Biblical Covenant: King Asa and Ben-Hadad

Reigns of Abijam and Asa

• Abijam began his reign in Judah during the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam of Israel, ruling for three years.
• His mother was Maacah, daughter of Abishalom; he followed his father’s sinful practices, lacking a true heart for God, unlike David.
• For David’s sake, God maintained a lineage in Jerusalem and established it, as David was faithful except in the matter of Uriah.
• Abijam had ongoing conflicts with Jeroboam throughout his reign.

Asa's Reign and Reforms

• Asa succeeded Abijam, reigning for 41 years in Jerusalem, starting in the twentieth year of Jeroboam.
• Asa was commended for doing right in the Lord’s eyes, mirroring the actions of his ancestor David.
• He eradicated male cult prostitution and removed idols made by his forefathers, demonstrating religious reform.
• Asa deposed his mother Maacah from being queen mother due to her idolatrous practices and destroyed her Asherah image.

Military Conflicts and Alliances

• Despite Asa’s faithfulness, he did not remove high places used for worship.
• His reign saw continuous warfare against Baasha, king of Israel.
• Baasha attacked Judah, building Ramah to restrict movement in and out of Judah, prompting Asa to seek help from Ben-hadad, king of Syria.
• Asa offered Ben-hadad silver and gold to ally against Baasha, leading to Syrian victories over Israelite cities, causing Baasha to abandon his siege.

Construction and Legacy

• Following Baasha's withdrawal, Asa repurposed the materials from Ramah to fortify Geba and Mizpah.
• His deeds, military exploits, and city constructions are recorded in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah.
• Asa experienced health issues in his old age but was buried with his ancestors in the city of David, succeeded by his son Jehoshaphat.

Nadab and Baasha's Rise

• Nadab, son of Jeroboam, began to reign over Israel in Asa's second year but ruled for only two years, continuing his father's evil ways.
• Nadab was overthrown and killed by Baasha, who conspired against him.
• Baasha eliminated the entire house of Jeroboam, fulfilling God’s promise through the prophet Ahijah regarding the destruction of Jeroboam's lineage due to their idolatry.
• The ongoing conflict between Asa and Baasha persisted throughout their respective reigns.

This quiz explores the biblical narrative involving King Asa of Judah and Ben-Hadad of Syria. It delves into their covenant and the significant impact it had on their relations and the conflicts with Israel. Test your knowledge on this historical account and its implications in the biblical context.