1 Kings 15:20

KJV

So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Benhadad {H1130} hearkened {H8085} unto king {H4428} Asa {H609}, and sent {H7971} the captains {H8269} of the hosts {H2428} which he had against the cities {H5892} of Israel {H3478}, and smote {H5221} Ijon {H5859}, and Dan {H1835}, and Abelbethmaachah {H62}, and all Cinneroth {H3672}, with all the land {H776} of Naphtali {H5321}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ben-Hadad did as King Asa asked - he sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Isra'el, attacking 'Iyon, Dan, Avel-Beit-Ma'akhah, all of Kinn'rot and all the land of Naftali.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel, and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abel-beth-maacah, and all Chinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Kings 15:20 precisely details the military outcome of King Asa of Judah's strategic alliance with Ben-hadad I, king of Syria (Damascus), against King Baasha of Israel. Prompted by Asa's substantial tribute, Ben-hadad dispatched his forces to devastate key northern Israelite territories, including the cities of Ijon, Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, the entire region of Cinneroth, and the land of Naphtali, thereby successfully compelling Baasha to abandon his siege against Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the historical narrative of the divided monarchy, specifically within the accounts of King Asa's reign in Judah and King Baasha's reign in Israel. The preceding verses establish Baasha's aggressive fortification of Ramah, a strategically vital city merely six miles north of Jerusalem, which directly threatened Judah's security and economic routes, as described in [1 Kings 15:17](/1_kings/15-17 "1 Kings 15:17 - Baasha Fortifies Ramah"). In response to this existential threat, King Asa, instead of seeking divine intervention, chose a pragmatic, albeit spiritually compromised, path. He emptied the sacred treasuries of the Lord's house and his own palace to send a lavish bribe to Ben-hadad I of Syria, urging him to break his existing treaty with Baasha and launch an attack on Israel ([1 Kings 15:18-19](/1_kings/15-18 "1 Kings 15:18-19 - Asa's Alliance with Ben-hadad")). Therefore, [1 Kings 15:20](/1_kings/15-20 "1 Kings 15:20 - Ben-hadad's Attack on Israel") serves as the immediate and successful culmination of Asa's diplomatic and military strategy, detailing Ben-hadad's swift execution of the agreement, which achieved Asa's desired outcome: Baasha's withdrawal from Ramah. The subsequent verses further narrate Baasha's retreat and Asa's resourceful use of the abandoned materials to fortify Geba and Mizpah ([1 Kings 15:21-22](/1_kings/15-21 "1 Kings 15:21-22 - Baasha's Retreat and Asa's Fortifications")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the divided kingdom (circa 931-722 BCE) was characterized by persistent geopolitical instability and intermittent conflicts between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Both entities frequently sought to secure their borders and assert regional influence, often forming alliances with powerful neighboring states to gain military or economic advantages. Aram (Syria), with its capital at Damascus under rulers like Ben-hadad I, was a formidable regional power, making an alliance with them an attractive, albeit costly, option for any ruler seeking strategic leverage. The practice of offering tribute or "gifts" to secure alliances, military intervention, or simply non-aggression was a ubiquitous diplomatic norm across the ancient Near East. The specific locations mentioned in [1 Kings 15:20](/1_kings/15-20 "1 Kings 15:20 - Ben-hadad's Attack on Israel")—Ijon, Dan, Abelbethmaachah, the Cinneroth region (around the Sea of Galilee), and the tribal territory of Naphtali—were all strategically significant in northern Israel. Their capture by Ben-hadad's forces would have inflicted a severe blow to Israel's economy, agricultural output, and military capacity, effectively diverting Baasha's attention and resources away from his campaign against Judah.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Kings 15:20](/1_kings/15-20 "1 Kings 15:20 - Ben-hadad's Attack on Israel") powerfully illuminates several enduring themes prevalent throughout the Deuteronomistic History (Joshua-Kings) and Chronicles. Firstly, it underscores the **destructive consequences of inter-kingdom strife** between Israel and Judah. Their internal conflicts often led to one kingdom inviting foreign powers to attack the other, thereby weakening the entire Israelite nation and making them collectively more vulnerable to external empires, a recurring pattern that ultimately contributed to their respective exiles. Secondly, the verse demonstrates the **immediate efficacy of human-devised strategic alliances** in achieving specific military objectives, as Asa's plan successfully diverted Baasha's aggression. However, this pragmatic success is critically juxtaposed with the profound theological theme of the **perils of compromised faith**. While Asa's early reign was marked by commendable reforms and a commendable reliance on God, as seen in his prayer before battle in [2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer Before Battle"), his decision here to rely on a pagan king rather than solely on the Lord for deliverance from Baasha's threat signifies a significant lapse in trust. This act of spiritual compromise is later explicitly rebuked by the prophet Hanani, who condemns Asa for his lack of complete reliance on the Lord and warns of future wars ([2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani's Rebuke of Asa")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearkened (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** The verb translated "hearkened" (H8085) means "to hear intelligently," often implying attention, obedience, and a positive response. In this context, it signifies that Ben-hadad not only received Asa's message and bribe but also listened attentively to the proposal and acted in accordance with it. This word highlights the successful negotiation and the immediate, compliant action taken by the Syrian king, underscoring the effectiveness of Asa's diplomatic overture.
* **captains (Hebrew, _sar'_):** The term "captains" (H8269) refers to a "head person" or "ruler" of any rank or class, often denoting military commanders or chiefs. Ben-hadad's decision to send his "captains of the hosts" indicates a significant, organized military deployment, not merely a small raiding party. This suggests a deliberate and powerful military response, reflecting the seriousness of the alliance and the comprehensive nature of the attack on Israel.
* **smote (Hebrew, _nâkâh'_):** The Hebrew verb נָכָה (_nâkâh_, H5221) translated as "smote" is a strong, primitive root meaning "to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)." In military contexts, it denotes a decisive defeat, a comprehensive conquest, or the infliction of significant damage. Here, it implies that Ben-hadad's forces did not merely raid but thoroughly attacked, defeated, and devastated the mentioned territories, asserting control and inflicting a severe blow to Baasha's kingdom. This word emphasizes the destructive and effective nature of the Syrian campaign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa":** This opening clause establishes the successful diplomatic engagement between King Asa of Judah and Ben-hadad I of Syria. It indicates Ben-hadad's positive reception of Asa's appeal and the accompanying bribe, signifying that the alliance was successfully forged and accepted.
* **"and sent the captains of the hosts which he had against the cities of Israel":** This details the immediate military response from Ben-hadad. He deployed his military commanders and their forces, signifying a well-organized and substantial military operation. The target was specifically "the cities of Israel," indicating a direct fulfillment of his agreement with Asa to attack the northern kingdom.
* **"and smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelbethmaachah, and all Cinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.":** This concluding clause enumerates the specific geographical targets and the extensive scope of Ben-hadad's campaign. Ijon, Dan, and Abelbethmaachah were key cities in the northernmost regions of Israel, while "all Cinneroth" refers to the entire region surrounding the Sea of Galilee, and "all the land of Naphtali" signifies the comprehensive devastation of that tribal territory in the upper Galilee. The repeated use of "all" emphasizes the widespread and devastating impact of Ben-hadad's campaign, which effectively drew Baasha's forces away from Judah.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Kings 15:20](/1_kings/15-20 "1 Kings 15:20 - Ben-hadad's Attack on Israel") effectively employs **Geographic Listing** to underscore the extensive reach and devastating impact of Ben-hadad's military campaign. By meticulously enumerating specific cities and regions—Ijon, Dan, Abelbethmaachah, Cinneroth, and Naphtali—the text creates a vivid and concrete image of the territorial losses and widespread destruction inflicted upon Israel. This detailed catalog serves to emphasize the immediate effectiveness of Asa's strategy and the severe consequences for Baasha's kingdom. Furthermore, an underlying **Irony** pervades the narrative: King Asa, who had previously demonstrated profound faith and reliance on God for military victory (e.g., [2 Chronicles 14:11](/2_chronicles/14-11 "2 Chronicles 14:11 - Asa's Prayer Before Battle")), now resorts to relying on a pagan king and worldly wealth to resolve his conflict. This immediate military success, achieved through human cunning and spiritual compromise, subtly **Foreshadows** the later divine rebuke and the long-term spiritual repercussions of Asa's failure to maintain complete trust in the Lord.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While [1 Kings 15:20](/1_kings/15-20 "1 Kings 15:20 - Ben-hadad's Attack on Israel") chronicles a militarily successful outcome for King Asa, its deeper theological significance lies in its implicit critique of human reliance superseding divine trust. Asa's decision to deplete the temple treasury and forge an alliance with a pagan king, rather than seeking God's intervention as he had done in previous, more dire battles, highlights a persistent tension within biblical narratives: the temptation to lean on worldly power, pragmatic solutions, and human ingenuity instead of maintaining unwavering faith and complete dependence on God. Although God can and does utilize various instruments, including foreign nations and human strategies, to accomplish His sovereign purposes, the biblical narrative consistently prioritizes the heart's posture of absolute reliance on Him. This passage serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that short-term gains achieved through compromised faith often lead to long-term spiritual repercussions, a diminished walk with God, and a potential loss of divine favor.

