Topical Encyclopedia Hazael, a significant figure in the history of the ancient Near East, was a king of Aram-Damascus who reigned during the 9th century BC. His rise to power and subsequent military campaigns are documented in the biblical narrative, particularly in the books of Kings and Chronicles. Hazael's conquests are notable for their impact on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, as well as their broader influence on the geopolitical landscape of the region.Rise to Power Hazael's ascent to the throne of Aram-Damascus is marked by divine prophecy and political intrigue. The prophet Elisha, acting on a divine mandate, anointed Hazael as king, foretelling his future reign and the devastation he would bring upon Israel (2 Kings 8:12-13). Hazael's rise involved the assassination of his predecessor, Ben-Hadad II, which he accomplished by suffocating him with a wet cloth (2 Kings 8:15). Military Campaigns Against Israel Hazael's military campaigns were characterized by aggressive expansion and significant victories over Israel. He engaged in numerous battles against the northern kingdom, capturing key territories and inflicting heavy losses. The biblical account in 2 Kings 10:32-33 states, "In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory from the Jordan eastward—all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, the Reubenites, and the Manassites—from Aroer by the Arnon Gorge through Gilead to Bashan." Hazael's conquests extended to the siege of Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom, during the reign of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu. The Aramean king's relentless pressure on Israel is further described in 2 Kings 13:3 : "So the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of Hazael king of Aram and his son Ben-Hadad for many years." Impact on Judah Hazael's influence was not limited to Israel; he also posed a significant threat to the southern kingdom of Judah. During the reign of King Jehoash (Joash) of Judah, Hazael advanced against Jerusalem. To avert the destruction of the city, Jehoash resorted to paying a substantial tribute, stripping the temple of its treasures to satisfy Hazael's demands (2 Kings 12:17-18). Legacy and Historical Context Hazael's conquests left a lasting mark on the history of the region. His military prowess and strategic acumen enabled him to expand Aramean influence significantly. The biblical narrative portrays Hazael as an instrument of divine judgment against Israel, fulfilling the prophetic words spoken by Elisha. His reign is corroborated by extrabiblical sources, including the Tel Dan Stele, which provides archaeological evidence of his victories and territorial expansions. Hazael's legacy is one of both fear and respect, as he emerged as a formidable adversary to the Israelite and Judean kingdoms. His actions, as recorded in the biblical text, underscore the complex interplay of divine sovereignty and human agency in the unfolding history of God's people. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 8:28,29And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 9:14 2 Kings 10:32,33 2 Kings 12:17,18 2 Kings 13:3,22 2 Chronicles 22:5,6 Library History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 Book 9 Footnotes The Nations of the North-East Kings Babylonia and Assyria The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What is the significance of Mount Horeb in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Ben-Hadad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was King Jehu in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |