King James Version
2 Kings 8
29 verses with commentary
The Shunammite's Land Restored
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Ya...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**VIII.**
(1-6) How the kindness of the Shunammite woman to Elisha was further rewarded through the prophet’s influence with the king.
(1) **Then spake Elisha.**—Rather, *Now Elisha had spoken*. The time is not defined by the phrase. It was *after the* raising of the Shunammite’s son (2Kings 8:1), and *before* the healing of Naaman the Syrian, inasmuch as the king still talks with Gehazi (2Kings 8...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4-18. went a day's journey into the wilderness--**on the way from Beer-sheba to Horeb--a wide expanse of sand hills, covered with the retem (not juniper, but broom shrubs), whose tall and spreading branches, with their white leaves, afford a very cheering and refreshing shade. His gracious God did not lose sight of His fugitive servant, but watched over him, and, miraculously ministering to his ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.(1-6)
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.(7-15)
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.(16-24)
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.(25-29)
**Verses 1-6**
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, whe...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **After the saying.**—*According to the word.***
In the land of the Philistines.**—The lowlands of the coast were not so subject to droughts as the limestone highlands of Israel. (Comp. Genesis 12:10; Genesis 26:1.) The Philistines, besides, dealt with foreign traders who put in to their shores. (Comp. Joel 3:4-6.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Elisha the son of Shaphat--**Most probably he belonged to a family distinguished for piety, and for their opposition to the prevailing calf-worship.
**ploughing with twelve yoke of oxen--**indicating that he was a man of substance.
**Elijah ... cast his mantle upon him--**This was an investiture with the prophetic office. It is in this way that the Brahmins, the Persian Sufis, and other ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.(1-6)
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.(7-15)
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.(16-24)
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.(25-29)
**Verses 1-6**
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, whe...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate ki...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **At the seven years’ end.**—Omit *the.*
**She went forth.**—From Shunem to Samaria.
**For her house and for her land.**—Literally, *with regard to her house,* &c. She found them in the possession of strangers. The State may have occupied the property as abandoned by its owner; or, as is more likely, some neighbouring landowner may have encroached upon her rights. She therefore appealed to the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. what have I done to thee?--**that is, Go, but keep in mind the solemn ceremony I have just performed on thee. It is not I, but God, who calls thee. Do not allow any earthly affection to detain you from obeying His call.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.(1-6)
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.(7-15)
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.(16-24)
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.(25-29)
**Verses 1-6**
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, whe...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kings...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **And the king talked.**—*And the king was speaking unto.*
**Gehazi.**—He, therefore, was not yet a leper (2Kings 5:27). So Keil and some earlier expositors. But lepers, though excluded from the city, were not excluded from *conversation* with others. (Comp. Matthew 8:2; Luke 17:12.) Naaman was apparently admitted into the royal palace (2Kings 5:6). The way, however, in which Gehazi is spoken ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. took a yoke of oxen--**Having hastily prepared (2Sa 24:22) a farewell entertainment to his family and friends, he left his native place and attached himself to Elijah as his minister.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.(1-6)
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.(7-15)
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.(16-24)
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.(25-29)
**Verses 1-6**
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, whe...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **A dead body.**—*The dead.*
**Cried.**—*Was crying.* Literally, the Hebrew runs, *And it came to pass, he *(emphatic) *was telling* . . . *and behold the woman was crying,* &c. The woman came in, and began her prayer to the king, while he was talking with Gehazi about her and her son.
**This is her son.**—Who was now grown up, and came as his mother’s escort.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.(1-6)
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.(7-15)
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.(16-24)
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.(25-29)
**Verses 1-6**
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, whe...
Read full commentary →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. officer: or, eunuch
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human au...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Told.**—*Related to him, i.e.*, the story. So in 2Kings 8:4-5.
