Topical Encyclopedia Ben-Hadad is a name attributed to several kings of Aram (Syria) in the Old Testament, most notably during the reigns of the kings of Israel. The actions of Ben-Hadad, particularly in his interactions with the kings of Israel, provide a vivid illustration of presumption—a theme that emerges through his overconfidence and disregard for the God of Israel.Ben-Hadad I and Ahab The first notable Ben-Hadad, often referred to as Ben-Hadad I, is mentioned in the context of King Ahab of Israel. In 1 Kings 20, Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, musters his entire army, accompanied by thirty-two kings with horses and chariots, to besiege Samaria. His presumption is evident in his demands to Ahab, claiming, "Your silver and gold are mine, and the best of your wives and children are mine" (1 Kings 20:3). Ahab initially acquiesces to these demands, but Ben-Hadad's arrogance grows, leading him to further demand the right to search Ahab's palace and the houses of his officials for anything of value. Ben-Hadad's presumption is further highlighted when he dismisses the God of Israel, boasting of his impending victory. However, a prophet of the Lord assures Ahab of divine intervention, stating, "This is what the LORD says: ‘Do you see this vast army? I will give it into your hand today, and then you will know that I am the LORD’" (1 Kings 20:13). Despite his overwhelming forces, Ben-Hadad suffers a humiliating defeat, underscoring the folly of presuming victory against the will of God. Ben-Hadad II and Elisha Another Ben-Hadad, often identified as Ben-Hadad II, appears during the ministry of the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 6, Ben-Hadad lays siege to Samaria again, leading to a severe famine. His presumption is evident in his relentless pursuit of Israel, despite previous failures. The siege is lifted miraculously when the Lord causes the Arameans to hear the sound of chariots and horses, prompting them to flee in panic, leaving their camp and provisions behind (2 Kings 7:6-7). Ben-Hadad III and Jehoash The final Ben-Hadad mentioned in the biblical narrative is Ben-Hadad III, the son of Hazael. During the reign of Jehoash (Joash) of Israel, Ben-Hadad III continues the hostilities against Israel. However, the Lord shows compassion to Israel, and Jehoash is able to recover the cities that Ben-Hadad had captured from his father Jehoahaz (2 Kings 13:25). This recovery is attributed to the Lord's mercy and the fulfillment of His promise to Israel, rather than any military prowess on the part of Jehoash, further illustrating the theme of divine sovereignty over human presumption. Conclusion The accounts of the various kings named Ben-Hadad serve as a cautionary tale against presumption, particularly when it involves defying the God of Israel. Their accounts highlight the dangers of overconfidence and the ultimate futility of opposing God's will. Through these narratives, the Bible underscores the importance of humility and reliance on divine guidance, rather than human strength or wisdom. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 20:10And Benhadad sent to him, and said, The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me. Nave's Topical Index Library That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party ... A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... The Doctrine Resources What does the Bible say about anal sex? What is sodomy according to the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is holy, holy, holy? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus Yahweh? Is Jesus Jehovah? | GotQuestions.org Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Presumption in Asking Jesus, "What Will This Man Do?" Presumption in Objecting to Jesus' Statement That Jesus Must be Killed Presumption in Objecting to Jesus Washing Peter's Feet Presumption in Reflecting Upon his Knowledge when he Asked, Amid a Throng, Who Touched Jesus Presumption: A Characteristic of Antichrist Presumption: A Characteristic of the Wicked Presumption: Abraham, in Questioning About Sodom Presumption: Builders of Babel Presumption: Complaining at Meribah Presumption: David, in Numbering Israel Presumption: David's Anger on Account of Uzzah's Death Presumption: Exhibited in Esteeming Our own Ways Right Presumption: Exhibited in Opposing God Presumption: Exhibited in Planning for the Future Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy Presumption: Exhibited in Seeking Precedence Presumption: Exhibited in Self-Righteousness Presumption: Exhibited in Spiritual Pride Presumption: Exhibited in Wilful Commission of Sin Presumption: General Scriptures Concerning Presumption: Israelites, in Ascending to the Top of the Hill Against the Amalekites Presumption: James and John, in Desiring to Call Down Fire Upon the Samaritans Presumption: Job, in Cursing the Day of his Birth Presumption: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Presumption: Men of Bethshemesh Presumption: Men of Beth-Shemesh Presumption: Moses, in Rebuking Jehovah Presumption: Pray to be Kept from Sins of Presumption: Reproved by Eliphaz Presumption: Satan, when he Said to Eve, "You Will Surely not Die" Presumption: Saul, in Sacrificing Presumption: Sparing the Amalekites Presumption: The Disciples, in Rebuking Those Who Brought Little Children to Jesus Presumption: The Disciples, in Their Indignation at the Anointing of Jesus Presumption: The Sons of Sceva Presumption: Those Who Reviled Jesus Presumption: Uzzah, in Steadying the Ark of the Covenant Related Terms Presumptuously (10 Occurrences) |
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