1 Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the Lord hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years.

And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

And it came to pass at the seven years' end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land.

And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done.

And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.

And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the Lord by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

10 And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die.

11 And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

12 And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

13 And Hazael said, But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The Lord hath shewed me that thou shalt be king over Syria.

14 So he departed from Elisha, and came to his master; who said to him, What said Elisha to thee? And he answered, He told me that thou shouldest surely recover.

15 And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

16 And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Je hoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.

17 Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

18 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife: and he did evil in the sight of the Lord.

19 Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children.

20 In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.

21 So Joram went over to Zair, and all the chariots with him: and he rose by night, and smote the Edomites which compassed him about, and the captains of the chariots: and the people fled into their tents.

22 Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.

23 And the rest of the acts of Joram, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?

24 And Joram slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: and Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead.

25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah begin to reign.

26 Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign; and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Athaliah, the daughter of Omri king of Israel.

27 And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, as did the house of Ahab: for he was the son in law of the house of Ahab.

28 And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.

29 And king Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.
The kindness of the good Shunammite to Elisha, was rewarded by the care taken of her in famine. It is well to foresee an evil, and wisdom, when we foresee it, to hide ourselves if we lawfully may do so. When the famine was over, she returned out of the land of the Philistines; that was no proper place for an Israelite, any longer than there was necessity for it. Time was when she dwelt so securely among her own people, that she had no occasion to be spoken for to the king; but there is much uncertainty in this life, so that things or persons may fail us which we most depend upon, and those befriend us which we think we shall never need. Sometimes events, small in themselves, prove of consequence, as here; for they made the king ready to believe Gehazi's narrative, when thus confirmed. It made him ready to grant her request, and to support a life which was given once and again by miracle.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Sojourn - In any convenient place out of the land of Israel. The Lord, &c. - Hath appointed to bring a famine. This expression intimates, that all afflictions are sent by God, and come at his call or command. Seven years - A double time to the former famine under Elijah, which is but just, because they were still incorrigible under all the judgments of God, and the powerful ministry of Elisha.
McArther Bible Commentary
The chronological question of when the events recounted in these verses took place in Elisha's ministry has been much debated. Interpreters hold to one of three positions: (1) The encounter between the Shunammite woman, the king of Israel, and Gehazi took place toward the end of the reign of Jehoram in Israel. However, this would mean Gehazi was in the presence of the king (2Ki 8:4-5), although afflicted with leprosy (2Ki 5:27), and King Jehoram was asking what great things Elisha had done after personally witnessing the events recorded in 2Ki. 6:8-7:19. (2) Because the king of Israel did not know Elisha's exploits, some interpreters place the final encounter during the early reign of Jehu. However, there are still the issues of Gehazi's leprosy and Jehu's being well acquainted with the prophecy of Elijah (2Ki 9:36-37; 2Ki 10:17) that predicted Elisha's ministry (1Ki 19:15-18). (3) The best explanation is that the record is out of chronological sequence, being thematically tied to the subject of famine in 2Ki. 6:24-7:20, but having occurred earlier in the reign of King Jehoram of Israel, before the events recorded in 2Ki. 5:1-7:20.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 41:27 Genesis 41:54 Ruth 1:1 2 Kings 4:18 2 Kings 4:31 2 Kings 4:38 2 Kings 7:20 2 Kings 8:2 Psalm 105:16 Haggai 1:11

