¹⁶ There was war^(A) between Asa and Baasha king of Israel throughout their reigns. ¹⁷ Baasha king of Israel went up against Judah and fortified Ramah^(B) to prevent anyone from leaving or entering the territory of Asa king of Judah.

¹⁸ Asa then took all the silver and gold that was left in the treasuries of the Lord’s temple^(C) and of his own palace. He entrusted it to his officials and sent^(D) them to Ben-Hadad^(E) son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, the king of Aram, who was ruling in Damascus. ¹⁹ “Let there be a treaty^(F) between me and you,” he said, “as there was between my father and your father. See, I am sending you a gift of silver and gold. Now break your treaty with Baasha king of Israel so he will withdraw from me.”

²⁰ Ben-Hadad agreed with King Asa and sent the commanders of his forces against the towns of Israel. He conquered^(G) Ijon, Dan, Abel Beth Maakah and all Kinnereth in addition to Naphtali. ²¹ When Baasha heard this, he stopped building Ramah^(H) and withdrew to Tirzah.^{(I) 22} Then King Asa issued an order to all Judah—no one was exempt—and they carried away from Ramah^(J) the stones and timber Baasha had been using there. With them King Asa^(K) built up Geba^(L) in Benjamin, and also Mizpah.^(M)