2 Chronicles 16:4
New International Version
Ben-Hadad agreed with King Asa and sent the commanders of his forces against the towns of Israel. They conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim and all the store cities of Naphtali.

New Living Translation
Ben-hadad agreed to King Asa’s request and sent the commanders of his army to attack the towns of Israel. They conquered the towns of Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and all the store cities in Naphtali.

English Standard Version
And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, and they conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

New King James Version
So Ben-Hadad heeded King Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel. They attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

New American Standard Bible
And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa, and he sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, and they conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

NASB 1995
So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, and they conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim and all the store cities of Naphtali.

NASB 1977
So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, and they conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his military forces against the cities of Israel, and they struck down Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

Amplified Bible
Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they attacked and conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

Christian Standard Bible
Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies to the cities of Israel. They attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies to the cities of Israel. They attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

American Standard Version
And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store-cities of Naphtali.

Contemporary English Version
Benhadad did what Asa asked and sent the Syrian army into Israel. They captured the towns of Ijon, Dan, Abel-Maim, and all the towns in Naphtali where supplies were kept.

English Revised Version
And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Benhadad did what King Asa requested. He sent his generals and their armies to attack the cities of Israel. He conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim, and all the storage cities in the territory of Naphtali.

Good News Translation
Benhadad agreed to Asa's proposal and sent his commanding officers and their armies to attack the cities of Israel. They captured Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maacah, and all the cities of Naphtali where supplies were stored.

International Standard Version
So King Ben-hadad did just what King Asa had asked: he sent his commanding officers to attack the cities of Israel. They conquered Ijon, Dan, Bel-maim, and all of the storage centers in Naphtali.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
Ben Hadad accepted King Asa's offer and ordered his army commanders to attack the cities of Israel. They conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

New Heart English Bible
Ben Hadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, and Dan, and Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Ben-hadad hearkened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

World English Bible
Ben Hadad listened to King Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, Dan, Abel Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Ben-Hadad listens to King Asa, and sends the heads of the forces that he has to cities of Israel, and they strike Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-Maim, and all the stores, cities of Naphtali.

Young's Literal Translation
And Ben-Hadad hearkeneth unto king Asa, and sendeth the heads of the forces that he hath unto cities of Israel, and they smite Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-Maim, and all the stores, cities of Naphtali.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the son of Hadad will hear to king Asa, and he will send chiefs of the armies which were with him against the cities of Israel; and they will strike Ijon and Dan and Abel-Maim, and all the stores of the cities of Naphtali.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And then Benadad heard this, he sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel: and they took Ahion, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the walled cities of Nephtali.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he verified this, Benhadad sent the leaders of his armies to the cities of Israel. And they struck Ahion, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the walled cities of Naphtali.

New American Bible
Ben-hadad agreed with King Asa and sent the leaders of his troops against the cities of Israel. They attacked Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, besides all the store cities of Naphtali.

New Revised Standard Version
Ben-hadad listened to King Asa, and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel. They conquered Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store-cities of Naphtali.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Bar-hadad hearkened to King Asa, and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they came and encamped against the cities of Israel; and they took Ijon, Abel, and Beth-maacah, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And BarHadad listened to King Asa and he sent the Generals of the army that he had and they came and they encamped against the towns of Israel, and they seized Aion and Abil Bayth Maaka, and all the storehouses of the cities of the house of Naphtali.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store-cities of Naphtali.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the son of Ader hearkened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his host against the cities of Israel; and smote Aeon, and Dan, and Abelmain, and all the country round Nephthali.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
War Between Asa and Baasha
3“Let there be a treaty between me and you, between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.” 4And 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. 5When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and abandoned his work.…

Cross References
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.

2 Kings 15:29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria came and captured Ijon, Abel-beth-maacah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and he took the people as captives to Assyria.

Isaiah 7:1-2
Now in the days that Ahaz son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, was king of Judah, Rezin king of Aram marched up to wage war against Jerusalem. He was accompanied by Pekah son of Remaliah the king of Israel, but he could not overpower the city. / When it was reported to the house of David that Aram was in league with Ephraim, the hearts of Ahaz and his people trembled like trees in the forest shaken by the wind.

2 Kings 16:5-9
Then Rezin king of Aram and Pekah son of Remaliah king of Israel came up to wage war against Jerusalem. They besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him. / At that time Rezin king of Aram recovered Elath for Aram, drove out the men of Judah, and sent the Edomites into Elath, where they live to this day. / So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hands of the kings of Aram and Israel, who are rising up against me.” ...

1 Kings 15:16-22
Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. / Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah. / 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: ...

