Ben-hail is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the reign of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. His name, Ben-hail, can be translated to mean "son of strength" or "son of valor," reflecting a character of notable capability or lineage.

Biblical Reference:

Ben-hail is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 17:7-9, during the account of King Jehoshaphat's reforms and efforts to strengthen the spiritual and moral fabric of the Kingdom of Judah. The passage reads:

"In the third year of his reign, Jehoshaphat sent his officials—Ben-hail, Obadiah, Zechariah, Nethanel, and Micaiah—to teach in the cities of Judah. With them were certain Levites—Shemaiah, Nethaniah, Zebadiah, Asahel, Shemiramoth, Jehonathan, Adonijah, Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah—and the priests Elishama and Jehoram. They taught throughout Judah, taking with them the Book of the Law of the LORD. They went throughout the towns of Judah and taught the people." (2 Chronicles 17:7-9)

Role and Significance:

Ben-hail was one of the officials appointed by King Jehoshaphat to carry out a significant educational and religious mission. This mission was part of Jehoshaphat's broader initiative to bring the people of Judah back to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to His laws. The king's strategy involved sending a team of officials, Levites, and priests to teach the people directly from the Book of the Law, ensuring that the divine statutes and commandments were understood and followed.

The inclusion of Ben-hail in this mission underscores his importance and trustworthiness in the eyes of Jehoshaphat. As an official, Ben-hail would have been responsible for not only teaching but also possibly organizing and overseeing the efforts to ensure the successful dissemination of the Law throughout the kingdom.

Historical and Theological Context:

Jehoshaphat's reign is noted for its religious reforms and efforts to fortify the spiritual life of Judah. By sending officials like Ben-hail to teach the Law, Jehoshaphat was addressing the spiritual decline that had occurred in previous generations. This initiative was crucial in re-establishing the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's commandments as a foundation for national prosperity and divine favor.

Theologically, Ben-hail's role in this mission highlights the importance of teaching and understanding God's Word. It reflects the biblical principle that knowledge of the Scriptures is essential for righteous living and maintaining a covenant relationship with God. The mission also illustrates the collaborative effort between the king, his officials, the Levites, and the priests in guiding the nation back to faithfulness.

Conclusion:

While Ben-hail is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his involvement in Jehoshaphat's reforms signifies the critical role of leadership and education in spiritual renewal. His participation in this mission serves as a reminder of the enduring importance of teaching and upholding God's Word within the community of faith.BEN-HAIL

ben-ha'-il (ben-chayil, "son of strength"; compare HPN, 65, 231): One of the princes who was sent by Jehoshaphat "to teach in the cities of Judah" (2 Chronicles 17:7).

1134. Ben-chayil -- "son of might," one of Jehoshaphat's leaders
... ben-khah'-yil) Short Definition: Benhail. Word Origin from ben and chayil Definition
"son of might," one of Jehoshaphat's leaders NASB Word Usage Ben-hail (1). ...
/hebrew/1134.htm - 6k

Jehoshaphat's Reform
... the Lord: moreover he took away the high places and groves out of Judah.7. Also
in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/jehoshaphats reform.htm

Benhail (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEN-HAIL. ben-ha'-il (ben-chayil ... 17:7).
Multi-Version Concordance Benhail (1 Occurrence). 2 Chronicles 17 ...
/b/benhail.htm - 7k

Ben-hail (1 Occurrence)
Ben-hail. Benhail, Ben-hail. Benhanan . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BEN-HAIL. ... Benhail, Ben-hail. Benhanan . Reference Bible.
/b/ben-hail.htm - 7k

Nethaneel (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even
to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to ...
/n/nethaneel.htm - 11k

Nethan'el (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even
Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in ...
/n/nethan'el.htm - 10k

Nethanel (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even
BenHail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in ...
/n/nethanel.htm - 12k

Obadi'ah (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even
Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in ...
/o/obadi'ah.htm - 10k

Micai'ah (27 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent his princes, even
Ben-hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in ...
/m/micai'ah.htm - 13k

Michaiah (7 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 17:7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even
to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to ...
/m/michaiah.htm - 9k

Ben-hadad's (2 Occurrences)
Ben-hadad's. Ben-ha'dad, Ben-hadad's. Benhail . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Ben-ha'dad, Ben-hadad's. Benhail . Reference Bible.
/b/ben-hadad's.htm - 7k

Benhanan (1 Occurrence)

/b/benhanan.htm - 7k

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