Here, King Asa offers a bribe to the Syrian king, explicitly asking him to "break your covenant" with Israel. This reveals a stark, pragmatic approach to international relations where oaths and alliances were readily discarded for political gain, a chilling reminder that power often trumps principle. It’s a powerful illustration of how easily human agreements can become tools of manipulation when not grounded in something higher.
“Let there be a covenant between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. Behold, I am sending to you a present of silver and gold. Go, break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel, that he may withdraw from me.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
King Asa of Judah is facing a direct military threat from Baasha, the king of Israel. Desperate to break Baasha's siege, Asa makes a treacherous alliance with Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria, offering him silver and gold from the temple treasury to attack Israel. This verse captures Asa's plea and bribe to Ben-Hadad, effectively asking him to betray his existing agreements and attack Baasha's forces.
In the ancient world, covenants were more than just agreements. They were sacred bonds, often sealed with rituals and profound implications. What does it mean to break one?
King Asa of Judah is making a bold move here. He's not just sending a gift; he's offering a bribe to Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram (Syria). The goal? To break an existing alliance Baasha, the king of Israel, had with Aram.
The Weight of a Covenant
Asa's decision to break a covenant with Baasha might seem like a smart political move, but where does this path ultimately lead?
This verse marks a critical turning point for King Asa, and not for the better. His reliance on foreign aid and political maneuvering reveals a wavering faith.
Shifting Trust
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Understand the original words
berith · Hebrew Noun
A formal, solemn agreement between two parties, involving mutual obligations and often sealed with an oath or sacrifice. In Scripture, covenants characterize God's relationship with His people, but can also describe political or military alliances between nations.
shochad · Hebrew Noun
A gift given to establish favor, loyalty, or an alliance. In this context, it functions as a bribe to secure political and military support, contrasting with reliance on God's protection.
This verse reveals the desperate, shifting political landscape of ancient Israel and Judah, where shifting alliances and bribery were common tools for survival and expansion.
931 BC
Division of the Kingdom
Following Solomon's death, the united Kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). This division marks the beginning of constant tension and conflict.
c. 909 BC
Reign of Asa Begins in Judah
Asa becomes king of Judah. He is known for his religious reforms and his efforts to maintain Judah's independence, often through diplomatic means and warfare.
c. 900 BC
Reign of Baasha in Israel
Baasha becomes king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, overthrowing Nadab. He engages in conflict with Judah, particularly during Asa's reign.
c. 885 BC— this verse
Asa Hires Ben-Hadad I
King Asa of Judah, facing pressure from Baasha, breaks his own prior alliance with Israel. He sends tribute of silver and gold to Ben-Hadad I, king of Aram-Damascus, to secure an alliance against Israel.
c. 880 BC
Reign of Omri in Israel
Omri, a military commander, eventually claims the throne of Israel after a period of instability and civil war, succeeding Baasha. His reign brings a degree of stability and international recognition to the Northern Kingdom.
This passage highlights a similar strategy of making political alliances and breaking existing ones, demonstrating how leaders have historically used treaties and betrayal for political gain.
Joshua 9:3-15The Gibeonites' deception of Joshua to form a treaty illustrates the ancient practice of strategic alliances, even when formed under false pretenses, which could then be leveraged or broken.
Proverbs 17:11This proverb speaks to the nature of rebellion and the consequences of seeking to overthrow established powers, which indirectly relates to the broken covenant and shifting alliances in 1 Kings 15:19.
Psalm 55:12-14This psalm laments the pain of betrayal by a close companion, reflecting the deep personal and political sting that comes when covenants, like the one broken in 1 Kings 15:19, are violated.
Here, King Asa offers a bribe to the Syrian king, explicitly asking him to "break your covenant" with Israel. This reveals a stark, pragmatic approach to international relations where oaths and alliances were readily discarded for political gain, a chilling reminder that power often trumps principle. It’s a powerful illustration of how easily human agreements can become tools of manipulation when not grounded in something higher.
King Asa of Judah is facing a direct military threat from Baasha, the king of Israel. Desperate to break Baasha's siege, Asa makes a treacherous alliance with Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria, offering him silver and gold from the temple treasury to attack Israel. This verse captures Asa's plea and bribe to Ben-Hadad, effectively asking him to betray his existing agreements and attack Baasha's forces.
King Asa of Judah is facing a direct military threat from Baasha, the king of Israel. Desperate to break Baasha's siege, Asa makes a treacherous alliance with Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria, offering him silver and gold from the temple treasury to attack Israel. This verse captures Asa's plea and bribe to Ben-Hadad, effectively asking him to betray his existing agreements and attack Baasha's forces.
"“Let there be a covenant between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. Behold, I am sending to you a present of silver and gold. Go, break your covenant with Baasha king of Israel, that he may withdraw from me.”" — Here, King Asa offers a bribe to the Syrian king, explicitly asking him to "break your covenant" with Israel. This reveals a stark, pragmatic approach to international relations where oaths and allia…
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Last reviewed October 2026
