Ben-hadad

Ben-hadad II, king of Aram, besieged Samaria during the reign of Joram and sought Elisha's counsel when ill.

Ben-hadad II was the king of Aram (Syria) during the time of the prophet Elisha and King Joram of Israel. In 2Ki 6:24, Ben-hadad II besieges Samaria, causing a severe famine in the city. The siege is lifted when the Lord causes the Aramean army to hear the sound of a great army, leading them to flee in fear and leave behind their provisions (2Ki 7:6-7). Later, in 2Ki 8:7-9, Ben-hadad II becomes ill and sends his servant Hazael to inquire of Elisha whether he will recover. Elisha prophesies that Ben-hadad will die and that Hazael will become king in his place. Hazael returns to Ben-hadad, telling him that he will recover, but the next day he takes a cloth, soaks it in water, and spreads it over Ben-hadad's face, causing his death. Hazael then succeeds him as king of Aram (2Ki 8:15). Ben-hadad II's reign was marked by his military campaigns against Israel and his interaction with the prophet Elisha, whose prophecies and miracles had a significant impact on the political events of the time.

Son of the preceding, also king of Syria. He was long engaged in war against Israel. He was murdered probably by Hazael, by whom he was succeeded (2 Kings 8:7-15), after a reign of some thirty years.