2 Kings 18:8
He defeated the Philistines as far as Gaza and its borders, from watchtower to fortified city.

Amos 1:3-5
This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they threshed Gilead with sledges of iron. / So I will send fire upon the house of Hazael to consume the citadels of Ben-hadad. / I will break down the gates of Damascus; I will cut off the ruler from the Valley of Aven and the one who wields the scepter in Beth-eden. The people of Aram will be exiled to Kir,” says the LORD.

Jeremiah 49:23-27
Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are put to shame, for they have heard a bad report; they are agitated like the sea; their anxiety cannot be calmed. / Damascus has become feeble; she has turned to flee. Panic has gripped her; anguish and pain have seized her like a woman in labor. / How is the city of praise not forsaken, the town that brings Me joy? ...

Isaiah 8:4
For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”

Hosea 5:8-9
Blow the ram’s horn in Gibeah, the trumpet in Ramah; raise the battle cry in Beth-aven: Lead on, O Benjamin! / Ephraim will be laid waste on the day of rebuke. Among the tribes of Israel I proclaim what is certain.

Matthew 4:24
News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and He healed them.

Acts 9:32-35
As Peter traveled throughout the area, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. / There he found a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. / “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up, ...

Luke 4:27
And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet. Yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.”

Mark 7:31
Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.

John 4:43-45
After two days, Jesus left for Galilee. / Now He Himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown. / Yet when He arrived, the Galileans welcomed Him. They had seen all the great things He had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they had gone there as well.


Treasury of Scripture

And Benhadad listened to king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

hearkened

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

2 Peter 2:15
Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

his armies [heb] which were his

1 Kings 15:20
So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

Dan

Genesis 14:14
And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan.

Judges 18:28,29
And there was no deliverer, because it was far from Zidon, and they had no business with any man; and it was in the valley that lieth by Bethrehob. And they built a city, and dwelt therein…

Judges 20:1
Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

1 Kings 15:20
So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

the store cities

2 Kings 8:6
And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

2 Kings 17:12
For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.

1 Kings 9:19
And all the cities of store that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen, and that which Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of his dominion.

Jump to Previous
Abel Agreed Armies Asa Attacking Ben Benhadad Ben-Hadad Ben-Ha'dad Captains Cities Commanders Conquered Dan Hadad Hearkened Ijon Israel Maim Naphtali Naph'tali Smote Storage Store Store-Cities Store-Towns Struck
Jump to Next
Abel Agreed Armies Asa Attacking Ben Benhadad Ben-Hadad Ben-Ha'dad Captains Cities Commanders Conquered Dan Hadad Hearkened Ijon Israel Maim Naphtali Naph'tali Smote Storage Store Store-Cities Store-Towns Struck
2 Chronicles 16
1. Asa, by the aid of the Syrians, diverts Baasha from building Ramah
7. Being reproved thereof by Hanani, he puts him in prison
11. Among his other acts in his disease he seeks not to God, but to the physicians
13. His death and burial














And Ben-hadad listened
The name "Ben-hadad" is of Aramaic origin, meaning "son of Hadad," with Hadad being a storm and fertility god worshiped in ancient Syria. This highlights the political and religious complexities of the time, as alliances were often formed across different belief systems. Ben-hadad's willingness to listen to King Asa indicates a strategic political move, showing the influence and diplomacy Asa wielded. Historically, this reflects the intricate web of alliances and enmities that characterized the ancient Near East.

to King Asa
Asa, the king of Judah, is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry, as seen earlier in his reign. His name means "physician" or "healer," which is fitting given his attempts to restore spiritual health to his kingdom. However, this verse marks a turning point where Asa relies on human alliances rather than divine intervention, a decision that later brings criticism from the prophet Hanani. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and reliance on God over worldly powers.

and sent the commanders of his armies
The phrase underscores the military might and organizational structure of ancient kingdoms. Commanders were key figures, often chosen for their loyalty and skill. This action by Ben-hadad signifies a formal and aggressive response, indicating the seriousness of the alliance with Asa. It also reflects the constant state of warfare and territorial disputes in the region, where military strength was a crucial aspect of a king's power and influence.

against the cities of Israel
This phrase highlights the internal conflict within the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah. The northern kingdom of Israel, under King Baasha, was often at odds with Judah. The targeting of Israelite cities by a foreign power, at the behest of a fellow Israelite king, underscores the deep divisions and political strife that plagued the people of God. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disunity and the vulnerability it brings.

conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim
These cities were strategically important locations in the northern kingdom of Israel. Ijon and Dan were situated near key trade routes, making them valuable targets for control. Abel-maim, also known as Abel-beth-maacah, was a fortified city, indicating its military significance. The conquest of these cities by Ben-hadad's forces would have been a significant blow to Israel's strength and morale, illustrating the tangible consequences of Asa's alliance.

and all the store cities of Naphtali
Naphtali was one of the northern tribes of Israel, and its store cities were vital for the storage of grain and supplies, essential for sustaining the population and military. The loss of these cities would have had severe economic and logistical impacts on Israel. This phrase highlights the strategic nature of warfare in the ancient world, where controlling resources was as crucial as winning battles. It also reflects the broader theme of reliance on God for provision and protection, as opposed to human alliances and strategies.

