Historical Context:
The oppression by Aram, also known as Syria, is a significant theme in the historical narratives of the Old Testament. Aram was a powerful kingdom located to the northeast of Israel, with its capital in Damascus. Throughout the biblical period, Aram frequently clashed with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, often exerting military and political pressure on them.

Biblical Accounts:
The Bible records several instances of Aramean oppression, particularly during the time of the divided monarchy. One of the earliest mentions is during the reign of King David, who fought against Hadadezer, the king of Zobah, an Aramean kingdom (2 Samuel 8:3-6). David's victories over the Arameans established Israelite dominance in the region for a time.

However, the situation changed after Solomon's reign. The kingdom of Israel, under the leadership of various kings, faced repeated threats and invasions from Aram. One notable period of oppression occurred during the reign of King Ahab of Israel. Ben-Hadad I, the king of Aram, besieged Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, demanding tribute and threatening destruction (1 Kings 20:1-12). Despite initial victories by Ahab, the Arameans continued to be a persistent threat.

The prophet Elisha played a significant role during the time of Aramean oppression. In 2 Kings 6:8-23, Elisha's divine insight thwarted several Aramean plans against Israel. The narrative highlights God's protection over Israel despite the constant threat from Aram.

Jehu's Rebellion and Hazael's Oppression:
The political landscape shifted with the rise of Hazael, who became king of Aram after assassinating Ben-Hadad II (2 Kings 8:7-15). Hazael's reign marked a period of severe oppression for Israel. Under his leadership, Aram captured significant territories from Israel, including the Transjordan region (2 Kings 10:32-33). The Bible describes Hazael as an instrument of God's judgment against Israel for their idolatry and disobedience (2 Kings 13:3).

Deliverance and Temporary Relief:
Despite the oppression, God provided deliverance for Israel. During the reign of Jehoahaz, the son of Jehu, the Israelites cried out to the Lord, and He sent a deliverer to rescue them from Aramean oppression (2 Kings 13:4-5). This deliverance, however, was temporary, as the Israelites continued to struggle with the Arameans.

Prophetic Insights:
The prophets Amos and Isaiah also spoke about Aram. Amos prophesied against Damascus, condemning their cruelty and predicting their downfall (Amos 1:3-5). Isaiah, in his prophecies, included Aram in the list of nations that would face God's judgment (Isaiah 17:1-3).

Theological Significance:
The oppression by Aram serves as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience and idolatry. It underscores the theme of divine judgment and mercy, as God allowed foreign nations to oppress Israel as a form of discipline, yet He also provided deliverance when they turned back to Him. The narratives involving Aram highlight the sovereignty of God over the nations and His faithfulness to His covenant people, even in times of distress.