1 Kings 15:18

KJV

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

Then Asa {H609} took {H3947} all the silver {H3701} and the gold {H2091} that were left {H3498} in the treasures {H214} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}, and the treasures {H214} of the king's {H4428} house {H1004}, and delivered {H5414} them into the hand {H3027} of his servants {H5650}: and king {H4428} Asa {H609} sent {H7971} them to Benhadad {H1130}, the son {H1121} of Tabrimon {H2886}, the son {H1121} of Hezion {H2383}, king {H4428} of Syria {H758}, that dwelt {H3427} at Damascus {H1834}, saying {H559},

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Asa took all the silver and gold left among the treasures of the house of ADONAI and among the treasures of the royal palace; and, entrusting them to his servants, King Asa sent them to Ben-Hadad the son of Tavrimmon, the son of Hezyon, king of Aram, who lived in Dammesek, with this message:

Berean Standard Bible

So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus:

American Standard Version

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of Jehovah, and the treasures of the king’s house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants; and king Asa sent them to Ben-hadad, the son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Kings 15:18 recounts King Asa of Judah's controversial decision to deplete the treasuries of both the Temple and the royal palace, sending the precious silver and gold as a tribute to Ben-Hadad I, the king of Syria (Aram), who resided in Damascus. This act was a strategic maneuver aimed at persuading Ben-Hadad to break his existing alliance with Baasha, king of Israel, and instead attack Israel, thereby relieving the pressure on Judah from Baasha's fortification of Ramah. While pragmatically effective in the short term, this action represented a significant departure from Asa's earlier demonstrated reliance on God, highlighting a compromise of spiritual principles for political expediency.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Asa's reign over Judah, which is largely portrayed as righteous and dedicated to the Lord, especially in its early years. Chapters 15 and 16 of 1 Kings detail Asa's efforts to remove idolatry from Judah and his military campaigns. Immediately preceding [1 Kings 15:17](/1_kings/15-17 "1 Kings 15:17 - Baasha Fortifies Ramah") describes King Baasha of Israel's aggressive fortification of Ramah, a strategically vital city just six miles north of Jerusalem. This act effectively blockaded Judah, cutting off trade routes and access to the northern territories. Asa's response in [1 Kings 15:18](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18 - Asa's Alliance with Syria") is a direct reaction to this military threat, showcasing his attempt to circumvent the immediate danger through a foreign alliance rather than direct divine intervention, a choice that would later draw prophetic rebuke in [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani's Rebuke of Asa").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East was a complex geopolitical landscape characterized by shifting alliances, constant warfare, and the strategic use of tribute and diplomacy. Kings frequently sought to secure their borders or gain advantage by forming pacts with stronger regional powers, often involving significant payments of silver and gold. Syria (Aram), with its capital at Damascus, was a formidable regional power during this period, often acting as a buffer or a threat to both Israel and Judah. Ben-Hadad I was a powerful Aramean king whose influence extended over various vassal states. Asa's decision to send treasures to Ben-Hadad was a common, albeit costly, diplomatic tactic of the era, reflecting the prevailing political pragmatism. The use of temple treasures, however, carried significant spiritual implications, as these were often considered consecrated to Yahweh and not to be used for secular or political ends without divine sanction.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme highlighted in [1 Kings 15:18](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18 - Asa's Alliance with Syria") is the **tension between divine trust and human reliance**. Asa, despite his earlier commendable acts of faith, such as his prayer before the battle against the Ethiopians in [2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer Before Battle"), here opts for a worldly solution, compromising his spiritual principles for immediate political gain. This act underscores the theme of **compromise and expediency**, where a king, otherwise righteous, chooses a path of pragmatism that diminishes the sanctity of God's house and demonstrates a lack of complete faith in God's ability to deliver. It also illustrates the **complexities of leadership**, where even well-intentioned rulers can succumb to the pressures of their office and make choices that, while seemingly rational, deviate from divine wisdom. This particular event serves as a cautionary tale within the broader narrative of the divided monarchy, where the faithfulness of kings is constantly tested by external threats and internal temptations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Treasures (Hebrew: אוֹצָרוֹת, _'otsarot'_):** This term refers to storehouses or treasuries, specifically containing valuable items like silver and gold. The mention of "treasures of the house of the LORD" indicates items consecrated for temple use or maintenance, possibly accumulated through tithes, offerings, or spoils of war dedicated to God. Their use for a political bribe signifies a significant spiritual compromise, as these resources were meant for God's glory and service, not for worldly alliances.
