Ben-Hadad I
Ben-Hadad I was a significant figure in ancient Near Eastern history, primarily known from the Hebrew Bible. He was the son of Tab-Rimmon and the grandson of Hezion, ruling in a time characterized by political tensions among neighboring states. His involvement is notably recorded during a conflict between Baasha of Israel and Asa of Judah around 895 BCE. In a strategic move, Asa sought Ben-Hadad's support by offering him a considerable bribe of silver and gold, prompting Ben-Hadad to break an existing treaty with Baasha and invade Israel from the north. This military action targeted key Israelite towns, and archaeological findings at sites like Dan and Hazor have revealed destruction layers that may be linked to this incursion. Ben-Hadad's intervention ultimately forced Baasha to abandon his campaign against Judah, highlighting the intricate and often volatile dynamics of Syro-Palestinian politics during the early ninth century BCE. The events surrounding Ben-Hadad I provide insight into the alliances and conflicts that shaped the region during this historical period.
Ben-Hadad I
Related civilizations: Aram-Damascus, Israel, Judah, Syria
Major role/position: King of Aram-Damascus
Life
Ben-Hadad I (behn-HAY-dad), the son of Tab-Rimmon and grandson of Hezion, is known only from the Hebrew Bible (1 Kings 15:16-22, 2 Chronicles 16:1-6) in connection with a border dispute between Baasha of Israel and Asa of Judah. In response to Baasha’s attack against Judah (c. 895 b.c.e.), Asa bribed Ben-Hadad with a substantial gift of silver and gold, urging him to break his treaty with Baasha and to invade Israel from the north. Ben-Hadad agreed and sent his army against some of the important Israelite towns north of the Sea of Galilee. Archaeological excavations at Dan and Hazor have uncovered significant destruction layers that may be attributed to this attack. In the face of this new threat, Baasha was forced to withdraw from his campaign against Judah.
Influence
Ben-Hadad’s attack on Israel illustrates the complex nature of Syro-Palestinian politics at the beginning of the ninth century b.c.e.
Bibliography
Pitard, Wayne T. Ancient Damascus. Winona Lake, Ind.: Eisenbrauns, 1987.