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.
The kindness of the good Shunammite to Elisha, was rewarded by the care taken of her in famine. It is well to foresee an evil, and wisdom, when we foresee it, to hide ourselves if we lawfully may do so. When the famine was over, she returned out of the land of the Philistines; that was no proper place for an Israelite, any longer than there was necessity for it. Time was when she dwelt so securely among her own people, that she had no occasion to be spoken for to the king; but there is much uncertainty in this life, so that things or persons may fail us which we most depend upon, and those befriend us which we think we shall never need. Sometimes events, small in themselves, prove of consequence, as here; for they made the king ready to believe Gehazi's narrative, when thus confirmed. It made him ready to grant her request, and to support a life which was given once and again by miracle.
McArther Bible Commentary
land of the Philistines. The area located southwest of Israel along the Mediterranean Sea coastal plain between the Jarkon River in the north and the Besor Brook in the south. The fact that the famine was localized in Israel demonstrated that this was a curse, a punishment for apostasy (cf. Deu 28:38-40), because of Israel's disobedience of the Mosaic covenant.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:1 2 Kings 8:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.
The kindness of the good Shunammite to Elisha, was rewarded by the care taken of her in famine. It is well to foresee an evil, and wisdom, when we foresee it, to hide ourselves if we lawfully may do so. When the famine was over, she returned out of the land of the Philistines; that was no proper place for an Israelite, any longer than there was necessity for it. Time was when she dwelt so securely among her own people, that she had no occasion to be spoken for to the king; but there is much uncertainty in this life, so that things or persons may fail us which we most depend upon, and those befriend us which we think we shall never need. Sometimes events, small in themselves, prove of consequence, as here; for they made the king ready to believe Gehazi's narrative, when thus confirmed. It made him ready to grant her request, and to support a life which was given once and again by miracle.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Her house - Which having been forsaken by her, were possessed by her kindred.
McArther Bible Commentary
an appeal to the king. The Shunammite woman made a legal appeal to the king to support her ownership claim. In Israel, the king was the final arbiter of such disputes (see note on 1Ki 3:16-27). Providentially, the widow arrived just as Gehazi was describing how Elisha had raised her son from the dead (2Ki 8:5).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:2 2 Kings 8:4

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.
The kindness of the good Shunammite to Elisha, was rewarded by the care taken of her in famine. It is well to foresee an evil, and wisdom, when we foresee it, to hide ourselves if we lawfully may do so. When the famine was over, she returned out of the land of the Philistines; that was no proper place for an Israelite, any longer than there was necessity for it. Time was when she dwelt so securely among her own people, that she had no occasion to be spoken for to the king; but there is much uncertainty in this life, so that things or persons may fail us which we most depend upon, and those befriend us which we think we shall never need. Sometimes events, small in themselves, prove of consequence, as here; for they made the king ready to believe Gehazi's narrative, when thus confirmed. It made him ready to grant her request, and to support a life which was given once and again by miracle.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Gehazi the servant - Formerly his servant. The law did not forbid conversing with lepers, but only dwelling with them.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 4:12 2 Kings 5:20 2 Kings 8:3

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.
The kindness of the good Shunammite to Elisha, was rewarded by the care taken of her in famine. It is well to foresee an evil, and wisdom, when we foresee it, to hide ourselves if we lawfully may do so. When the famine was over, she returned out of the land of the Philistines; that was no proper place for an Israelite, any longer than there was necessity for it. Time was when she dwelt so securely among her own people, that she had no occasion to be spoken for to the king; but there is much uncertainty in this life, so that things or persons may fail us which we most depend upon, and those befriend us which we think we shall never need. Sometimes events, small in themselves, prove of consequence, as here; for they made the king ready to believe Gehazi's narrative, when thus confirmed. It made him ready to grant her request, and to support a life which was given once and again by miracle.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 4:12 2 Kings 4:35 2 Kings 8:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.
The kindness of the good Shunammite to Elisha, was rewarded by the care taken of her in famine. It is well to foresee an evil, and wisdom, when we foresee it, to hide ourselves if we lawfully may do so. When the famine was over, she returned out of the land of the Philistines; that was no proper place for an Israelite, any longer than there was necessity for it. Time was when she dwelt so securely among her own people, that she had no occasion to be spoken for to the king; but there is much uncertainty in this life, so that things or persons may fail us which we most depend upon, and those befriend us which we think we shall never need. Sometimes events, small in themselves, prove of consequence, as here; for they made the king ready to believe Gehazi's narrative, when thus confirmed. It made him ready to grant her request, and to support a life which was given once and again by miracle.
McArther Bible Commentary
Restore all … and all the proceeds. The king's judgment was to return to the woman everything she owned, including the land's earnings during her absence.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:5 2 Kings 8:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
McArther Bible Commentary
Elisha went to Damascus. It was unusual for a prophet to visit foreign capitals, but not unknown (cf. Jon 3:3). Elisha went to Damascus, the capital of Syria, to carry out one of the three commands God had given to Elijah at Horeb (1Ki 19:15-16). Ben-Hadad. See note on 1Ki 15:18. Ben-Hadad died c. 841 B.C., the same year as Jehoram of Israel (2Ki 3:1), Jehoram of Judah (2Ki 8:17), and Ahaziah of Judah (2Ki 8:25-26). man of God. See note on Deu 33:1.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 11:24 2 Kings 1:2 2 Kings 5:20 2 Kings 6:24 2 Kings 8:6 Jeremiah 40:5

