defeat them. 2 Kgs 6:8-33. It was Ben-hadad who sent Naaman to Elisha. 2 Kgs 5. See Elisha. In the siege of Samaria, which subsequently took place, that city was reduced to the greatest extremity. The Syrian army, under Ben-hadad, was lying around the walls, when in the course of the night they were led to conceive that they heard the noise of an immense army in motion. Supposing that the city had been succored by supplies of men and provisions from abroad, and terrified with the fancied tumult of their approach, the Syrians just at daybreak fled for their lives, leaving their camp, with all their horses, asses, provisions, utensils, etc., just as they were, and their garments and vessels scattered all along the road by which they had fled. The citizens of Samaria were thus unexpectedly relieved and supplied with an abundance of food. The next year, Ben-hadad, being sick, sent Hazael to inquire of the prophet Elisha whether he would recover; and he received for answer that the king might certainly recover, and yet would surely die. Hazael also was informed by the prophet that he would be elevated to the throne of Syria, and would be guilty of enormous wickedness. The very next day Ben-hadad was murdered, and Hazael became king of Syria. 2 Kgs 8:15. See Hazael. Various successful campaigns against Ben-hadad II. are mentioned upon the tablets of the Assyrian king, Shalmaneser II., b.c. 858-823. Ben-hadad, who is called Ben-hadar, was in league with Ahab when the first campaign took place, as the Bible says. 1 Kgs 20:34. 1. Another person of the same name, and son of Hazael. 2 Kgs 13:3, He suffered several defeats from the hand of Jehoash, king of Israel, and was compelled to relinquish all the land of Israel which his father, Hazael, had obtained in conquest. 2 Kgs 13:25.