(The Syrian Dynasty)
Ben-hadad is the throne name of at least three different kings who ruled the powerful Aramaean kingdom of Syria, centered in Damascus, over a period of about a century. The name itself, meaning “Son of Hadad,” pays homage to the primary Syrian storm and fertility god, illustrating the idolatrous nature of this enemy kingdom. These kings were a constant military and prophetic challenge to the kings of Israel and Judah.
I. Ben-hadad I: The First Alliance
The first Ben-hadad recorded in detail was the son of Tabrimon, who reigned during the time of the divided kingdom. He was manipulated by King Asa of Judah to break his treaty with King Baasha of Israel.
“Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king’s house, and sent to Ben-hadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, There is a league between me and thee, and between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent unto thee a present of silver and gold; come and break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.” (1 Kings 15:18-19, KJV).
By accepting the bribe and attacking Israel, Ben-hadad I became an unwitting instrument in the political and military maneuvering of the covenant kings.
II. Ben-hadad II: The Prophetic Foe of Ahab
This Ben-hadad is the most famous figure bearing the name and was a persistent adversary to King Ahab of Israel. He led the Syrians in several major conflicts and sieges, often serving as a direct subject of the Lord’s prophetic word through Elijah and Elisha.
- Defeat and Release: After a siege against Samaria, Ben-hadad was miraculously defeated and captured. Ahab foolishly released him on the condition of a treaty, an act condemned by a prophet: “Thus saith the LORD, Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man whom I had appointed to utter destruction, therefore thy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his people.” (1 Kings 20:42, KJV).
- The Second Siege and Elisha’s Ministry: Ben-hadad later besieged Samaria again, creating a devastating famine. It was during this time that the prophet Elisha prophesied the end of the famine and the death of Ben-hadad. Ben-hadad was later assassinated by his own servant, Hazael, in fulfillment of Elisha’s prophetic word: “And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.” (2 Kings 8:15, KJV).
III. Ben-hadad III: Subject of Final Judgment
The last recorded Ben-hadad was the son of Hazael, whose power was significantly reduced by the Lord in response to the prayer of the aging prophet Elisha. King Joash of Israel was commanded to strike the ground, symbolizing the number of victories he would have over Syria:
“And Elisha was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice. … And three times did Joash beat him, and recovered the cities of Israel.” (2 Kings 13:19, 25, KJV).
The dynasty of the Ben-hadads thus serves as a powerful biblical illustration that God utilizes and judges all worldly kingdoms according to His divine purpose and prophetic timeline.