* [2 Chronicles 16:7-9](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7-9 - Hanani's Rebuke of Asa")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Some Trust in Chariots and Horses")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage profoundly challenges believers to critically examine the ultimate sources of their security and the strategies they employ when facing life's inevitable crises. King Asa's immediate success in diverting Baasha's threat through an alliance with Ben-hadad offers a powerful, albeit complex, illustration that human ingenuity and worldly alliances can indeed achieve desired outcomes. However, the subsequent divine rebuke, detailed elsewhere, reveals that God values not merely the outcome, but fundamentally the path taken and the heart's posture of reliance. For us today, this means diligently discerning whether our solutions to pressing problems—be they financial, relational, professional, or personal—are truly rooted in a deep, abiding trust in God's sovereignty and provision, or if they stem from a pragmatic reliance on human power, influence, or even compromise that might subtly diminish our dependence on Him. It prompts us to consider if our "successes" are genuinely aligned with God's will and if they foster greater spiritual health and intimacy with Him, or if they are merely short-term fixes that ultimately undermine our faith and spiritual integrity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you most tempted to rely on human strategies, worldly alliances, or personal strength instead of fully trusting God?**
* **How do you discern between a God-ordained strategic action, requiring wisdom and effort, and a compromise of faith that bypasses divine reliance?**
* **What are the potential long-term spiritual consequences of achieving short-term success through means that do not fully honor God or reflect complete trust in Him?**
* **How can you cultivate a deeper, more consistent, and unwavering reliance on God in all circumstances, even when immediate, human-centric solutions seem readily available and effective?**

