The alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram (Syria), is a significant event in the history of the Israelite monarchy, particularly during the reigns of Asa, king of Judah, and Ahab, king of Israel. This alliance is mentioned in several passages of the Old Testament, providing insight into the political and military strategies of the time.

1. Alliance with Asa (1 Kings 15:18-20; 2 Chronicles 16:2-4):

During the reign of Asa, king of Judah, the kingdom faced a threat from Baasha, king of Israel, who fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Judah. In response, Asa sought an alliance with Ben-Hadad I, king of Aram, to counter Baasha's aggression. Asa sent silver and gold from the treasuries of the LORD's temple and the royal palace to Ben-Hadad, asking him to break his treaty with Baasha and attack Israel.

1 Kings 15:18-20 records this event: "Then Asa took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace, and he entrusted it to his servants. Then King Asa sent them to Ben-Hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus, saying, 'Let there be a treaty between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.'"

Ben-Hadad agreed to Asa's request, and he sent his commanders against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and all the land of Naphtali. This forced Baasha to abandon his fortification of Ramah, allowing Asa to dismantle it and use the materials to fortify Geba and Mizpah.

2. Alliance with Ahab (1 Kings 20):

The alliance with Ben-Hadad II, the successor of Ben-Hadad I, is another notable episode involving the northern kingdom of Israel under King Ahab. Initially, Ben-Hadad II besieged Samaria, demanding tribute and the surrender of Ahab's wives, children, and wealth. Ahab initially agreed to Ben-Hadad's demands but refused when the demands became more severe.

In 1 Kings 20, the LORD delivered a message to Ahab through a prophet, promising victory over the Arameans. Ahab's forces, though vastly outnumbered, defeated Ben-Hadad's army twice, first in the hills and then in the plains, demonstrating the LORD's power and sovereignty.

After the second defeat, Ben-Hadad sought mercy from Ahab, who spared his life and made a treaty with him. This decision was met with divine disapproval, as a prophet rebuked Ahab for letting Ben-Hadad go free, stating that Ahab's life would be taken in place of Ben-Hadad's (1 Kings 20:42).

3. Theological and Historical Implications:

The alliances with Ben-Hadad highlight the complex political landscape of the ancient Near East, where smaller kingdoms like Israel and Judah navigated relationships with more powerful neighbors. These alliances also underscore the tension between reliance on human alliances and trust in divine providence. Asa's alliance with Ben-Hadad, while politically expedient, was criticized by the prophet Hanani, who rebuked Asa for relying on the king of Aram instead of the LORD (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

In the case of Ahab, the alliance with Ben-Hadad, formed after the latter's defeat, demonstrated Ahab's failure to fully submit to God's will, leading to prophetic condemnation. These narratives serve as reminders of the importance of faithfulness to God and the consequences of political and spiritual compromises.