II Kings 8 Commentary
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 Ben–hadad 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 Ben–hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?
And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die.
And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.
Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
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.
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.
In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.
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.
Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramoth–gilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
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.
II Kings 8 presents a series of interconnected narratives highlighting God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and judgment. This chapter provides a rich tapestry of events, from the restoration of the Shunammite woman's property to Elisha's prophetic encounter with Hazael, and the reigns of wicked kings in both Judah and Israel. Understanding these events offers valuable insights into God's dealings with His people and His unwavering commitment to His promises.
The Shunammite Woman's Restoration (II Kings 8:1-6)
The chapter begins by revisiting the Shunammite woman, whose son Elisha had miraculously raised from the dead (II Kings 8:1). Demonstrating divine foresight, Elisha warns her of an impending seven-year famine in Israel, prompting her to seek refuge in Philistine territory. This act of obedience safeguards her family during the famine. However, upon her return, she faces the challenge of reclaiming her land (II Kings 8:2-3).
Divine providence orchestrates a remarkable encounter. As the woman seeks an audience with the king to plead her case, the king is coincidentally conversing with Gehazi, Elisha's former servant, about the prophet's great deeds (II Kings 8:4). Gehazi recounts the story of the Shunammite woman and her resurrected son, confirming her identity to the king. Moved by this testimony, the king not only restores her property but also grants her all the income generated from the land during her absence (II Kings 8:5-6).
This episode underscores God's meticulous care for those who trust in Him. The timing of events is clearly not coincidental but a demonstration of divine intervention. As Proverbs 16:9 states, "A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps." This serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, God is actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes and provide for His people.
A question arises regarding Gehazi's presence before the king, considering the judgment of leprosy he received for his greed (II Kings 5:20-27). One possible explanation is that Gehazi underwent a period of repentance and restoration, passing a "retest" from God to redeem himself. Another perspective suggests that Gehazi might have been among the lepers mentioned in II Kings 7:3-11 who discovered the abandoned Aramean camp. If so, his willingness to share the good news of the bounty with the city (II Kings 7:9) could indicate a change of heart, contrasting with his earlier selfish behavior.
Elisha and Hazael (II Kings 8:7-15)
The narrative shifts to Elisha's journey to Damascus, where he is sought out by King Ben-hadad of Aram, who is ill (II Kings 8:7). Ben-hadad sends Hazael to Elisha with a gift, requesting the prophet to inquire of the Lord about his chances of recovery (II Kings 8:8).
Elisha's response is initially perplexing. He tells Hazael that Ben-hadad will recover (II Kings 8:10), yet he also knows the king will die. This apparent contradiction is resolved when Elisha, overcome with emotion, reveals the future atrocities Hazael will inflict upon Israel (II Kings 8:11-13). Hazael, driven by ambition and perhaps influenced by Elisha's prophecy, returns to Damascus and murders Ben-hadad, seizing the throne for himself (II Kings 8:14-15).
This episode highlights the complexities of prophecy and divine sovereignty. While God reveals future events, human choices and actions play a crucial role in their fulfillment. Hazael's ambition and cruelty were not predetermined by God, but God foresaw them and used them to bring judgment upon Israel.
The Reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah in Judah (II Kings 8:16-29)
The narrative shifts its focus to the southern kingdom of Judah. Jehoram, son of the righteous King Jehoshaphat, ascends to the throne (II Kings 8:16). Sadly, Jehoram departs from his father's godly ways, influenced by his wife Athaliah, the daughter of the wicked Ahab (II Kings 8:18). As a result, he is condemned for doing evil in the Lord's sight.
Despite Jehoram's wickedness, God remains faithful to His covenant with David, preserving Judah from complete destruction (II Kings 8:19). God promised to give a lamp to David and his sons forever, signifying an unbroken line of kings to rule on his throne. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the eternal King of David's lineage.
Jehoram's reign is marked by the revolt of Edom, which successfully breaks free from Judah's control (II Kings 8:20-22). He is succeeded by his son Ahaziah, who reigns for only one year and also follows in the wicked ways of the house of Ahab, influenced by his mother, Athaliah (II Kings 8:25-27).
Ahaziah joins Joram, the king of Israel, in a battle against Hazael of Aram. Joram is wounded and retreats to Jezreel to recover, and Ahaziah visits him there (II Kings 8:28-29). This visit proves fatal for Ahaziah, as it sets the stage for the subsequent events in II Kings 9, where Jehu will execute judgment on the house of Ahab.
II Kings 8 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the pervasive influence of wickedness. It also underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even in the face of human failures. The chapter invites reflection on the importance of choosing righteousness, guarding against harmful influences, and trusting in God's sovereign plan, which ultimately leads to the fulfillment of His eternal purposes.
