Ben-hadad, though not a follower of the God of Israel, sought help and answers from His prophet.
In this passage we read the words, “The king said to Hazael, ‘Take a gift in your hand and go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD by him, saying, ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’” (v.8). These words come from Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, who ruled in Damascus during the 9th century B.C. By turning to the prophet Elisha, here described as “the man of God,” he hopes to seek the LORD’s answer regarding a personal crisis. Damascus was a significant city located northeast of Israel, and its king had often found himself both at odds with and in negotiation alongside the Israelite kingdoms. Asking Hazael to bring a gift underscores the serious nature of his inquiry as well as the custom of honoring the prophet who spoke on behalf of God.
“The king said to Hazael...” (v.8) indicates Hazael’s importance at the Aramean court. Hazael would eventually become king after Ben-hadad (2 Kings 8:15), shaping the political and spiritual landscape of the region for years to come. This transition reveals how God’s sovereign hand works through human history, often raising unexpected individuals to positions of authority (Daniel 2:21). Hazael’s role here is not simply as a messenger; in time, he will play a pivotal part in fulfilling the LORD’s purposes established through the prophet Elisha.
Finally, “and inquire of the LORD by him, saying, ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’” (v.8) demonstrates the king’s recognition of the power of the God of Israel, even though he himself was not an Israelite. This moment foreshadows the ways God extends His guidance beyond the boundaries of Israel, reminding us of how Jesus opened the way for all nations to seek and know God (John 10:16). It also shows that true healing and knowledge come from God alone, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.
Set to dark mode
2 Kings 8:8 meaning
In this passage we read the words, “The king said to Hazael, ‘Take a gift in your hand and go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD by him, saying, ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’” (v.8). These words come from Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, who ruled in Damascus during the 9th century B.C. By turning to the prophet Elisha, here described as “the man of God,” he hopes to seek the LORD’s answer regarding a personal crisis. Damascus was a significant city located northeast of Israel, and its king had often found himself both at odds with and in negotiation alongside the Israelite kingdoms. Asking Hazael to bring a gift underscores the serious nature of his inquiry as well as the custom of honoring the prophet who spoke on behalf of God.
“The king said to Hazael...” (v.8) indicates Hazael’s importance at the Aramean court. Hazael would eventually become king after Ben-hadad (2 Kings 8:15), shaping the political and spiritual landscape of the region for years to come. This transition reveals how God’s sovereign hand works through human history, often raising unexpected individuals to positions of authority (Daniel 2:21). Hazael’s role here is not simply as a messenger; in time, he will play a pivotal part in fulfilling the LORD’s purposes established through the prophet Elisha.
Finally, “and inquire of the LORD by him, saying, ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’” (v.8) demonstrates the king’s recognition of the power of the God of Israel, even though he himself was not an Israelite. This moment foreshadows the ways God extends His guidance beyond the boundaries of Israel, reminding us of how Jesus opened the way for all nations to seek and know God (John 10:16). It also shows that true healing and knowledge come from God alone, a theme echoed throughout Scripture.