Topical Bible: Bashan: Invaded and Taken by Hazael, King of Syria

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Bashan, a fertile and strategically significant region located east of the Jordan River, is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament. Known for its rich pastures, mighty oaks, and robust cattle, Bashan was a land of prosperity and abundance. It was originally inhabited by the Rephaim, a race of giants, and was later conquered by the Israelites under the leadership of Moses (Deuteronomy 3:1-11).

During the period of the divided monarchy, Bashan became a focal point of conflict between Israel and its neighboring nations. One of the most notable invasions of Bashan occurred under Hazael, the king of Syria. Hazael, who reigned in the 9th century BC, was a formidable adversary of Israel and sought to expand his dominion over the region.

The invasion of Bashan by Hazael is recorded in 2 Kings 10:32-33 : "In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory from the Jordan eastward—all the land of Gilead (the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites), from Aroer by the Arnon Valley through Gilead to Bashan."

This passage highlights the divine judgment upon Israel, as the LORD allowed Hazael to diminish the nation's territory. The incursion into Bashan was part of a broader campaign by Hazael to weaken Israel and assert Syrian dominance over the Transjordanian regions. The loss of Bashan, along with other territories, was a significant blow to the Northern Kingdom, both economically and militarily.

The historical context of Hazael's invasion is further illuminated by the geopolitical dynamics of the time. The Assyrian Empire was rising in power, and smaller states like Israel and Syria were caught in the struggle for survival and influence. Hazael's aggressive expansion can be seen as an attempt to consolidate power and resist Assyrian encroachment.

Despite the temporary loss of Bashan, the region remained a symbol of Israel's heritage and God's promises. Prophetic literature, such as the book of Amos, later references Bashan in the context of Israel's restoration and judgment against its enemies (Amos 4:1, 5:12).

The invasion of Bashan by Hazael serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of Israel's history, marked by periods of faithfulness and apostasy, blessing and judgment. It underscores the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and His ultimate plan for His people.

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2 Kings 10:32,33
In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;
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The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... western point of his territory, suddenly invaded Nummi,* and in ... and the state carriage
of its King Shangara. ... the history of this expedition has taken a delight ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... however, we find the territory they had invaded divided into ... the Amorite kingdoms
of Heshbon and Bashan had been ... the people of the city had taken refuge, when ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm