◄ 2 Kings 8:8 ►
So the king said to Hazael, "Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, 'Will I recover from this illness?'" Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Kings 8:8? 2. How does 2 Kings 8:8 demonstrate reliance on God's prophetic guidance? 3. What role does Elisha play in revealing God's will in 2 Kings 8:8? 4. How can we seek God's direction in our lives, like in 2 Kings 8:8? 5. What scriptural connections exist between 2 Kings 8:8 and seeking God's wisdom today? 6. How does 2 Kings 8:8 encourage us to trust God's appointed messengers? 7. Why did the king of Aram send Hazael to Elisha in 2 Kings 8:8? 8. How does 2 Kings 8:8 reflect God's sovereignty over nations and leaders? 9. What is the significance of Elisha's role as a prophet in 2 Kings 8:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Kings 8? 11. In 2 Kings 8:7-15, is there any archaeological or extrabiblical source confirming Hazael's rise to power exactly as described? 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. Why does Solomon's prayer in 1 Kings 8:33-34 promise national restoration to Israel if they repent, when other biblical passages suggest God's judgment can remain despite repentance? 14. Who was King Zechariah in the Bible? Discussion Questions 1. What does King Ben-Hadad's decision to consult Elisha reveal about his understanding of God's power and influence? 2. How does the role of Hazael in this passage foreshadow his future as king, and what does this teach us about God's plans? 3. In what ways can we seek God's guidance today, and how does this compare to the way King Ben-Hadad sought guidance? 4. How does the account of Naaman in 2 Kings 5 relate to this passage, and what lessons can we learn about faith and healing? 5. Reflect on a time when you sought God's guidance in a difficult situation. How did you discern His will, and what was the outcome? 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 8:8 NIV 2 Kings 8:8 NLT 2 Kings 8:8 ESV 2 Kings 8:8 NASB 2 Kings 8:8 KJV 2 Kings 8:8 Commentaries Bible Hub