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Enquire of the Lord, &c - In his health he bowed down in the house of Rimmon; but now he tends to enquire of the God of Israel. Among other instances of the change of mens minds by affliction or sickness, this is one; that it often gives them other thoughts of God's ministers, and teacheth them to value those whom they before hated and despised.
McArther Bible Commentary
Hazael. His name means "God sees" or "whom God beholds." Hazael was a servant of Ben-Hadad and not a member of the royal family. Assyrian records called Hazael the "son of a nobody," and his lineage was not recorded because he was a commoner.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 9:7 1 Kings 14:3 1 Kings 19:15 1 Kings 19:17 2 Kings 1:2

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Thy son - He who before persecuted him as an enemy, now in his extremity honours him like a father.
McArther Bible Commentary
every good thing of Damascus. The city of Damascus was a trade center between Egypt, Asia Minor, and Mesopotamia. It had within it the finest merchandise of the ancient Near East. Ben-Hadad evidently thought an impressive gift would influence Elisha's prediction. Your son. Ben-Hadad approached Elisha with the humble respect of a son for his father (cf. 2Ki 5:13; 2Ki 6:21).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 9:7 1 Kings 15:18 2 Kings 5:13 2 Kings 6:21

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Howbeit - Here is no contradiction: for the first words contain an answer to Benhadad's question, shall I recover? To which the answer is, thou mayest, notwithstanding thy disease, which is not mortal. The latter words contain the prophet's addition to that answer, which is, that he should die, not by the power of his disease, but by some other cause.
McArther Bible Commentary
recover … die. Ben-Hadad wanted to know whether or not he would recover from his present illness. In response, Elisha affirmed two interrelated things: (1) Ben-Hadad would be restored to health; his present sickness would not be the means of his death and (2) Ben-Hadad would surely die by some other means.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:14 2 Kings 8:15

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He settled - The prophet fixed his eyes upon Hazael. Until - 'Till Hazael was ashamed, as apprehending the prophet discerned something of an evil and shameful nature in him.
McArther Bible Commentary
he was ashamed. With a fixed gaze, Elisha stared at Hazael because it had been revealed to him what Hazael would do, including the murder of Ben-Hadad (2Ki 8:15). Hazael was embarrassed, knowing that Elisha knew of his plan to assassinate the Syrian king.
Bible Cross References
Luke 19:41 2 Kings 2:17

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
McArther Bible Commentary
the evil. Elisha mourned, knowing the atrocities that Hazael would bring on Israel. The harsh actions mentioned here were common in ancient wars (Psa 137:9; Isa 13:16; Hos 10:14; Hos 13:16; Amo 1:13; Nah 3:10). Hazael did prove to be a constant foe of Israel (2Ki 9:14-16; 2Ki 10:32; 2Ki 12:17-18; 2Ki 13:3, 2Ki 13:22).
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 19:17 2 Kings 10:32 2 Kings 10:33 2 Kings 12:17 2 Kings 13:3 2 Kings 13:7 2 Kings 13:22 2 Kings 15:16 Psalm 137:9 Isaiah 13:18 Hosea 13:16 Nahum 3:10