**Officer.**—Literally, *eunuch* (*sārîs*). (Comp. Note on Genesis 37:36; 1Chronicles 28:1.)
**Fruits.**—Literally, *revenues, produce* in kind, which must have been paid out of the royal stores. This seems to imply that her land had been annexed to the royal domains.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 20
1Ki 20:1-12. Ben-hadad Besieges Samaria.
**1. Ben-hadad the king of Syria--**This monarch was the son of that Ben-hadad who, in the reign of Baasha, made a raid on the northern towns of Galilee (1Ki 15:20). The thirty-two kings that were confederate with him were probably tributary princes. The ancient kings of Syria and Phoenicia ruled only over a single city, and were independent ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 8
Chapter Outline
A famine in Israel, The Shunammite obtains her land.(1-6)
Elisha consulted by Hazael, Death of Benhadad.(7-15)
Jehoram's wicked reign in Judah.(16-24)
Ahaziah's wicked reign in Judah.(25-29)
**Verses 1-6**
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, whe...
Read full commentary →Hazael Murders Ben-Hadad
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship re...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7-15) Elisha’s visit to Damascus, and its consequences.
(7) **And Elisha came to Damascus.**—In the fragmentary condition of the narrative, *why* he came is not clear. Rashi suggests that it was to fetch back Gehazi, who had fled to the Syrians (!), an idea based upon 1Kings 2:39, *seq*. Keil and others think the prophet went with the intention of anointing Hazael, in accordance with a supposed c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →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?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical even...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Hazael.**—See Note on 2Kings 8:15. In 1Kings 19:15; 1Kings 19:17 the name is written *Hăzāh’êl*; here it is spelt with an etymological allusion, *Hăzāh’êl, i.e.*, “El hath seen” (foreseen). Hazael appears to have been the highest officer in Ben-hadad s court; Josephus says, “the trustiest of his domestics.”
**Take a present in thine hand.**—Comp. Numbers 22:7; 1Samuel 9:7; 2Kings 5:5; 1Kings...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →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? with: Heb. in his hand
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **A present with him**—*i.e.*, in money. (Comp. 2Kings 5:5, and see the margin here.)
**Even of every good thing.**—Rather, *and every kind of good thing*; in addition to the present of money. Damascus was a great centre of traffic between Eastern and Western Asia. (Comp. Ezekiel 27:18; Amos 3:12.) *Damask* silk was originally imported from Damascus, and the Damascene sword-blades were famous ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry ser...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Unto him.**—The reading of some Hebrew MSS., of the Hebrew margin, and of all the versions, as well as of Josephus.
The ordinary Hebrew text has “not” (*lô*’, instead of *lô*), so that the meaning would be, “Thou shalt not recover.” But (1) the position of the negative before the adverbial infinitive is anomalous; and (2) Hazaeľs report of Elisha’s words, in 2Kings 8:14, is without the nega...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. stedfastly: Heb. and set it
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enfo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **And he settled his countenance stedfastly.**—Literally, *and he* (Elisha) *made his face stand, and set* (it upon Hazael).
**Until he was ashamed.**—Literally, *unto being ashamed*. This may mean either *in shameless fashion or until Hazael was disconcerted*. We prefer the latter. Hazael, conscious that Elisha had read his; thoughts aright, shrank from that piercing gaze. (Comp. 2Kings 2:17...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national eve...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **The evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel.**—Fulfilled in 2Kings 10:32-33; 2Kings 13:3-4. The cruelties enumerated here were the ordinary concomitants of warfare in that age. (Comp. Amos 1:3-4; Amos 1:13; Hosea 10:14; Hosea 13:16; 2Kings 15:16.)
**Set on fire.**—Literally, *send into the fire* (Judges 1:8).
**Young men.**—*Chosen warriors.***
Dash.**—*Dash in pieces.*
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?**—Rather, (*Thou canst not mean it;*) *for what is the dog thy servant that he should do, &c.* Hazael answers in a tone of pretended amazement and self-depreciation. The exaggerated humility of his language betrays the hypocrite.