(4) Abel-maim.--Kings, "Abel - beth - maachah" (comp. 2Samuel 20:14-15, and 2Kings 15:29). This city is nowhere else called Abel-maim, which is, per haps, an early mistake. The Syriac reads Abel-beth- maachah.

And all the store-cities (misk?noth, 2Chronicles 8:4).--Literally, And all the stores (magazines) of the cities of Naphtali. Kings: "And all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali." Cinneroth is mentioned (Joshua 19:35) as a town of Naphtali, and the Sea of Galilee was called the Sea of Cinneroth (Joshua 12:3). Probably the fertile district west of the lake was also called Cinneroth, and this was the country which Benhadad's army laid waste. The present reading of Chronicles may be either a mere textual corruption, or a paraphrase of that of Kings. Some critics assume its originality, which is less likely. We prefer to regard it as a paraphrase or explanation. . . .

Verse 4. - Benhadad was apparently not very long in making up either his mind or his method. The bribe that tempted him, drawn from "the treasures" described, well replenished (2 Chronicles 15:18; and parallel, 1 Kings 15:15), was probably large. His method was to create a diversion in favour of his new ally, by "smiting" certain picked and highly important cities of Israel, mostly in northern Galilee, by name "Ijon, Dan, Abel-maim, and all the store-cities of Naphtalli." Ijon. In Naphtali, mentioned only now, in the parallel, and when a second time taken (2 Kings 15:29) by Tiglath-Pileser. Dan. The colonizing of this city is given in Judges 18:1, 2, 29-31; it was originally called Laish, and became the northern landmark of the whole country, as in the expression, "from Dan even to Beersheba" (Judges 17:29; 20:1). Abel-maim. This place was situate at the foot of the Lebanon; in the parallel (1 Kings 15:20) it is called Abel-beth-maachah. It is again mentioned as attacked by Tiglath-Pileser, who wrested it from Pekah (2 Kings 15:29). In 2 Samuel 20:18, 14, 15 it is called Abel by itself, but in the last two of these verses Beth-maachah is mentioned in close connection with it. After this name the parallel gives also "all Cinneroth" (Septuagint, "all the land of Cinnereth"). The name is the original of the New Testament Gennesaret. It was a city (Joshua 19:35) that gave its name to the sea and western region of the lake, sometimes called so (Numbers 34:11; Joshua 11:2; Joshua 12:3). If there were a little more external evidence of it, we should incline to the opinion of Movers, that the "all Cinneroth" of the parallel is the כָּל־מִּסְכְּנות ("all the store-cities") of our present verse. But at present we may take it that the two records supplement one another. All the store-cities of Naphtali (see 2 Chronicles 32:28; 2 Chronicles 8:6 and its parallel, 1 Kings 9:19).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Ben-hadad
הֲדַ֜ד (hă·ḏaḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1130: Ben-hadad -- 'son of Hadad', the name of several Aramean (Syrian) kings

listened
וַיִּשְׁמַ֨ע (way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Asa
אָסָ֗א (’ā·sā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 609: Asa -- perhaps 'healer', an Israelite name

and sent
וַ֠יִּשְׁלַח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

the commanders
שָׂרֵ֨י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of his armies
הַחֲיָלִ֤ים (ha·ḥă·yā·lîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

against
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the cities
עָרֵ֣י (‘ā·rê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of Israel,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

conquering
וַיַּכּוּ֙ (way·yak·kū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5221: To strike

Ijon,
עִיּ֣וֹן (‘î·yō·wn)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5859: Ijon -- a place in Naphtali

Dan,
דָּ֔ן (dān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1835: Dan -- 'judge', a son of Jacob, also a place in Northern Israel

Abel-maim,
מָ֑יִם (mā·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 66: Abel-maim -- 'meadow of water'

and all
כָּֽל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the store
מִסְכְּנ֖וֹת (mis·kə·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4543: Supply, storage

cities
עָרֵ֥י (‘ā·rê)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of Naphtali.
נַפְתָּלִֽי׃ (nap̄·tā·lî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5321: Naphtali -- a son of Jacob, also his descendants and the district settled by them


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OT History: 2 Chronicles 16:4 Ben Hadad listened to king Asa (2 Chron. 2Ch iiCh ii ch 2 chr 2chr)
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