And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth. And Ben-hadad listenedThe name "Ben-hadad" is of Aramaic origin, meaning "son of Hadad," with Hadad being a storm and fertility god worshiped in ancient Syria. This highlights the political and religious dynamics of the time, where alliances were often formed across different faiths and cultures. Ben-hadad's willingness to listen to King Asa indicates a strategic alliance, reflecting the complex interplay of diplomacy and power in the ancient Near East. to King Asa
Asa was the third king of the Kingdom of Judah and is noted for his religious reforms and efforts to rid Judah of idolatry. His appeal to Ben-hadad demonstrates a pragmatic approach to leadership, seeking external support to counter the threat from the northern Kingdom of Israel. This action underscores the divided nature of the Israelite kingdom during this period, with Judah and Israel often at odds. and sent the commanders of his armies
The phrase emphasizes the military aspect of the alliance. Commanders, or military leaders, were crucial in executing the king's strategies. This reflects the importance of military might in ancient times, where the strength and loyalty of one's army could determine the success of political maneuvers. against the cities of Israel
This indicates a direct military campaign targeting the northern kingdom. The division between Israel and Judah was a significant aspect of this era, resulting from the split after Solomon's reign. The cities of Israel were often fortified and strategically important, making them prime targets in any military conflict. conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah
These cities were located in the northern part of the Kingdom of Israel. Ijon and Dan were significant for their strategic locations, while Abel-beth-maacah was known for its fertile lands. The conquest of these cities would have weakened Israel's northern defenses and demonstrated the effectiveness of Asa's alliance with Ben-hadad. and all Chinnereth
Chinnereth, also known as the Sea of Galilee, was a vital region due to its agricultural productivity and trade routes. Control over Chinnereth would have provided economic and strategic advantages, further destabilizing the northern kingdom and enhancing Judah's position. as far as Naphtali
Naphtali was one of the northernmost tribes of Israel, and its mention here signifies the extent of Ben-hadad's campaign. The reference to Naphtali highlights the thoroughness of the military action, reaching deep into Israelite territory and showcasing the effectiveness of the alliance between Asa and Ben-hadad. Persons / Places / Events 1. Ben-hadadThe king of Aram (Syria) who formed an alliance with King Asa of Judah. His decision to attack Israel was pivotal in the geopolitical dynamics of the region. 2. King AsaThe king of Judah who sought an alliance with Ben-hadad to counter the threat from Baasha, king of Israel. Asa's actions reflect a reliance on human alliances rather than solely on God. 3. Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, NaphtaliThese are the cities and regions in Israel that were attacked and conquered by Ben-hadad's forces. Their capture weakened the northern kingdom of Israel. 4. Store CitiesThese were cities used for storing supplies and resources, indicating their strategic and economic importance. 5. BaashaThe king of Israel who was building up Ramah to blockade Judah, prompting Asa to seek help from Ben-hadad. Teaching Points Reliance on God vs. Human AlliancesAsa's decision to rely on Ben-hadad rather than God serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of placing trust in human alliances over divine guidance. Consequences of Political ManeuveringThe capture of key cities in Israel demonstrates the immediate consequences of Asa's political strategy, highlighting the impact of leadership decisions on nations. The Importance of Strategic LocationsThe mention of store cities underscores the importance of strategic planning and resource management, both in ancient times and in our personal lives. God's Sovereignty in Political AffairsDespite human actions and alliances, God's sovereignty remains supreme, and His purposes will ultimately prevail. Lessons in LeadershipAsa's account provides lessons in leadership, particularly the importance of seeking God's wisdom and guidance in decision-making. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Asa's alliance with Ben-hadad reflect his spiritual state, and what can we learn from this about our own reliance on God versus human solutions? 2. In what ways do the events in 1 Kings 15:20 illustrate the consequences of political and military decisions? How can we apply this understanding to our personal decision-making processes? 3. How do the strategic locations mentioned in this verse (Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, Naphtali) relate to the concept of spiritual strongholds in our lives? 