And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

2 CHRONICLES 16:4KJV
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2 Chronicles 16:4 (KJV)

What does 2 Chronicles 16:4 mean?

2 Chronicles 16:4 describes how Benhadad, the king of Aram (Syria), agreed to help King Asa of Judah by attacking several cities in Israel. Benhadad sent his army commanders to strike the towns of Ijon, Dan, Abelmaim, and the store cities in the territory of Naphtali, weakening Israel’s defenses.

In this situation, King Asa of Judah was facing pressure from King Baasha of Israel, so Asa made an alliance with Benhadad by sending him treasures. Benhadad responded by launching attacks on Israel’s northern cities, forcing Baasha to stop his own aggression against Judah. The verse highlights a moment of political maneuvering and military action between neighboring kingdoms.

The Hebrew behind 2 Chronicles 16:4

  • "Hearkened" (שָׁמַע, shama‘): This word means to listen or obey. Here, it shows that Benhadad not only listened to Asa’s request but acted on it.
  • "Sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach): This verb means to send out or dispatch. The verse uses it to describe Benhadad’s decisive action in sending his military leaders.
  • "Captains" (שַׂר, sar): This word refers to commanders or chiefs, indicating that Benhadad sent high-ranking officers, not just ordinary soldiers.
  • "Store cities" (מִּכְלוֹן, miklon): These were towns used for storing supplies and provisions, showing that the attack targeted both strategic and resource-rich locations.

Why 2 Chronicles 16:4 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Asa’s alliance with Benhadad led to immediate and significant military consequences for Israel, not just a diplomatic agreement.
  • By naming specific cities and "store cities," the verse emphasizes the strategic and economic impact of the attacks on Israel’s territory.
  • This event sets up the turning point in the chapter, showing how Asa’s reliance on a foreign king changed the balance of power and influenced the ongoing conflict between Judah and Israel.

Where else these words appear

“Ijon” Hebrew H5859 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Kings 15:20 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.
  • 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.

“store” Hebrew H4543 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 1:11 Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.
  • 2 Chronicles 8:4 And he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the store cities, which he built in Hamath.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:12 And Jehoshaphat waxed great exceedingly; and he built in Judah castles, and cities of store.

“Benhadad” Hebrew H1130 · used in 24 verses

  • 1 Kings 15:18 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,
  • 1 Kings 20:16 And they went out at noon. But Benhadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that helped him.
  • 2 Kings 8:7 And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

“Naphtali” Hebrew H5321 · used in 47 verses

  • Genesis 30:8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.
  • Deuteronomy 27:13 And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.