Ben-hadad I is mentioned for the first time in 1 Kings 15:18-20. During the reign of King Asa of Judah, Ben-hadad I, the king of Aram, attacked several cities in northern Israel, including Abel-beth-maacah and Ijon. Asa of Judah made a treaty with Ben-hadad to seek his help against Israel, resulting in the removal of Aramean forces from Israel.
Ben-hadad I, desiring to expand his territory, assembled an army along with thirty-two allied kings. He sent a message to King Ahab of Israel, making audacious demands. He claimed ownership of Ahab’s gold, silver, wives, and even the most valuable of his children. Surprisingly, Ahab acquiesced without hesitation, which emboldened Ben-hadad to escalate his demands further. He dispatched messengers with a subsequent message, stating that not only were Ahab’s possessions forfeit, but also that his officials would be sent to the palace and the homes of Ahab’s trusted advisers to seize anything of value.
King Ahab, feeling offended by Ben-hadad’s insatiable demands, summons the elders of Israel and shares the situation with them. He informs them that despite agreeing to Ben-hadad’s initial demands, the Aramean king continues to seek more. The elders counsel Ahab not to yield any further to Ben-hadad’s requests. Taking their advice, Ahab sends another message to Ben-hadad, stating his willingness to comply with the initial set of demands but refusing to concede to the latter ones.
