### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Ben-Hădad** `{{H1130}}`, meaning "son of Hadad," appears 25 times in 24 verses. It is used as a title for several Syrian kings who figure prominently in Israel's history. The name itself is derived from the words for **son** `{{H1121}}` and the name of a deity, Hadad, indicating a royal lineage tied to a specific cultural and religious identity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Benhadad** consistently appears as the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Syria** `{{H758}}` and a significant military adversary to the kingdom of Israel. Multiple individuals carry this name, highlighting a dynasty or recurring royal title. One **Benhadad** is identified as the son of Tabrimon, who made a pact with King **Asa** `{{H609}}` of Judah [[1 Kings 15:18]]. Another famously **besieged** `{{H6696}}` **Samaria** `{{H8111}}` with a coalition of thirty-two kings [[1 Kings 20:1]] and confronted King **Ahab** `{{H256}}`. Later, a king named **Benhadad** fell **sick** `{{H2470}}` and was succeeded by **Hazael** `{{H2371}}` ([[2 Kings 8:7]], [[2 Kings 8:15]]), whose own **son** `{{H1121}}`, also named **Benhadad**, would later rule and contend with Israel ([[2 Kings 13:3]], [[2 Kings 13:24]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are crucial for understanding the context surrounding **Benhadad**:
* `{{H1121}}` **bên** (son): This word forms the first part of the name **Benhadad** and is used to establish his lineage, such as identifying him as the **son** of **Tabrimon** `{{H2886}}` [[1 Kings 15:18]] or the **son** of **Hazael** `{{H2371}}` [[2 Kings 13:3]].
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): This title is almost always attached to **Benhadad**, defining his role as the ruler of **Syria** `{{H758}}` and the commander of its armies [[1 Kings 20:1]].
* `{{H758}}` **ʼĂrâm** (Syria): This designates the nation and people ruled by **Benhadad**, positioning him as a foreign power in frequent conflict with **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[1 Kings 20:20]].
* `{{H6696}}` **tsûwr** (besiege): This word describes **Benhadad's** primary military tactic against Israel, as he laid siege to its capital, **Samaria** `{{H8111}}`, on multiple occasions ([[1 Kings 20:1]], [[2 Kings 6:24]]).
### Theological Significance
The narrative significance of **Benhadad** is multi-faceted, illustrating key dynamics between God, Israel, and foreign powers.
* **Adversary of Israel:** **Benhadad** is a persistent antagonist who **warred** `{{H3898}}` against Israel, sending his **captains** `{{H8269}}` to **smite** `{{H5221}}` its cities ([[1 Kings 15:20]], [[2 Chronicles 16:4]]) and leading vast armies against it [[1 Kings 20:26]].
* **Instrument of Divine Discipline:** In a period of Israel's unfaithfulness, the **anger** `{{H639}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` was **kindled** `{{H2734}}`, and He **delivered** `{{H5414}}` Israel into the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of **Hazael** king of Syria and his son **Benhadad** [[2 Kings 13:3]].
* **Subject to Prophetic Judgment:** Despite his power, **Benhadad** is subject to God's authority. The prophets Jeremiah and Amos foretold that God would **send** `{{H7971}}` a **fire** `{{H784}}` to **devour** `{{H398}}` the **palaces** `{{H759}}` of **Benhadad** ([[Jeremiah 49:27]], [[Amos 1:4]]).
* **Recipient of Political Alliance:** The name also appears in the context of diplomacy, as King **Asa** `{{H609}}` sent **silver** `{{H3701}}` and **gold** `{{H2091}}` from the **treasures** `{{H214}}` of the LORD's **house** `{{H1004}}` to secure an alliance with **Benhadad** against Israel [[1 Kings 15:18]].
### Summary
In summary, **Ben-Hădad** `{{H1130}}` represents a line of powerful Syrian kings who served as a recurring military and political challenge to Israel. The name is synonymous with foreign opposition, yet the biblical accounts place these kings firmly within the scope of God's sovereignty. They are depicted not only as aggressors but also as instruments of divine anger and subjects of prophetic judgment, demonstrating that even the mightiest earthly rulers operate under the authority of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
TRV