2 Chronicles 16:3

"Let there be a treaty between me and you, between my father and your father. See, I have sent you silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me."

Study Bible

Let there be a treaty between me and you
This phrase reflects the political maneuvering common in the ancient Near East, where treaties and alliances were often formed for mutual benefit or protection. In this context, King Asa of Judah is seeking to form an alliance with Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram (Syria), to counter the threat posed by Baasha, king of Israel. Such treaties were typically sealed with gifts or tributes, indicating the seriousness of the agreement. This reflects the broader biblical theme of reliance on human alliances rather than trusting in God, which is often critiqued in the prophetic literature (e.g., Isaiah 31:1).

as there was between my father and your father
This reference to a previous alliance suggests a historical precedent for cooperation between the two kingdoms. Asa's father, Abijah, and Ben-Hadad's predecessor likely had a similar agreement, which Asa is now invoking to legitimize his request. This highlights the importance of historical relationships and familial ties in ancient diplomacy. It also underscores the cyclical nature of political alliances in the biblical narrative, where past agreements are often revisited or renegotiated.

See, I have sent you silver and gold
The sending of silver and gold signifies a tribute or bribe to secure Ben-Hadad's favor and cooperation. In the ancient world, such gifts were a common diplomatic tool to ensure loyalty or to persuade a potential ally to act. This act of sending wealth also reflects Asa's reliance on material resources rather than divine intervention, a theme that is critiqued by the prophet Hanani later in the chapter (2 Chronicles 16:7-9).

Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel
Asa's request for Ben-Hadad to break his treaty with Baasha indicates the complex and often shifting alliances in the region. This act of betrayal is a strategic move to weaken Baasha's position and relieve the pressure on Judah. It also highlights the moral ambiguity in political dealings, where breaking a covenant is seen as a necessary tactic. This can be contrasted with the biblical emphasis on faithfulness and integrity, as seen in God's unchanging covenant with His people (Psalm 89:34).

so that he will withdraw from me
The ultimate goal of Asa's diplomatic efforts is to force Baasha to retreat from his aggressive actions against Judah. This reflects the constant threat of conflict between the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Asa's reliance on human intervention rather than seeking God's help is a recurring theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating the tension between political expediency and spiritual faithfulness. This situation foreshadows the eventual downfall of both kingdoms due to their failure to fully trust in God (2 Kings 17:7-23).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Asa
King of Judah who sought to form an alliance with Ben-Hadad, king of Aram, to protect his kingdom from Baasha, king of Israel.

2. Ben-Hadad
King of Aram (Syria) who received silver and gold from Asa to break his treaty with Baasha and form an alliance with Judah.

3. Baasha
King of Israel who was building up Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Asa's territory.

4. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Asa during this time.

5. Israel
The northern kingdom, ruled by Baasha, in conflict with Judah.

Teaching Points

Reliance on God vs. Human Alliances
Asa's decision to rely on a political alliance rather than seeking God's guidance serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trusting in human strength over divine support.

The Consequences of Compromise
Asa's compromise with Ben-Hadad led to temporary relief but ultimately displeased God, reminding us that short-term gains from compromising our values can lead to long-term spiritual consequences.

The Importance of Consistent Faith
Asa's earlier faith in God during battles contrasts with his later actions, teaching us the importance of maintaining consistent faith and reliance on God throughout our lives.

The Role of Wealth in Decision-Making
Asa used silver and gold to secure an alliance, prompting reflection on how material wealth can influence our decisions and potentially lead us away from God's will.

Learning from Past Mistakes
Asa's failure to learn from his past reliance on God encourages us to reflect on our spiritual journey and learn from our previous experiences with God's faithfulness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Asa's decision to form an alliance with Ben-Hadad reflect a shift in his reliance on God, and what can we learn from this about our own faith journey?

2. In what ways do we sometimes rely on "silver and gold" (material resources) instead of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

3. How can we apply the lessons from Asa's life to ensure that our faith remains consistent, especially during times of conflict or challenge?

4. What are some modern-day "alliances" or compromises that might tempt us to stray from our commitment to God, and how can we guard against them?

5. Reflecting on Proverbs 3:5-6, how can we better trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 15:16-22
Provides a parallel account of Asa's actions and the political dynamics between Judah, Israel, and Aram.

2 Chronicles 14:11
Shows Asa's earlier reliance on God during a battle against the Cushites, contrasting with his later reliance on human alliances.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than human understanding, highlighting Asa's failure to rely on God.

Isaiah 31:1
Warns against seeking help from foreign powers instead of trusting in God, relevant to Asa's actions.