2 Chronicles 16:3 Meaning and Explanation
“There is a league between me and thee, as there was between my father and thy father: behold, I have sent thee silver and gold; go, break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he may depart from me.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Asa appeals to past diplomatic ties and offers gold to break Syria's alliance with Israel and attack it instead.
The Context of 2 Chronicles 16:3
Asa negotiates with Syria to break its alliance with Israel and attack the northern kingdom instead.
What Does 2 Chronicles 16:3 Mean?
Asa frames his request as restoring an old covenant between dynasties, suggesting that Ben-hadad's father and Asa's father (Abijah) had been allies. This appeal to tradition aims to make the bargain seem honorable rather than mercenary. The silver and gold sweeten the deal, making defection profitable for Syria.
Asa's strategy is sound by human calculation: turn Syria against Israel, force Baasha to defend his own kingdom rather than maintain the blockade. Yet the message is troubling: a king once known for radical faith in God now solves his problems by paying tribute to foreign powers and manipulating their rivalries.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Chronicles 16:3
What does 2 Chronicles 16:3 mean?
Asa appeals to past diplomatic ties and offers gold to break Syria's alliance with Israel and attack it instead.
What is the context of 2 Chronicles 16:3?
Asa negotiates with Syria to break its alliance with Israel and attack the northern kingdom instead.