Loading the publication-approved passages and connections for this study.
Elisha, Hazael, and a Coming Reign of Violence
Elisha foresees Hazael’s kingship and Israel’s suffering; Hazael murders Ben-hadad and takes the throne. This chapter turns from personal restoration to international and dynastic transition. Hazael’s rise fulfills an older prophetic commission, while Judah’s kings increasingly absorb the influence of Ahab’s house; against that failure, the narrator explicitly appeals to God’s promise to David.
Elijah’s Horeb commission includes Hazael as future king over Syria; Elisha later encounters Hazael and foretells the violence of his coming reign. The long-range development shows continuity between Elijah’s commission and Elisha’s ministry even though the fulfillment unfolds indirectly.
Additional KJV-centered Bible study is available for this passage, including explanations behind its Scripture connections. The full study is available with Plus.