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
A dog - So fierce, barbarous, and inhuman. King - And when thou shalt have power in thy hand, thou wilt discover that bloody disposition, and that hatred against God's people, which now lies hid from others, and possibly from thyself.
McArther Bible Commentary
your servant-a dog. To call oneself a dog was an expression of humility (see note on 2Sa 9:8). Hazael sought to deny that he would ever have the power to commit such atrocities. He was trying to convince Elisha that he had no plan to take over the kingship of Syria. you will become king over Syria. In response to Hazael's feigned self-deprecation, Elisha affirmed that the Lord willed that Hazael be king over Syria (cf. 1Ki 19:15).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 17:43 2 Samuel 9:8 1 Kings 19:15 2 Kings 13:22

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:10 2 Kings 8:15

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.
Among other changes of men's minds by affliction, it often gives other thoughts of God's ministers, and teaches to value the counsels and prayers of those whom they have hated and despised. It was not in Hazael's countenance that Elisha read what he would do, but God revealed it to him, and it fetched tears from his eyes: the more foresight men have, the more grief they are liable to. It is possible for a man, under the convictions and restraints of natural conscience, to express great abhorrence of a sin, yet afterwards to be reconciled to it. Those that are little and low in the world, cannot imagine how strong the temptations of power and prosperity are, which, if ever they arrive at, they will find how deceitful their hearts are, how much worse than they suspected. The devil ruins men, by saying they shall certainly recover and do well, so rocking them asleep in security. Hazael's false account was an injury to the king, who lost the benefit of the prophet's warning to prepare for death, and an injury to Elisha, who would be counted a false prophet. It is not certain that Hazael murdered his master, or if he caused his death it may have been without any design. But he was a dissembler, and afterwards proved a persecutor to Israel.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Spread it - So closely, that he choaked him therewith.
McArther Bible Commentary
he died. Hazael took a bed furnishing, soaked it, and killed Ben-Hadad by suffocation. Hazael reigned. Upon Ben-Hadad's death, Hazael took the kingship of Syria and ruled c. 841-801 B.C., during the reigns of Jehoram, Jehu, and Jehoahaz in Israel and Ahaziah, Athaliah, and Joash in Judah.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:10 2 Kings 8:28

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
Jezebel's Scheme Unsuccessful
—With her seductive arts, Jezebel made Jehoshaphat her friend. She arranged a marriage between her daughter Athaliah and Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat. She knew that her daughter, brought up under her guidance and as unscrupulous as herself, would carry out her designs. But did she? No; the sons of the prophets, who had been educated in the schools which Samuel established, were steadfast for truth and righteousness (Manuscript 116, 1899).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Jehoram - Jehoram was first made king or vice - roy, by his father divers years before this time, at his expedition to Ramoth - Gilead, which dominion of his, ended at his father's return. But now Jehoshaphat, being not far from his death, and having divers sons and fearing some competition among them, makes Jehoram king the second time, as David did Solomon upon the like occasion.
McArther Bible Commentary
fifth year. C. 848 B.C., the year Jehoshaphat of Judah died. Joram. An alternate name for the king referred to as Jehoram previously (2Ki 1:17; 2Ki 3:1, 2Ki 3:6). See notes on 2Ch 21:4-20.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 22:44 2 Kings 1:17 2 Kings 3:1

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
McArther Bible Commentary
eight years. -841 B.C. See notes on 2Ch 21:4-20. Jehoram of Judah served as co-regent with his father Jehoshaphat for the final four years of his reign, 853-848 B.C. Joram (Jehoram) became king of Israel during the second year of this co-regency, 852 B.C. (see notes on 2Ki 1:17; 2Ki 3:1). Jehoram of Judah ruled alone for eight years after his father's death, until 841 B.C. (cf. 2Ch 21:15). Most likely, Obadiah prophesied during his reign.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 11:20 2 Chronicles 21:5