* **Benhadad (Hebrew: בֶּן־הֲדָ ד, _'Ben-Hadad'_):** Meaning "son of Hadad," this name points to the pagan religious context of the Syrian king. Hadad was a prominent Canaanite and Aramean storm and fertility deity. Asa's alliance with a king named after a pagan deity, and one who was likely a worshipper of such, further underscores the spiritual compromise inherent in his actions, contrasting sharply with his earlier efforts to purge idolatry from Judah.
* **Damascus (Hebrew: דַּמֶּשֶׂק, _'Dammesheq'_):** Identified as Ben-Hadad's dwelling place, Damascus was the ancient and powerful capital of the Aramean kingdom. Its mention emphasizes the strategic importance and formidable power of the Syrian king, making him a highly desirable, albeit religiously problematic, ally for Asa in his conflict with Israel. The city's prominence highlights the geopolitical weight of Asa's decision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then Asa took all the silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house,"**: This clause details the source of the payment. Asa's action involved not only the royal treasury (the king's house) but also the sacred treasury of the Temple. The phrase "that were left" implies that some of these treasures might have been previously used or depleted, but a significant amount remained. The inclusion of the Temple's wealth is critical, as it signifies a sacrilegious act, diverting resources dedicated to God for a worldly political maneuver. This act contrasts with the piety expected of a king who had previously demonstrated devotion to Yahweh.
* **"and delivered them into the hand of his servants:"**: This simple clause describes the practical execution of Asa's plan. He entrusted these vast riches to his officials, who would then undertake the perilous journey to Damascus. It highlights the delegation of this sensitive and costly mission, underscoring the king's direct involvement and authorization of the transaction.
* **"and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,"**: This final clause identifies the recipient of the tribute and the purpose of the mission. Ben-Hadad I, whose lineage is meticulously traced (son of Tabrimon, son of Hezion), is clearly identified as the powerful king of Syria (Aram), residing in Damascus. The phrase "saying" indicates that the servants carried a message or proposal from Asa to Ben-Hadad, which is then elaborated upon in the subsequent verse ([1 Kings 15:19](/1_kings/15-19 "1 Kings 15:19 - Asa's Proposal to Ben-Hadad")). This entire action represents Asa's calculated diplomatic strategy to secure military assistance against Baasha.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its message. **Irony** is prominent, as King Asa, who had previously demonstrated remarkable faith and zeal in removing idolatry and relying on God for victory (e.g., against the Ethiopians in [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah")), now resorts to a worldly alliance and the desecration of sacred temple treasures. This act stands in stark **contrast** to his earlier, more righteous reign, highlighting a spiritual decline or a lapse in judgment. The meticulous detailing of Ben-Hadad's lineage and dwelling place (Damascus) serves to emphasize the **realism** and historical accuracy of the narrative, grounding the theological implications in a concrete historical setting. Furthermore, this event **foreshadows** the recurring pattern of Israelite and Judean kings seeking foreign alliances rather than trusting in the Lord, a pattern that often led to negative consequences and prophetic condemnation throughout the books of Kings and Chronicles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Kings 15:18 stands as a pivotal moment in Asa's reign, illustrating the perennial tension between human strategy and divine reliance. While Asa's early reign was marked by a commendable commitment to Yahweh and a purging of idolatry, his decision here to use consecrated temple treasures to bribe a pagan king for military aid reveals a significant lapse in faith. This act, born of fear and political expediency, prioritized a worldly solution over continued trust in God's sovereign protection and provision. It underscores the theological principle that true security and victory are found not in human alliances or material wealth, but in unwavering dependence on the Lord. The narrative implicitly critiques Asa's choice, suggesting that even a king who starts well can falter when faced with intense pressure, choosing pragmatic compromise over spiritual integrity.