**The Lord hath shewed me.**—Comp. 1Kings 19:15, where this same fact was revealed to Elijah. L...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfuln...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **That thou shouldest surely recover.**—Rather, *Thou wilt certainly live*, repeating Elisha’s actual words, but *not* the tone and gesture which accompanied them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to fait...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **He took**—*i.e.*, Hazael, the nearest subject. Ewald objects that if Hazael were meant, his name would not occur where it does at the end of the verse. But the objection does not hold, for in relating who succeeded to the throne, it was natural to give the name of the new king. Further, a considerable pause must be understood at “he died.” The Judæan editor of Kings then appropriately concl...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-15**
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 lia...
Read full commentary →Jehoram's Reign in Judah
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. began: Heb. reigned
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The pro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16-24) The reign of Jehoram, king of Judah. (Comp. 2 Chronicles 21)
(16) **In the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab.**—See Note on 2Kings 1:17.
The name Joram is an easy contraction of Jehoram. In this verse and in 2Kings 8:29 the king of Israel is called Joram, and the king of Judah Jehoram; in 2Kings 8:21; 2Kings 8:23-24 Joram is the name of the king of Judah. In 2Kings 1:17 and 2Chronicles 2...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Thirty and two years old . . . in Jerusalem.**—Comp. the similar notices in 2 Kings 12 and the succeeding chapters. How different are these short annalistic summaries, the work of the Judæan compiler, from the rich and flowing narratives about Elijah and Elisha!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-12. Thus said Ben-hadad, Thy silver and thy gold is mine--**To this message sent him during the siege, Ahab returned a tame and submissive answer, probably thinking it meant no more than an exaction of tribute. But the demand was repeated with greater insolence; and yet, from the abject character of Ahab, there is reason to believe he would have yielded to this arrogant claim also, had not the...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **In the way of the kings of Israel.**—This is further explained by the following clause, “As did the house of Ahab,” or rather, *to wit, as the house of Ahab acted, i.e.*, Jehoram, as son-in-law of Ahab and Jezebel, lent his countenance to the *cultus* of the Tyrian Baal. Under the influence of his wife Athaliah, as it may be surmised, Jehoram slew his six brothers directly after his accessi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
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. light: Heb. candle, or, lamp
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The prophetic ministry se...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **To give him alway a light.**—Comp. 1Kings 15:4; 1Kings 11:36; and for the promise to David, 2Samuel 7:12-16.
**And to his children.**—The reading of many Heb. MSS., the LXX., Vulg., and Targum. Thenius calls this a reading devised for the removal of a difficulty, and asserts that the promise was made to *David alone*. He would omit the conjunction, and render, “To give him alway a lamp in r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, ca...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **In his days Edom revolted.**—The connection of ideas is this: Although Jehovah was not willing to extirpate Judah, yet He suffered it to be seriously weakened by the defections recorded in 2Kings 8:20-22.
**Made a king over themselves.**—Josephus says they slew the vassal king appointed over them by Jehoshaphat (1Kings 22:48). Edom appears to have been subject to the hegemony of Judah from ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **So Joram went over to Zair.**—No town called Zair is otherwise known. Hitzig and Ewald would read Zoar, but Zoar lay in Moab, not in Edom. (Jeremiah 48:34; Isaiah 15:5; Genesis 19:30; Genesis 19:37.) The Vulg. has *Seira*, and the Arabic *Sâ‘îra,* which suggest an original reading, “to Seir,” the well-known mountain chain which was the headquarters of the Edomite people. Perhaps the reading...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Yet Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah unto this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Yet.**—Rather, *and* (*i.e.*, so).
