War between Asa and Baasha

(2 Chronicles 16:1–6)

16 Now there was war between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their days. 17 Baasha king of Israel went to war against Judah and fortified Ramah to prevent [anyone] from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.

18 So Asa withdrew all the silver and gold that remained in the treasuries of the house of the LORD and the royal palace. He entrusted it to his servants and sent them with this message to Ben-hadad son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus: 19 “[Let there be] a treaty[fn] between me and you [as there was] between my father and your father. See, I have sent you a gift of silver and gold. Now go and break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel, so that he will withdraw from me.”

20 And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the commanders of his armies against the cities of Israel, conquering Ijon, Dan, Abel-beth-maacah, and the whole land of Naphtali, including the region of Chinnereth.

21 When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah. 22 Then King Asa summoned all [the men] of Judah,[fn] with no exceptions, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and the timbers Baasha had used for building. And with [these materials] King Asa built up Geba of Benjamin, as well as Mizpah.