* [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani's Rebuke of Asa"): Hanani the seer rebukes Asa for relying on the king of Syria rather than the LORD, reminding him that God's eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots"): "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." This verse perfectly encapsulates the spiritual principle Asa failed to uphold in this instance.
* [Isaiah 31:1](/isaiah/31-1 "Isaiah 31:1 - Woe to Those Who Go Down to Egypt for Help"): "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and in the great strength of their horsemen, but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the LORD." This prophetic warning directly addresses the folly of seeking foreign alliances over divine aid.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
King Asa's actions in 1 Kings 15:18 serve as a powerful cautionary tale for believers today, highlighting the subtle but dangerous temptation to prioritize expediency over faithfulness, especially when under pressure. In moments of crisis, whether personal, professional, or communal, it is easy to be swayed by what appears to be the most logical, pragmatic, or immediate solution, even if it compromises our spiritual convictions or diminishes our reliance on God. Asa, a king largely commended for his righteousness, chose to deplete sacred treasures and forge an alliance with a pagan king, effectively placing his trust in human power and wealth rather than the divine power that had previously delivered him. This passage challenges us to examine where our ultimate trust lies when faced with overwhelming circumstances. Do we resort to human manipulation, financial schemes, or worldly connections, or do we consistently and prayerfully seek God's wisdom, provision, and intervention? True peace and lasting victory are found not in our clever strategies or accumulated resources, but in unwavering faith in the Lord, who is more than capable of delivering us by His own power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rely on my own resources or worldly connections rather than consistently trusting God?**
* **What "treasures" (time, talent, finances, reputation) might I be tempted to compromise or misuse for immediate gain or perceived security?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more consistent reliance on God's sovereignty and provision, even when circumstances seem dire?**
* **When faced with a significant challenge, what is my default response: prayer and seeking God's will, or immediate pragmatic action?**

### FAQ
**Why was Asa's act of taking temple treasures considered a spiritual failure, given that it achieved a military objective?**

Answer: While Asa's strategy in [1 Kings 15:18](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18 - Asa's Alliance with Syria") was militarily effective in the short term, it was considered a spiritual failure primarily because it demonstrated a lack of complete trust in God and a compromise of sacred principles. The treasures of the house of the LORD were consecrated for divine purposes, representing God's provision and the people's devotion. Using them as a bribe to a pagan king, Ben-Hadad, for a worldly alliance, effectively desecrated these holy resources and placed reliance on human power rather than God's. Asa had previously experienced God's miraculous deliverance when he fully trusted Him in battle (e.g., [2 Chronicles 14](/2_chronicles/14 "2 Chronicles 14 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah")). His decision here indicated a shift from divine dependence to political expediency. As the prophet Hanani later rebuked him in [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani's Rebuke of Asa"), Asa's reliance on Syria rather than the Lord meant he had not fully committed his heart to God, and thus missed out on a greater display of God's power. The immediate military success did not negate the spiritual cost of his actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
King Asa's strategic, yet spiritually compromised, alliance in [1 Kings 15:18](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18 - Asa's Alliance with Syria") serves as a stark contrast to the perfect trust and ultimate victory found in Jesus Christ. Asa, facing a formidable enemy, resorted to human wisdom and material sacrifice (even from God's house) to secure temporary relief. In contrast, Jesus, facing the ultimate enemy of sin and death, did not rely on human alliances or worldly treasures. Instead, He perfectly trusted His Father, embodying complete dependence on divine power and wisdom. His "treasury" was His very life, which He willingly offered as the ultimate sacrifice, not to bribe an earthly king, but to secure eternal salvation for humanity ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). While Asa's actions highlight the futility of trusting in chariots and horses ([Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord, Not Chariots")), Christ's victory on the cross demonstrates that true power and lasting peace come through humble obedience and divine intervention, not through human machinations. He is the true King who does not need to compromise or deplete sacred resources, for all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). In Him, we find the ultimate fulfillment of God's unwavering provision and the assurance that our trust is rightly placed, not in fleeting human alliances, but in the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 14:26

And he took away the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house; he even took away all: and he took away all the shields of gold which Solomon had made.

2 Kings 12:18

And Jehoash king of Judah took all the hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehoram, and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all the gold [that was] found in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and in the king's house, and sent [it] to Hazael king of Syria: and he went away from Jerusalem.

1 Kings 15:15

And he brought in the things which his father had dedicated, and the things which himself had dedicated, into the house of the LORD, silver, and gold, and vessels.

1 Kings 11:23

And God stirred him up [another] adversary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from his lord Hadadezer king of Zobah:

1 Kings 11:24

And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them [of Zobah]: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

Genesis 14:15

And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hobah, which [is] on the left hand of Damascus.

1 Kings 20:1

¶ And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and [there were] thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.