Ben-hail is a significant, albeit briefly mentioned, figure in the history of the Kingdom of Judah. He was one of the noble princes appointed by the godly King Jehoshaphat to undertake a massive, state-sponsored religious reformation. His name, a patronymic, means “Son of Strength” or “Son of Might,” fitting his role in the strengthening of the kingdom through truth.
I. The Context of Jehoshaphat’s Reform
After the division of Israel, the Kingdom of Judah often slipped into idolatry. King Jehoshaphat, however, committed himself to restoring true worship and obedience to God’s law. To secure his kingdom, he realized that military strength was secondary to spiritual fidelity.
“And the LORD was with Jehoshaphat, because he walked in the first ways of his father David, and sought not unto Baalim; But sought to the LORD God of his father, and walked in his commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.” (2 Chronicles 17:3-4, KJV).
II. Ben-hail’s Mission: Teaching the Law
To accomplish this spiritual revival, Jehoshaphat did not just tear down pagan altars; he implemented an organized program to re-educate the populace in the covenant Law of Moses. Ben-hail was one of five chosen princes who led this unprecedented effort, demonstrating a powerful collaboration between the state and the spiritual authorities.
“Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.” (2 Chronicles 17:7, KJV).
These princes were accompanied by Levites and priests, ensuring that the Law was taught accurately and authoritatively:
“And they taught in Judah, and had the book of the law of the LORD with them, and went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught the people.” (2 Chronicles 17:9, KJV).
III. The Fruits of Fidelity
Ben-hail’s mission was enormously successful. By restoring the knowledge of scripture among the people, Jehoshaphat secured not only their spiritual loyalty but also the nation’s political and military security.
“And the fear of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.” (2 Chronicles 17:10, KJV).
Ben-hail, therefore, stands as a prime biblical example of the truth that spiritual defense (the teaching of the true Word) precedes and secures national worldly defense, perfectly aligning with the spirit of the Defence of the Truth.