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 Ben–hadad 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 Ben–hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?
And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die.
And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign.
Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
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.
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.
In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.
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.
Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramoth–gilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
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.
II Kings 8 presents a series of interconnected narratives highlighting God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and judgment. This chapter provides a rich tapestry of events, from the restoration of the Shunammite woman's property to Elisha's prophetic encounter with Hazael, and the reigns of wicked kings in both Judah and Israel. Understanding these events offers valuable insights into God's dealings with His people and His unwavering commitment to His promises.
The Shunammite Woman's Restoration (II Kings 8:1-6)
The chapter begins by revisiting the Shunammite woman, whose son Elisha had miraculously raised from the dead (II Kings 8:1). Demonstrating divine foresight, Elisha warns her of an impending seven-year famine in Israel, prompting her to seek refuge in Philistine territory. This act of obedience safeguards her family during the famine. However, upon her return, she faces the challenge of reclaiming her land (II Kings 8:2-3).
Divine providence orchestrates a remarkable encounter. As the woman seeks an audience with the king to plead her case, the king is coincidentally conversing with Gehazi, Elisha's former servant, about the prophet's great deeds (II Kings 8:4). Gehazi recounts the story of the Shunammite woman and her resurrected son, confirming her identity to the king. Moved by this testimony, the king not only restores her property but also grants her all the income generated from the land during her absence (II Kings 8:5-6).
This episode underscores God's meticulous care for those who trust in Him. The timing of events is clearly not coincidental but a demonstration of divine intervention. As Proverbs 16:9 states, "A person’s heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps." This serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, God is actively working behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes and provide for His people.
A question arises regarding Gehazi's presence before the king, considering the judgment of leprosy he received for his greed (II Kings 5:20-27). One possible explanation is that Gehazi underwent a period of repentance and restoration, passing a "retest" from God to redeem himself. Another perspective suggests that Gehazi might have been among the lepers mentioned in II Kings 7:3-11 who discovered the abandoned Aramean camp. If so, his willingness to share the good news of the bounty with the city (II Kings 7:9) could indicate a change of heart, contrasting with his earlier selfish behavior.
Elisha and Hazael (II Kings 8:7-15)
The narrative shifts to Elisha's journey to Damascus, where he is sought out by King Ben-hadad of Aram, who is ill (II Kings 8:7). Ben-hadad sends Hazael to Elisha with a gift, requesting the prophet to inquire of the Lord about his chances of recovery (II Kings 8:8).
Elisha's response is initially perplexing. He tells Hazael that Ben-hadad will recover (II Kings 8:10), yet he also knows the king will die. This apparent contradiction is resolved when Elisha, overcome with emotion, reveals the future atrocities Hazael will inflict upon Israel (II Kings 8:11-13). Hazael, driven by ambition and perhaps influenced by Elisha's prophecy, returns to Damascus and murders Ben-hadad, seizing the throne for himself (II Kings 8:14-15).
This episode highlights the complexities of prophecy and divine sovereignty. While God reveals future events, human choices and actions play a crucial role in their fulfillment. Hazael's ambition and cruelty were not predetermined by God, but God foresaw them and used them to bring judgment upon Israel.
The Reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah in Judah (II Kings 8:16-29)
The narrative shifts its focus to the southern kingdom of Judah. Jehoram, son of the righteous King Jehoshaphat, ascends to the throne (II Kings 8:16). Sadly, Jehoram departs from his father's godly ways, influenced by his wife Athaliah, the daughter of the wicked Ahab (II Kings 8:18). As a result, he is condemned for doing evil in the Lord's sight.
Despite Jehoram's wickedness, God remains faithful to His covenant with David, preserving Judah from complete destruction (II Kings 8:19). God promised to give a lamp to David and his sons forever, signifying an unbroken line of kings to rule on his throne. This promise finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the eternal King of David's lineage.
Jehoram's reign is marked by the revolt of Edom, which successfully breaks free from Judah's control (II Kings 8:20-22). He is succeeded by his son Ahaziah, who reigns for only one year and also follows in the wicked ways of the house of Ahab, influenced by his mother, Athaliah (II Kings 8:25-27).
Ahaziah joins Joram, the king of Israel, in a battle against Hazael of Aram. Joram is wounded and retreats to Jezreel to recover, and Ahaziah visits him there (II Kings 8:28-29). This visit proves fatal for Ahaziah, as it sets the stage for the subsequent events in II Kings 9, where Jehu will execute judgment on the house of Ahab.
II Kings 8 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the pervasive influence of wickedness. It also underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even in the face of human failures. The chapter invites reflection on the importance of choosing righteousness, guarding against harmful influences, and trusting in God's sovereign plan, which ultimately leads to the fulfillment of His eternal purposes.