Topical Encyclopedia Hazael, a significant figure in the biblical narrative, emerges as a pivotal character in the history of the Aramean kingdom of Damascus. His account is intricately woven into the prophetic and political landscape of the ancient Near East, as recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures.Biblical Background Hazael first appears in the biblical account during the reign of Ben-Hadad II, king of Aram (Syria), in the context of the prophetic ministry of Elijah and Elisha. The narrative of Hazael's rise to power is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Anointing by Elijah The anointing of Hazael is a direct fulfillment of a divine command given to the prophet Elijah. In 1 Kings 19:15-16 , the LORD instructs Elijah: "Go back the way you came and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram." This command is part of a broader divine directive that includes the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel and the appointment of Elisha as Elijah's prophetic successor. Although the text does not explicitly describe Elijah's anointing of Hazael, the fulfillment of this command is implied in the subsequent narrative involving Elisha, Elijah's successor. In 2 Kings 8:7-15, Elisha travels to Damascus, where he encounters Hazael, who is serving as a high-ranking official under King Ben-Hadad II. Elisha's Prophecy and Hazael's Ascension During Elisha's visit to Damascus, Ben-Hadad is ill and sends Hazael to inquire of the prophet whether he will recover. Elisha delivers a cryptic message, stating, "Go and say to him, 'You will surely recover.' But the LORD has shown me that he will surely die" (2 Kings 8:10). Elisha then weeps, foreseeing the devastation Hazael will bring upon Israel. When Hazael inquires about the prophet's tears, Elisha reveals the atrocities Hazael will commit, including setting fire to Israel's fortresses and slaughtering its young men (2 Kings 8:12). Hazael returns to Ben-Hadad and reports the favorable part of Elisha's message. However, the following day, Hazael takes matters into his own hands, suffocating the king and seizing the throne for himself (2 Kings 8:15). This act marks the beginning of Hazael's reign as king of Aram, fulfilling the divine word spoken to Elijah. Hazael's Reign and Impact Hazael's reign is characterized by military aggression and expansion. He becomes a formidable adversary to Israel, as prophesied by Elisha. Under his leadership, Aram exerts significant pressure on the northern kingdom of Israel, capturing territories and inflicting heavy losses. In 2 Kings 10:32-33 , it is recorded that "in those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory." Hazael's military campaigns extend beyond Israel, as he also engages in conflicts with the southern kingdom of Judah. In 2 Kings 12:17-18 , Hazael attacks Gath and sets his sights on Jerusalem, prompting King Jehoash of Judah to offer tribute to avert an assault on the city. Legacy Hazael's legacy is one of both fulfillment of divine prophecy and the execution of judgment upon Israel. His rise to power and subsequent actions serve as a testament to the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations, as well as a reminder of the consequences of Israel's disobedience. Hazael's reign, marked by his ambition and ruthlessness, leaves an indelible mark on the history of the region, as recorded in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 19:15And the LORD said to him, Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when you come, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: Nave's Topical Index Library The Story of Hazael The End of Ahab's Selfish Family Book 9 Footnotes Elisha's Closing Ministry The Antiquities of the Jews The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Resources Who was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy was Elijah afraid of Jezebel? | GotQuestions.org What are some exciting discoveries in biblical archaeology? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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