In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha king of
Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that he might not allow
any to go out or come in to Asa king of Judah.

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 Ben-hadad king of
Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying, "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."

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[Illustration]
LOOKING UP THE VALLEY OF JEHOSHAPHAT, OR THE VALLEY
OF KIDRON, FROM THE SOUTH.

Jerusalem on the left, the foot of the Mount of Olives on the right.
The cultivated land immediately in front was perhaps the place of
"the king's gardens"

This valley, which separates the temple mount from the Mount of
Olives, was not known as the valley of Jehoshaphat in the Bible
(except in Joel 3:12, though probably another locality is there
intended), but it has always been so called in later days. Perhaps
it was given the name of the king because of the great victory he
won over the allied forces of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, in a
valley which is near the Kidron as it turns toward the Dead Sea.
[End illustration]

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And Ben-hadad hearkened unto King Asa, and sent the captains of his
armies against the cities of Israel; and they smote Ijon, and Dan, and
Abel-maim, and all the store cities of Naphtali. And it came to pass,
when Baasha heard thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and let
his work cease.

Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of
Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded; and he
built therewith Geba and Mizpah. And at that time Hanani the seer came
to Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, "Because thou hast relied on
the king of Syria, and hast not relied on the Lord thy God, therefore
is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. Were not
the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge host, with chariots and horsemen
exceeding many? yet, because thou didst rely on the Lord, he delivered
them into thine hand. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro
throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of
them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done
foolishly; for from henceforth thou shalt have wars."

Then Asa