Useful Bible Studies > 2 Kings Commentary > chapter 8
Elisha had told Hazael, a cruel and wicked man, that he would be king of Aram. In that way, Elisha carried out the command that God had given to Elijah (1 Kings 19:15-17). God had told Elijah that he (God) was appointing Hazael as an act of judgment against evil people. There were many evil people who had great power in Israel during this period of history.
However, Hazael’s first evil act was against Ben-Hadad, the king whom he would replace. Ben-Hadad trusted Hazael completely. He had sent Hazael to Elisha to inquire of God whether he (Ben-Hadad) would recover from his illness. Actually, Elisha said that Ben-Hadad would die (8:10) – but Hazael did not tell him that. Elisha said that Ben-Hadad would recover, Hazael said. It was true that Elisha had spoken those words – but he was only describing the lie that Hazael would speak.
In that way, Hazael gave confidence to Ben-Hadad. Ben-Hadad believed that his life was not still in danger. He believed that Hazael was completely loyal to him. God had shown to Elisha the true character of Hazael – but Ben-Hadad, who was with Hazael constantly, had not seen it. Ben-Hadad allowed himself, in a weak and ill state, to be alone with Hazael, without his guards.
However, Hazael had made a plan to murder Ben-Hadad. Hazael would not wait to see how God would make him king. Instead, he killed Ben-Hadad, and by that evil act, he made himself king.
Next part: Jehoram, king of Judah (2 Kings 8:16-19)
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