2 Chronicles 16:2 Meaning and Explanation
“Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of the LORD and of the king's house, and sent to Benhadad king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Asa sends tribute from the temple and royal treasuries to Ben-hadad of Syria, seeking military alliance.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 16:2
Asa responds to the blockade by seeking a Syrian military alliance through tribute payments.
What Does 2 Chronicles 16:2 Mean?
Asa's first instinct is not prayer but diplomacy. He raids both the temple treasury and the royal palace, combining sacred and secular resources to fund a bribe. This material security seems like a practical solution—purchasing the military aid of a powerful neighbor who has armies at his command.
The very fact that he strips the house of the LORD's treasures to pay for this alliance signals a prioritization: earthly security before divine reliance. The prophet will later point out that Asa had previously won battles of vastly greater odds by trusting God alone.
2 Chronicles 16:2 in the Original Language
Benhadad (בן-הדד) — 'son of Hadad,' a common royal name in Syria; Hadad was the storm god in Syrian religion.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 16:2
What does 2 Chronicles 16:2 mean?
Asa sends tribute from the temple and royal treasuries to Ben-hadad of Syria, seeking military alliance.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 16:2?
Asa responds to the blockade by seeking a Syrian military alliance through tribute payments.