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Benbadad

People's Dictionary of the Bible

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Benbadad (bĕn'hâ'dad or bĕn'hâ-dad), son of Hadad. The name of three kings of Damascus. 1. Benhadad I. was either son or grandson of Rezon, and in his time Damascus was supreme in Syria. He made an alliance with Asa, and conquered a great part of the north of Israel. From 1 Kings 20:34 it would appear that he continued to make war upon Israel in Omri's time, and forced him to make "streets" in Samaria for Syrian residents. 2. Benhadad II., son of the preceding, and also king of Damascus. Long wars with Israel characterized his reign. Some time after the death of Ahab, Benhadad renewed the war with Israel, attacked Samaria a second time, and pressed the siege so closely that there was a Terrible famine in the city. But the Syrians broke up in the night in consequence of a sudden panic. Soon after Benhadad II. fell sick, and sent Hazael to consult Elisha as to the issue of his malady. On the day after Hazael's return Benhadad was murdered, probably by some of his own servants. 2 Kings 8:7-15. He must have reigned some 30 years. 3. Benhadad III., son of Hazael, and his successor on the throne of Syria. When he succeeded to the throne, Jehoash recovered the cities which Jehoahaz had lost to the Syrians, and beat him in Aphek. 2 Kings 13:17; 2 Kings 13:25. Jehoash gained two more victories, but did not restore the dominion of Israel on the east of Jordan. The approximate dates of these three persons are 950, 890 and 840 b.c.