2 Chronicles 16:3

"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."

Study Bible

“Let there be a treaty between me and you”
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of 2 Chronicles 16:3, where King Asa of Judah seeks an alliance with Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram. The Hebrew word for "treaty" is "בְּרִית" (berit), which signifies a covenant or agreement. Historically, treaties were common in the ancient Near East as a means of securing peace and mutual benefit. Asa's decision to form a treaty with a foreign king rather than relying on God reflects a moment of spiritual compromise, highlighting the tension between political expediency and faithfulness to God.

“as there was between my father and your father”
This reference to a previous alliance between Asa's father, Abijah, and Ben-Hadad's father, suggests a historical precedent for such political maneuvers. It underscores the continuity of political strategies across generations. However, it also serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of human reliance on worldly powers rather than divine guidance. The historical context here is crucial, as it reflects the complex web of relationships and power dynamics in the region during that era.

“See, I am sending you silver and gold”
The act of sending silver and gold as a means to secure a treaty is indicative of the economic transactions that often accompanied political agreements. In the ancient world, wealth was a significant factor in diplomacy. The use of precious metals symbolizes the tangible commitment Asa is making to secure Ben-Hadad's favor. This action can be seen as a lack of trust in God's provision and protection, as Asa resorts to material wealth to solve his problems.

“Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel”
Asa's request for Ben-Hadad to break his treaty with Baasha, the king of Israel, reveals the political intrigue and shifting alliances characteristic of the period. The Hebrew word for "break" is "פָּרַר" (parar), meaning to annul or frustrate. This highlights the fragility and often temporary nature of human agreements. Asa's strategy is to weaken his adversary by turning his ally against him, a tactic that reflects the often ruthless and pragmatic nature of ancient politics.

“so that he will withdraw from me”
The ultimate goal of Asa's treaty with Ben-Hadad is to relieve the pressure from Baasha's military threat. This phrase captures Asa's immediate concern for security and survival. It underscores the human tendency to seek quick fixes to problems rather than relying on God's timing and solutions. Asa's reliance on human intervention rather than divine assistance serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing worldly wisdom over spiritual obedience.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asa
King of Judah who sought to form an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, to protect his kingdom from Baasha, king of Israel.

2. Ben-Hadad
King of Aram (Syria) who received silver and gold from Asa to break his treaty with Baasha and form an alliance with Judah.

3. Baasha
King of Israel who was building up Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Asa's territory.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Asa during this time.

5. Israel
The northern kingdom, ruled by Baasha, in conflict with Judah.

Teaching Points

Reliance on God vs. Human Alliances
Asa's decision to rely on a political alliance rather than seeking God's guidance serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting in human strength over divine support.

The Consequences of Compromise
Asa's compromise with Ben-Hadad led to temporary relief but ultimately displeased God, reminding us that short-term gains from compromising our values can lead to long-term spiritual consequences.

The Importance of Consistent Faith
Asa's earlier faith in God during battles contrasts with his later actions, teaching us the importance of maintaining consistent faith and reliance on God throughout our lives.

The Role of Wealth in Decision-Making
Asa used silver and gold to secure an alliance, prompting reflection on how material wealth can influence our decisions and potentially lead us away from God's will.

Learning from Past Mistakes
Asa's failure to learn from his past reliance on God encourages us to reflect on our spiritual journey and learn from our previous experiences with God's faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Asa's decision to form an alliance with Ben-Hadad reflect a shift in his reliance on God, and what can we learn from this about our own faith journey?

2. In what ways do we sometimes rely on "silver and gold" (material resources) instead of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

3. How can we apply the lessons from Asa's life to ensure that our faith remains consistent, especially during times of conflict or challenge?

4. What are some modern-day "alliances" or compromises that might tempt us to stray from our commitment to God, and how can we guard against them?

5. Reflecting on Proverbs 3:5-6, how can we better trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 15:16-22
Provides a parallel account of Asa's actions and the political dynamics between Judah, Israel, and Aram.

2 Chronicles 14:11
Shows Asa's earlier reliance on God during a battle against the Cushites, contrasting with his later reliance on human alliances.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than human understanding, highlighting Asa's failure to rely on God.

Isaiah 31:1
Warns against seeking help from foreign powers instead of trusting in God, relevant to Asa's actions.