Topical Bible: Rulers: Wicked: Hazael, Committing Pillage (Plundering)

◄ Rulers: Wicked: Hazael, Committing Pillage (Plundering) ►

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Hazael, a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, is often remembered for his role as a ruler who engaged in acts of wickedness, particularly through pillage and plundering. His story is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where he emerges as a significant adversary to the kingdoms of Israel and Judah.

Hazael's rise to power is marked by a dramatic encounter with the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 8:7-15, Hazael, initially a servant of the king of Aram, Ben-Hadad, visits Elisha to inquire about the king's illness. Elisha, foreseeing the future, weeps and reveals to Hazael that he will become king and will bring great harm to the Israelites: "Their strongholds you will set on fire, and their young men you will kill with the sword; you will dash their little ones to pieces and rip open their pregnant women" (2 Kings 8:12). This prophecy underscores the brutal and destructive nature of Hazael's future reign.

True to the prophecy, Hazael ascends to the throne by assassinating Ben-Hadad, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:15. His reign is characterized by aggressive military campaigns and acts of plunder against Israel. In 2 Kings 10:32-33, it is noted that "In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel. Hazael defeated the Israelites throughout their territory from the Jordan eastward." This passage highlights Hazael's role in diminishing the strength and territory of Israel through relentless warfare and plundering.

Hazael's actions are further detailed in 2 Kings 12:17-18, where he attacks Jerusalem during the reign of King Jehoash of Judah. To prevent the destruction of the city, Jehoash is forced to surrender the sacred treasures of the temple and the royal palace to Hazael. This act of plundering not only demonstrates Hazael's military prowess but also his disregard for the sanctity of religious and royal treasures.

The biblical account of Hazael serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of wicked leadership. His reign is marked by violence, greed, and a blatant disregard for human life and divine institutions. Hazael's story is a testament to the destructive potential of rulers who prioritize power and wealth over righteousness and justice.

In summary, Hazael's legacy as a wicked ruler is firmly established through his acts of pillage and plundering. His story, as recorded in the Bible, serves as a cautionary tale about the moral and spiritual decay that can accompany unchecked ambition and cruelty.

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2 Kings 8:12
And Hazael said, Why weeps my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel: their strong holds will you set on fire, and their young men will you slay with the sword, and will dash their children, and rip up their women with child.
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2 Kings 10:32
In those days the LORD began to cut Israel short: and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel;
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2 Kings 12:17
Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.
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2 Kings 13:3-7
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all their days.
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