Topical Encyclopedia Benhadad, a name attributed to several kings of Aram (Syria) in the Old Testament, is notably associated with acts of presumption against the God of Israel and His people. The most prominent Benhadad in the biblical narrative is Benhadad II, who reigned during the time of the kings of Israel, particularly Ahab and Jehoram.Presumption in Military Campaigns Benhadad II's presumption is vividly illustrated in his military campaigns against Israel. In 1 Kings 20, Benhadad, along with thirty-two allied kings, besieged Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. His arrogance is evident in his demands to King Ahab, as he claimed, "Your silver and gold are mine, and the best of your wives and children are mine as well" (1 Kings 20:3). This presumption extended to his belief that his military might was superior to the God of Israel, as he boasted of his ability to conquer Samaria with ease. Despite his confidence, Benhadad's presumption was met with divine intervention. A prophet of the Lord assured Ahab of victory, 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). The Israelites, though vastly outnumbered, defeated Benhadad's forces, demonstrating the futility of presuming against the will and power of God. Presumption in Underestimating God Benhadad's presumption is further highlighted in his underestimation of the God of Israel. After his initial defeat, his advisors suggested that the God of Israel was a "god of the hills," implying that they could defeat Israel on the plains (1 Kings 20:23). This assumption led to another confrontation at Aphek, where Benhadad's forces were again decisively defeated. The Lord declared through a prophet, "Because the Arameans have said, ‘The LORD is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys,’ I will deliver this vast army into your hand, and you will know that I am the LORD" (1 Kings 20:28). Presumption in Seeking Mercy After his second defeat, Benhadad's presumption shifted to seeking mercy from Ahab. He sent his servants to Ahab with a message of submission, wearing sackcloth and ropes, a sign of humility and surrender. Ahab, contrary to divine instruction, spared Benhadad's life and even referred to him as "my brother" (1 Kings 20:32-34). This act of presumption on Ahab's part, in treating Benhadad as an ally rather than an enemy of God, led to a prophetic rebuke and foreshadowed Ahab's downfall. Presumption in Later Conflicts Benhadad's presumption continued in later conflicts with Israel. In 2 Kings 6-7, during the reign of Jehoram, Benhadad besieged Samaria again, leading to a severe famine. His presumption was evident in his disregard for the suffering of the people and his confidence in his ability to subdue Israel. However, the Lord once again intervened, causing the Aramean army to flee in panic, leaving behind their supplies and ending the siege. Conclusion The accounts of Benhadad in the Old Testament serve as a cautionary tale against presumption, particularly in underestimating the power and sovereignty of God. His repeated failures underscore the biblical principle that human arrogance and reliance on earthly power are ultimately futile against the divine will. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 20:19So these young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city, and the army which followed them. Torrey's Topical Textbook 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 are patron saints? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about forgiveness? What does it mean to forgive? | 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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