Topical Encyclopedia Elisha, the prophet and successor of Elijah, played a significant role in the history of Israel and its interactions with neighboring nations, including Syria. One of the notable episodes in Elisha's ministry involves his prophecy concerning the death of Ben-Hadad, the king of Syria. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 8:7-15.Context and Background Ben-Hadad II, the king of Syria, was a formidable adversary of Israel, often engaging in military conflicts with the northern kingdom. During his reign, Syria was a dominant power in the region, frequently clashing with Israel over territorial and political disputes. Elisha, as a prophet of the LORD, was deeply involved in the affairs of Israel and its neighbors, providing divine guidance and insight. The Prophecy The narrative begins with Elisha traveling to Damascus, the capital of Syria, while Ben-Hadad was ill. The king, aware of Elisha's presence and reputation as a man of God, sent Hazael, one of his officials, to inquire of the prophet whether he would recover from his illness. Hazael took with him a lavish gift, as was customary when seeking a prophet's counsel. In 2 Kings 8:10, Elisha responds to Hazael, saying, "Go and say to him, 'You will surely recover.' But the LORD has shown me that he will surely die." This statement is a profound example of prophetic insight, as Elisha reveals both the immediate and ultimate outcomes. While the illness itself would not be fatal, Ben-Hadad's death was divinely ordained. Elisha's Weeping and Revelation Following this prophecy, Elisha gazes intently at Hazael, and then begins to weep. When Hazael inquires about the reason for his tears, Elisha reveals the future atrocities that Hazael would commit against the Israelites, saying, "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). This revelation underscores the depth of Elisha's prophetic vision, as he foresees the suffering that Hazael would inflict upon Israel. The Fulfillment Hazael returns to Ben-Hadad and delivers the message that he would recover. However, the following day, Hazael takes matters into his own hands, suffocating the king with a wet cloth and seizing the throne for himself. This act of treachery fulfills Elisha's prophecy concerning Ben-Hadad's death and marks the beginning of Hazael's reign over Syria. Significance Elisha's prophecy regarding Ben-Hadad's death highlights several key themes in the biblical narrative. It demonstrates the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and the accuracy of prophetic revelation. Furthermore, it illustrates the complex interplay between divine will and human agency, as Hazael's actions, though foreseen by God, are carried out through his own volition. This episode also serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual challenges faced by the people of God, as they navigated relationships with surrounding nations. Elisha's role as a prophet was not only to foretell events but also to call attention to the spiritual realities underlying political and military developments. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 8:7-10And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come here. Nave's Topical Index Library Book 9 Footnotes The Sin of Unbelief Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources Who was Gehazi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Naaman in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Elisha: Bones of, Restore a Dead Man to Life Elisha: Causes the King to Restore the Property of the Hospitable Shunammite Woman Elisha: Elijah Instructed to Anoint Elisha: Instructs That Jehu be Anointed As King of Israel Elisha: Life of, Sought by Jehoram Elisha: Miracles of Brings Blindness Upon the Army of Syria Elisha: Miracles of Divides the Jordan Elisha: Miracles of Heals Naaman the Leper Elisha: Miracles of Increases the Bread to Feed One-Hundred Men Elisha: Miracles of Increases the Oil of the Woman Whose Sons Were to be Sold for Her Debt Elisha: Miracles of Neutralizes the Poison of the Stew Elisha: Miracles of Opens the Eyes of his Servant to See the Hosts of the Lord Elisha: Miracles of Purifies the Waters of Jericho by Casting Salt Into the Fountain Elisha: Miracles of Raises the Son of the Shunammite Woman from the Dead Elisha: Miracles of Recovers the Ax That had Fallen Into a Stream by Causing It to Float Elisha: Miracles of Reveals the Counsel of the King of Syria Elisha: Miracles of Sends Naaman's Leprosy Upon Gehazi As a Judgment Elisha: Mocked by the Young Men of Beth-El Elisha: Prophecies of Bounty to the Starving People in Samaria Elisha: Prophecies of Elevation of Hazael to the Throne Elisha: Prophecies of Seven Years of Famine in the Land of Canaan Elisha: Prophecies of The Birth of a Son to the Shunammite Woman Elisha: Prophecies of The Death of Ben-Hadad, King of Syria Elisha: Prophecies of The Death of the Unbelieving Prince Elisha: Prophecies of The Victory of Jehoash Over Syria Elisha: Witnesses Elijah's Transporting, Receives a Double Portion of his Spirit Select Readings: Elisha and the Widow's Oil Related Terms |
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