4. Reflect on a time when you relied on human wisdom rather than seeking God's guidance. What were the outcomes, and how might you approach similar situations differently in the future? 5. How do the themes in 1 Kings 15:20 connect with the teachings in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 31:1? How can these connections guide us in our daily walk with God? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Chronicles 16:1-6This passage provides a parallel account of Asa's alliance with Ben-hadad, offering additional insights into Asa's reign and his reliance on foreign alliances. Proverbs 3:5-6These verses emphasize trusting in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding, contrasting Asa's reliance on a foreign king. Isaiah 31:1This verse warns against seeking help from foreign powers instead of trusting in God, which is relevant to Asa's actions. People Abel, Abijah, Abijam, Abishalom, Ahijah, Aram, Asa, Baasha, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Benjamin, Dan, David, Hadad, Hezion, Issachar, Jehoshaphat, Jeroboam, Maacah, Maachah, Nadab, Naphtali, Nebat, Rehoboam, Rezon, Sodomites, Tabrimon, Tirzah, Uriah, UrijahPlaces Abel-beth-maacah, Chinneroth, Damascus, Dan, Geba, Gibbethon, Ijon, Jerusalem, Kidron, Mizpah, Ramah, Syria, TirzahTopics Abel, Abel-beth-maacah, A'bel-beth-ma'acah, Abelbethmaachah, Abel-beth-maachah, Addition, Agreed, Armies, Asa, Attacking, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Ben-ha'dad, Besides, Beth, Captains, Chinneroth, Chin'neroth, Cinneroth, Cities, Commanders, Conquered, Dan, Forces, Hadad, Heads, Hearkened, Hearkeneth, Hosts, Ijon, Kinnereth, Kinneroth, Listened, Maacah, Naphtali, Naph'tali, Smiteth, Smote, Struck, TownsDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Kings 15:1-31 5366 king 1 Kings 15:16-20 7233 Israel, northern kingdom 1 Kings 15:19-20 1346 covenants, nature of
5783 agreement Library David's Sin in the Matter of Uriah.
"And David said unto Nathan, 'I have sinned against the Lord.' And Nathan said unto David, 'The lord also hath put away thy sin; then shalt not die.'" The sin here referred to is that of David in the matter of Uriah. A strange and sad event--taken in all its circumstances and connections, it is without a parallel. But the circumstance most to be lamented, is that mentioned by the prophet, in the close of his message--"By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme." …
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important SubjectsAsa
BY REV. ALFRED ROWLAND, D.D., LL.B. 1 KINGS xv. 8-24; 2 CHRON. xiv-xvi. Asa was the third king who reigned over the separated kingdoms of Judah. His father was Ahijah, of whom it is sternly said, "He walked in all the sins of his father, Rehoboam, which he had done before him." A worse bringing-up than Asa's could scarcely be imagined. As a child, and as a lad, he was grievously tempted by his father's example, and by the influence of an idolatrous court, which was crowded by flatterers and …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known Whether Christ is the Head of the Church?
Objection 1: It would seem that it does not belong to Christ as man to be Head of the Church. For the head imparts sense and motion to the members. Now spiritual sense and motion which are by grace, are not imparted to us by the Man Christ, because, as Augustine says (De Trin. i, 12; xv, 24), "not even Christ, as man, but only as God, bestows the Holy Ghost." Therefore it does not belong to Him as man to be Head of the Church. Objection 2: Further, it is not fitting for the head to have a head. But …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Proper to Christ to be Head of the Church?
Objection 1: It seems that it is not proper to Christ to be Head of the Church. For it is written (1 Kings 15:17): "When thou wast a little one in thy own eyes, wast thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel?" Now there is but one Church in the New and the Old Testament. Therefore it seems that with equal reason any other man than Christ might be head of the Church. Objection 2: Further, Christ is called Head of the Church from His bestowing grace on the Church's members. But it belongs to others …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Obedience is the Greatest of the virtues?
Objection 1: It seems that obedience is the greatest of the virtues. For it is written (1 Kings 15:22): "Obedience is better than sacrifices." Now the offering of sacrifices belongs to religion, which is the greatest of all moral virtues, as shown above ([3173]Q[81], A[6]). Therefore obedience is the greatest of all virtues. Objection 2: Further, Gregory says (Moral. xxxv) that "obedience is the only virtue that ingrafts virtues in the soul and protects them when ingrafted." Now the cause is greater …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Christ Died Out of Obedience?
