Hazael, a significant figure in the Old Testament, ascended to the throne of Aram (modern-day Syria) during the 9th century BC. His rise to power is intricately linked with the prophetic ministry of Elisha and the geopolitical dynamics of the ancient Near East. The narrative of Hazael's ascension is primarily found in 2 Kings 8:7-15.

Background and Prophetic Encounter

Hazael was initially a high-ranking official serving under King Ben-Hadad II of Aram. His encounter with the prophet Elisha marked a pivotal moment in his life and the history of Aram. As recorded in 2 Kings 8:7-15, Elisha traveled to Damascus, where Ben-Hadad was ill. The king, upon hearing of Elisha's presence, sent Hazael with gifts to inquire of the prophet whether he would recover from his illness.

Elisha's response to Hazael was both cryptic and foreboding. He instructed Hazael to tell the king that he would recover, but then revealed to Hazael privately that the king would indeed die. Elisha wept, foreseeing the destruction Hazael would bring upon Israel. When Hazael inquired about the prophet's tears, Elisha replied, "Because 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).

Usurpation and Reign

Following the prophetic encounter, Hazael returned to Ben-Hadad and delivered the message of recovery. However, the very next day, Hazael took a wet cloth, suffocated the king, and seized the throne for himself (2 Kings 8:15). This act of regicide marked the beginning of Hazael's reign over Aram, which lasted for several decades.

Hazael proved to be a formidable and ambitious ruler. His reign was characterized by military campaigns and territorial expansion, often at the expense of Israel and Judah. The biblical narrative highlights his role as an instrument of divine judgment against Israel, fulfilling the words spoken by Elisha.

Military Campaigns and Impact on Israel

Hazael's military prowess is well-documented in the biblical text. He waged war against Israel and Judah, capturing significant territories and imposing his dominance over the region. 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 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" .

His campaigns extended beyond Israel, as he also engaged in conflicts with the Assyrian Empire. The Assyrian records, including the annals of Shalmaneser III, corroborate Hazael's military activities and his resistance against Assyrian advances.

Legacy and Historical Significance

Hazael's reign left a lasting impact on the history of the region. His aggressive expansionism and military successes solidified Aram's position as a dominant power in the Near East during his time. The biblical portrayal of Hazael underscores the theme of divine sovereignty, as his actions, though violent and destructive, were seen as fulfilling God's purposes in the unfolding history of Israel.

Hazael's legacy continued through his son, Ben-Hadad III, who succeeded him as king of Aram. The biblical narrative and extrabiblical sources together provide a comprehensive picture of Hazael's role as a key player in the complex political and military landscape of the ancient Near East.