Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, played a significant role in the history of Israel and the surrounding nations through his prophetic ministry. One of the notable prophecies delivered by Elisha was the elevation of Hazael to the throne of Aram (Syria). This event is recorded in the Second Book of Kings and highlights the divine orchestration of political affairs in the ancient Near East.

Context and Background

The prophecy concerning Hazael is set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram. During the reign of King Ben-hadad II of Aram, the nation was a formidable adversary to Israel. Elisha, known for his miraculous deeds and profound spiritual insight, was deeply involved in the affairs of both Israel and its neighbors.

The Prophetic Encounter

The account of Elisha's prophecy regarding Hazael is found in 2 Kings 8:7-15. The narrative begins with Elisha traveling to Damascus, where Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, was ill. Upon hearing of Elisha's presence, the king sent Hazael, one of his officials, to inquire of the prophet whether he would recover from his illness.

Hazael approached Elisha with gifts and relayed the king's question. Elisha's response was both cryptic and revealing. He instructed Hazael to tell the king, "You will surely recover," but then added, "However, the LORD has shown me that he will surely die" (2 Kings 8:10). This dual message indicated that while the illness itself was not fatal, other circumstances would lead to the king's demise.

Elisha's Revelation to Hazael

Elisha's interaction with Hazael took a dramatic turn as the prophet gazed intently at him, eventually weeping. When Hazael inquired about the reason for his tears, Elisha revealed the future atrocities Hazael would commit against Israel, saying, "I know the harm you will do to the Israelites. You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women" (2 Kings 8:12).

Hazael, taken aback by the prophecy, questioned how he, a mere servant, could accomplish such deeds. Elisha's response was direct: "The LORD has shown me that you will become king over Aram" (2 Kings 8:13). This revelation indicated that Hazael's rise to power was divinely ordained, despite the violent future it entailed.

Fulfillment of the Prophecy

Following his encounter with Elisha, Hazael returned to Ben-hadad and delivered the prophet's message of recovery. However, the next day, Hazael took matters into his own hands, suffocating the king and seizing the throne for himself (2 Kings 8:15). This act of regicide fulfilled Elisha's prophecy and marked the beginning of Hazael's reign over Aram.

Hazael's rule was characterized by military aggression and expansion, as foretold by Elisha. His campaigns against Israel and other neighboring territories were marked by brutality, fulfilling the grim vision that Elisha had shared with him.

Theological Implications

Elisha's prophecy concerning Hazael underscores the sovereignty of God over the nations and their leaders. Despite the moral complexities and human agency involved, the narrative reveals that divine purposes are accomplished through the rise and fall of kings. Elisha's role as a prophet was to convey God's will, even when it involved foretelling difficult and violent events.

This account also serves as a reminder of the accountability of leaders and the consequences of their actions. Hazael's ascent to power, while divinely revealed, was accompanied by a warning of the destruction he would bring, highlighting the moral responsibility that accompanies authority.2 Kings 8:11-15
And he settled his countenance steadfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.
Nave's Topical Index

Elijah's Weakness, and Its Cube
... can keep itself at the sublime elevation reached by ... It was exemplified in the gentle
Elisha, the successor of ... one of the deepest and clearest prophecies of the ...
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