Objection 1: It would seem that Christ did not die out of obedience. For obedience is referred to a command. But we do not read that Christ was commanded to suffer. Therefore He did not suffer out of obedience. Objection 2: Further, a man is said to do from obedience what he does from necessity of precept. But Christ did not suffer necessarily, but voluntarily. Therefore He did not suffer out of obedience. Objection 3: Further, charity is a more excellent virtue than obedience. But we read that Christ …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Disobedience is the Most Grievous of Sins?
Objection 1: It seems that disobedience is the most grievous of sins. For it is written (1 Kings 15:23): "It is like the sin of witchcraft to rebel, and like the crime of idolatry to refuse to obey." But idolatry is the most grievous of sins, as stated above ([3182]Q[94], A[3]). Therefore disobedience is the most grievous of sins. Objection 2: Further, the sin against the Holy Ghost is one that removes the obstacles of sin, as stated above ([3183]Q[14], A[2]). Now disobedience makes a man contemn …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether Predestination Can be Furthered by the Prayers of the Saints?
Objection 1: It seems that predestination cannot be furthered by the prayers of the saints. For nothing eternal can be preceded by anything temporal; and in consequence nothing temporal can help towards making something else eternal. But predestination is eternal. Therefore, since the prayers of the saints are temporal, they cannot so help as to cause anyone to become predestined. Predestination therefore is not furthered by the prayers of the saints. Objection 2: Further, as there is no need of …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Lawful for Clerics to Kill Evil-Doers?
Objection 1: It would seem lawful for clerics to kill evil-doers. For clerics especially should fulfil the precept of the Apostle (1 Cor. 4:16): "Be ye followers of me as I also am of Christ," whereby we are called upon to imitate God and His saints. Now the very God whom we worship puts evildoers to death, according to Ps. 135:10, "Who smote Egypt with their firstborn." Again Moses made the Levites slay twenty-three thousand men on account of the worship of the calf (Ex. 32), the priest Phinees …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Whether it is Becoming to Pray?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is unbecoming to pray. Prayer seems to be necessary in order that we may make our needs known to the person to whom we pray. But according to Mat. 6:32, "Your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things." Therefore it is not becoming to pray to God. Objection 2: Further, by prayer we bend the mind of the person to whom we pray, so that he may do what is asked of him. But God's mind is unchangeable and inflexible, according to 1 Kings 15:29, "But the Triumpher …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Asa's Reformation, and Consequent Peace and victory
'And Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God; 3. For he took away the altars of the strange gods, and the high places, and brake down the images, and cut down the groves: 4. And commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to do the law and the commandment. 5. Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. 6. And he built fenced cities in Judah: for the land had rest, and he had no …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Whether Vengeance Should be Taken on those who have Sinned Involuntarily?
Objection 1: It seems that vengeance should be taken on those who have sinned involuntarily. For the will of one man does not follow from the will of another. Yet one man is punished for another, according to Ex. 20:5, "I am . . . God . . . jealous, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation." Thus for the sin of Cham, his son Chanaan was curse (Gn. 9:25) and for the sin of Giezi, his descendants were struck with leprosy (4 Kings 5). Again the blood …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Question Lxxxiii of Prayer
I. Is Prayer an Act of the Appetitive Powers? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer based on Friendship II. Is it Fitting to Pray? Cardinal Cajetan, On Prayer as a True Cause S. Augustine, On the Sermon on the Mount, II. iii. 14 " On the Gift of Perseverance, vii. 15 III. Is Prayer an Act of the Virtue of Religion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Humility of Prayer S. Augustine, On Psalm cii. 10 " Of the Gift of Perseverance, xvi. 39 IV. Ought We to Pray to God Alone? S. Augustine, Sermon, cxxvii. 2 V. …
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.), …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Kings 15:20 NIV1 Kings 15:20 NLT1 Kings 15:20 ESV1 Kings 15:20 NASB1 Kings 15:20 KJV
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