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
Jezebel's Scheme Unsuccessful
—With her seductive arts, Jezebel made Jehoshaphat her friend. She arranged a marriage between her daughter Athaliah and Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat. She knew that her daughter, brought up under her guidance and as unscrupulous as herself, would carry out her designs. But did she? No; the sons of the prophets, who had been educated in the schools which Samuel established, were steadfast for truth and righteousness (Manuscript 116, 1899).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
He walked - After his father's death. The daughter - Athaliah. This unequal marriage, though Jehoshaphat possibly designed it as a means of uniting the two kingdoms under one head, is here and elsewhere noted, as the cause both of the great wickedness of his posterity, and of those sore calamities which befel them. No good could be reasonably expected from such an union. Those that are ill matched are already half - ruined.
McArther Bible Commentary
as the house of Ahab. Jehoram officially sanctioned Baal worship in Judah as Ahab had in Israel (1Ki 16:31-33). the daughter of Ahab. Jehoram was married to Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel (2Ki 8:26). Just as Jezebel incited Ahab to do evil in the sight of the Lord (1Ki 21:25), so Athaliah influenced Jehoram. Athaliah's wicked actions are recorded in 2Ki 11:1-16; 2Ch. 22:10-23:15.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 22:44 2 Kings 8:27

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Alway - Until the coming of the Messiah: for so long, and not longer, this succession might seem necessary for the making good of God's promise and covenant made with David. But when the Messiah, was once come, there was no more need of any succession, and the scepter might and did without any inconvenience depart from Judah, and from all the succeeding branches of David's family, because the Messiah was to hold the kingdom forever in his own person, though not in so gross a way as the carnal Jews imagined. A light - A son and successor.
McArther Bible Commentary
a lamp … forever. See note on 1Ki 11:36.
Bible Cross References
2 Samuel 7:12 1 Kings 11:36 Psalm 132:17

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
McArther Bible Commentary
Edom revolted. Edom had been a vassal of the united kingdom, and of the southern kingdom of Judah since David's reign (2Sa 8:13-14).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 27:40 1 Kings 22:47 2 Kings 3:9 2 Kings 3:26 2 Kings 8:22

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
McArther Bible Commentary
Zair. The exact location is unknown.
Bible Cross References
Luke 21:20 2 Samuel 18:17 2 Samuel 19:8

Verse 22

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
McArther Bible Commentary
Edom has been in revolt … to this day. During the reign of Jehoram, Edom defeated the Judean army, took some border lands, and became independent of Judah's rule. The continuing sovereignty of Edom proved that none of the future kings of Judah recorded in 2 Kings was the anticipated Messiah because He would possess Edom (cf. Num 24:18). Libnah. A town located in the Shephelah on the border with Philistia, about twenty miles southwest of Jerusalem (Jos 15:42; Jos 21:13). The revolt of Libnah was probably connected with that of the Philistines and Arabians recounted in 2Ch 21:16-17.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 27:40 Joshua 21:13 2 Kings 8:20 2 Kings 8:23 2 Kings 19:8 Jeremiah 52:1

Verse 23

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:22 2 Kings 8:24

Verse 24

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.
A general idea is given of Jehoram's badness. His father, no doubt, had him taught the true knowledge of the Lord, but did ill to marry him to the daughter of Ahab; no good could come of union with an idolatrous family.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:23 2 Kings 10:13 2 Chronicles 21:1 2 Chronicles 21:7 2 Chronicles 21:20 2 Chronicles 22:1

