Definition: And Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Chronicles 16:4. It’s a really important part of understanding a pivotal event in Israel's history. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: King Asa is struggling: The verse tells us that King Asa, the king of Israel, was facing a serious problem – he was losing power and control over his kingdom. Benhadar arrives: A powerful leader named Benhadar (pronounced “ban-ha-dar”) comes into the picture. He’s a foreign ruler who is hostile to Israel. Military Force: Benhadar sent his army to attack several important cities in Israel – Ijon, Dan, Abelmaim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. Think of them as major towns and settlements. What happened next? The soldiers from Benhadar’s army attacked these cities and completely destroyed them. It was a devastating military campaign. In simpler words: King Asa allowed a foreign leader to invade Israel, and his army brutally attacked several key cities, causing significant destruction. Important Context - Why is this important? This event happened during a time of great instability and turmoil in Israel. King Asa was trying to maintain power but was struggling against external threats. This verse highlights the dangers of allowing foreign powers to interfere with a kingdom's well-being. It also shows how quickly things can turn bad when a leader isn’t strong enough to defend his territory. Key takeaway: Benhadar’s aggression led to the destruction of several important cities in Israel, demonstrating the consequences of not being able to protect your land. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse or would you like me to explain a specific part in more detail? For example, are you curious about: The significance of the name Benhadar? What does "Naphtali" mean in this context?