**Unto this day.**—Down to the time of composition of the original account from which this epitome is extracted. This notice is borne out by the Assyrian monuments. Esarhaddon and Assurbanipal mention *Qa’us-gabrî* king of *Udumu* (Edom), along with Manasseh of Judah, among their tributaries. Esarhaddon also states that his father Sennacherib had reduced “...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
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?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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?</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **The rest of the acts.**—Or, *history*. (See especially 2Chronicles 21:11-19, and the Notes there.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Isra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Was buried with his fathers in the city of David.**—But not in the royal tombs (2Chronicles 21:20).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-24**
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.
Ahaziah's Reign in Judah
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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25-29) The reign of Ahaziah king of Judah. His expedition with Joram of Israel against Hazael at Ramoth-gilead. (Comp. 2Chronicles 22:1-6.)
**Two-and-twenty years old.**—He was Jehoram’a youngest son (2Chronicles 21:17; 2Chronicles 22:1), and, as his father died at the age of thirty-nine or forty (2Kings 8:17), he must have been begotten in Jehoram’s seventeenth or eighteenth year. There is no di...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-29**
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 meas...
Read full commentary →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. daughter: or, granddaughter
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingshi...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Ahaziah.**—Called Jehoahaz (2Chronicles 21:17). Ewald thinks he assumed the name of Ahaziah on his accession.
**The daughter of Omri**—*i.e.*, granddaughter. Omri is mentioned rather than Ahab as the founder of the dynasty, and the notorious example of its wickedness. (Comp. Micah 6:16 : “The statutes of Omri are kept.”)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13-21. behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab--**Though the king and people of Israel had highly offended Him, God had not utterly cast them off. He still cherished designs of mercy towards them, and here, though unasked, gave them a signal proof of His interest in them, by a prophet's animating announcement that the Lord would that day deliver the mighty hosts of the enemy into his hand by mean...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-29**
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 meas...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **The son-in-law of the house of Ahab.**—Comp. 2Chronicles 22:4, “his mother was his counsellor to do wickedly;” and notice the threefold repetition of the words “the house of Ahab.”
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-26. the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said--**The same prophet who had predicted the victory shortly reappeared, admonishing the king to take every precaution against a renewal of hostilities in the following campaign.
**at the return of the year--**that is, in spring, when, on the cessation of the rainy season, military campaigns (2Sa 11:1), were anciently begun. It happened as t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-29**
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 meas...
Read full commentary →And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead ; and the Syrians wounded Joram.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's pr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **And he went with Joram.**—By the persuasion of his mother and her family (2Chronicles 22:4). Ewald would omit the preposition *with*, on the assumption that Ahaziah took no part in the war at Ramoth, but only, as 2Kings 8:29 relates, visited Jehoram wheu lying ill of his wounds at Jezreel. But (1) all the MSS. and versions have the preposition; (2) if this verse related only to Joram king o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-26. the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said--**The same prophet who had predicted the victory shortly reappeared, admonishing the king to take every precaution against a renewal of hostilities in the following campaign.
**at the return of the year--**that is, in spring, when, on the cessation of the rainy season, military campaigns (2Sa 11:1), were anciently begun. It happened as t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-29**
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 meas...
Read full commentary →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. which: Heb. wherewith the Syrians had wounded Ramah: called Ramoth sick: Heb. wounded
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong><br><br>This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The referenc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Joram went back.**—With a few personal attendants. He left the army at Ramoth (2Kings 9:14) under the command of the generals, and perhaps of Ahaziah.
**In Jezreel.**—The seat of the court at this time. (Comp. 2Kings 10:11; 2Kings 10:13.) To reach *Samaria,* moreover, Joram would have had to cross a mountainous country, while he could be carried to Jezreel by an easier route through the val...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-26. the prophet came to the king of Israel, and said--**The same prophet who had predicted the victory shortly reappeared, admonishing the king to take every precaution against a renewal of hostilities in the following campaign.
**at the return of the year--**that is, in spring, when, on the cessation of the rainy season, military campaigns (2Sa 11:1), were anciently begun. It happened as t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 25-29**
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 meas...
Read full commentary →