### FAQ
**Was Asa's alliance with Ben-hadad a "sin"?**

Answer: While the text of [1 Kings 15:20](/1_kings/15-20 "1 Kings 15:20 - Ben-hadad's Attack on Israel") itself simply reports the event, the broader biblical narrative, particularly as expanded in [2 Chronicles 16](/2_chronicles/16 "2 Chronicles 16 - Asa's Later Years"), clearly indicates that Asa's action was indeed a sin of compromised faith. The prophet Hanani explicitly rebuked Asa for relying on the king of Syria rather than on the Lord God ([2 Chronicles 16:7](/2_chronicles/16-7 "2 Chronicles 16:7 - Hanani's Rebuke of Asa")). Hanani reminded Asa that God had previously delivered him from a much larger Ethiopian army precisely because he had relied on the Lord ([2 Chronicles 14:9-12](/2_chronicles/14-9 "2 Chronicles 14:9-12 - Asa's Victory Over Zerah")). Therefore, while the alliance achieved its immediate military objective, it demonstrated a profound lack of complete trust in God's ability and willingness to deliver, and it incurred divine displeasure, leading to future wars for Asa ([2 Chronicles 16:9](/2_chronicles/16-9 "2 Chronicles 16:9 - God's Eyes Search the Earth")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of King Asa's reliance on a pagan king, Ben-hadad, rather than on the Lord, finds its ultimate contrast and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Asa, a flawed earthly king, sought security and deliverance through human alliances and material bribes, a strategy that yielded temporary success but ultimately revealed a deficit of faith and incurred divine rebuke. In stark contrast, Jesus, the perfect King, never relied on worldly power, political maneuvering, or military might to achieve His redemptive mission. His kingdom is explicitly declared to be "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), and His power is supremely manifested through humility, self-sacrifice, and perfect, unwavering obedience to the Father's will ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Where Asa sought external alliances to defeat an earthly foe, Christ conquered the ultimate enemies—sin, death, and the devil—not by forming alliances, but by offering Himself as the ultimate, atoning sacrifice on the cross, thereby disarming and triumphing over the spiritual powers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers are called to place their complete and unreserved trust in Him, the true and eternal source of security and deliverance, knowing with absolute confidence that if "God is for us, who can be against us?" ([Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us")). Unlike Asa's temporary and compromised peace, Christ offers an enduring peace that surpasses all human understanding, a peace secured not by human strength or cunning, but by divine grace and His finished work ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace 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

2 Kings 15:29

In the days of Pekah king of Israel came Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abelbethmaachah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali, and carried them captive to Assyria.

Judges 18:29

And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born unto Israel: howbeit the name of the city [was] Laish at the first.

Joshua 11:2

And to the kings that [were] on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west,

1 Kings 12:29

And he set the one in Bethel, and the other put he in Dan.

2 Samuel 20:14

¶ And he went through all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaachah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after him.

2 Samuel 20:15

And they came and besieged him in Abel of Bethmaachah, and they cast up a bank against the city, and it stood in the trench: and all the people that [were] with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

Joshua 12:3

And from the plain to the sea of Chinneroth on the east, and unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea on the east, the way to Bethjeshimoth; and from the south, under Ashdothpisgah: