◄ 2 Kings 8:13 ►
"But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?" said Hazael. And Elisha answered, "The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram." Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 8:13? 2. How does 2 Kings 8:13 reveal God's sovereignty over future events and leaders? 3. What does Hazael's response in 2 Kings 8:13 teach about human nature? 4. How can we guard against pride when God reveals His plans for our lives? 5. Compare Hazael's reaction to God's prophecy with other biblical figures' responses. 6. How should believers respond when God's plans seem beyond their current understanding? 7. Why does Hazael question his future actions in 2 Kings 8:13? 8. How does 2 Kings 8:13 reflect on human nature and potential for evil? 9. What does 2 Kings 8:13 reveal about God's foreknowledge and human free will? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 8? 11. Who was Hazael in the Bible? 12. In 2 Kings 8:7-15, why does Elisha first tell Hazael the king will recover but then predict his death--does this not seem contradictory? 13. (Amos 1:3) Are there historical records confirming any 'threshing' of Gilead by Damascus in the manner Amos describes? 14. 2 Kings 13:25 - Are there any external historical or archaeological sources that verify Jehoash's repeated conquests against Ben-Hadad, or does the Bible alone provide this narrative? Discussion Questions 1. How does Hazael's response to Elisha's prophecy reflect his character, and what can we learn about humility from this interaction? 2. In what ways does the account of Hazael's rise to power illustrate the theme of God's sovereignty over nations and leaders? 3. How can we apply the lesson of prophetic fulfillment in 2 Kings 8:13 to our understanding of God's promises in our lives today? 4. What are some modern-day examples of God using unexpected people or circumstances to accomplish His purposes, and how can we be open to being used by God in similar ways? 5. How does the account of Hazael challenge us to examine our own ambitions and align them with God's will, and what steps can we take to ensure our ambitions honor God? 2 Kings 8 Bible Study Questions 1. How does Elisha's prophecy and the Shunammite woman's faith intertwine in the beginning of this chapter? How can you apply such faith in your own life? 2. In the narrative, what are the implications of Gehazi speaking to the king about Elisha's miracles at the time the Shunammite woman needed help? 3. Hazael lies to Ben-Hadad about his impending death and then murders him. How does this act reflect on his character and his future rule? How does this relate to contemporary political and personal ambition? 4. How does the passage portray Jehoram's rule in Judah? How might his actions have long-term consequences for Judah? What can we learn about leadership from Jehoram? 5. Reflect on the revolt of Edom and the city of Libnah during Jehoram's reign. What does it indicate about his leadership and relationship with God? 6. Explore the familial ties between Ahaziah and Ahab's house. How did these ties influence Ahaziah's rule? 7. How can the rulers' actions in 2 Kings 8 guide contemporary leaders, both religious and secular? 8. How does God's faithfulness manifest in 2 Kings 8, even amidst the sin and treachery of the kings? 9. Discuss the role of prophetic guidance in the chapter and its relevance in today's Christian journey. 10. Reflect on Elisha's emotional response to Hazael's future atrocities. How does this humanize the prophet? 11. How do you understand God's justice and mercy as displayed in 2 Kings 8? 12. How does the restoration of the Shunammite woman's land demonstrate God's care for the righteous? 13. How should Christians today respond to the kind of deception practiced by Hazael? 14. How do you interpret the phrase, "yet the LORD was not willing to destroy Judah" in terms of God's covenant and promises? 15. How can you apply the lessons learned from the actions and consequences faced by Jehoram and Ahaziah in your life? 16. In what ways can Christians today work to avoid the poor decisions made by the rulers in 2 Kings 8? 17. How does this chapter underscore the importance of faithfulness to God's laws? 18. How can understanding the outcomes in 2 Kings 8 help us discern God's active role in world events today? 19. Hazael's rise to power was predicted, yet it was through violent means. How does this prophecy fit into your understanding of God's plan and free will? 20. What personal characteristics should a leader have, based on the examples in 2 Kings 8, and how can you cultivate these characteristics in your own life? Links 2 Kings 8:13 NIV 2 Kings 8:13 NLT 2 Kings 8:13 ESV 2 Kings 8:13 NASB 2 Kings 8:13 KJV 2 Kings 8:13 Commentaries Bible Hub