Verse 25

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.
Names do not make natures, but it was bad for Jehoshaphat's family to borrow names from Ahab's. Ahaziah's relation to Ahab's family was the occasion of his wickedness and of his fall. When men choose wives for themselves, let them remember they are choosing mothers for their children. Providence so ordered it, that Ahaziah might be cut off with the house of Ahab, when the measure of their iniquity was full. Those who partake with sinners in their sin, must expect to partake with them in their plagues. May all the changes, troubles, and wickedness of the world, make us more earnest to obtain an interest in the salvation of Christ.
McArther Bible Commentary
The reign of Ahaziah (c. 841 B.C.) is not to be confused with that of Israel's King Ahaziah (1Ki. 22:51 - 2Ki. 1:8). See notes on 2Ki 9:27; 2Ch 22:1-9.
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 9:29 2 Chronicles 22:1

Verse 26

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.
Names do not make natures, but it was bad for Jehoshaphat's family to borrow names from Ahab's. Ahaziah's relation to Ahab's family was the occasion of his wickedness and of his fall. When men choose wives for themselves, let them remember they are choosing mothers for their children. Providence so ordered it, that Ahaziah might be cut off with the house of Ahab, when the measure of their iniquity was full. Those who partake with sinners in their sin, must expect to partake with them in their plagues. May all the changes, troubles, and wickedness of the world, make us more earnest to obtain an interest in the salvation of Christ.
McArther Bible Commentary
twenty-two. This reading is preferred over the forty-two of 2Ch 22:2 (see note there). Athaliah. See note on verse 2Ki 8:18.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 24:48 2 Chronicles 22:2

Verse 27

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.
Names do not make natures, but it was bad for Jehoshaphat's family to borrow names from Ahab's. Ahaziah's relation to Ahab's family was the occasion of his wickedness and of his fall. When men choose wives for themselves, let them remember they are choosing mothers for their children. Providence so ordered it, that Ahaziah might be cut off with the house of Ahab, when the measure of their iniquity was full. Those who partake with sinners in their sin, must expect to partake with them in their plagues. May all the changes, troubles, and wickedness of the world, make us more earnest to obtain an interest in the salvation of Christ.
McArther Bible Commentary
like the house of Ahab. Like his father, Jehoram, Ahaziah continued the official sanctioning of Baal worship in Judah (see note on 2Ki 8:18).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:18 2 Chronicles 22:3

Verse 28

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.
Names do not make natures, but it was bad for Jehoshaphat's family to borrow names from Ahab's. Ahaziah's relation to Ahab's family was the occasion of his wickedness and of his fall. When men choose wives for themselves, let them remember they are choosing mothers for their children. Providence so ordered it, that Ahaziah might be cut off with the house of Ahab, when the measure of their iniquity was full. Those who partake with sinners in their sin, must expect to partake with them in their plagues. May all the changes, troubles, and wickedness of the world, make us more earnest to obtain an interest in the salvation of Christ.
McArther Bible Commentary
Ramoth Gilead. See note on 1Ki 22:3.
Bible Cross References
1 Kings 22:3 1 Kings 22:29 2 Kings 8:15 2 Kings 8:29 2 Kings 9:1 2 Kings 9:14 2 Chronicles 22:5

Verse 29

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.
Names do not make natures, but it was bad for Jehoshaphat's family to borrow names from Ahab's. Ahaziah's relation to Ahab's family was the occasion of his wickedness and of his fall. When men choose wives for themselves, let them remember they are choosing mothers for their children. Providence so ordered it, that Ahaziah might be cut off with the house of Ahab, when the measure of their iniquity was full. Those who partake with sinners in their sin, must expect to partake with them in their plagues. May all the changes, troubles, and wickedness of the world, make us more earnest to obtain an interest in the salvation of Christ.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Ramah - The same place with Ramoth, or Ramoth - Gilead.
McArther Bible Commentary
went down to see Joram. Ahaziah's travel to visit the recuperating Joram (also called Jehoram) king of Israel placed him in Jezreel (west of the Jordan River, southwest of the Sea of Galilee) during Jehu's purge of the house of Omri (see 2Ki 9:21-29).
Bible Cross References
2 Kings 8:28 2 Kings 9:1 2 Kings 9:15 2 Kings 9:16 2 Kings 10:13 2 Chronicles 22:5 2 Chronicles 22:6