What Does 2 Kings 8:7 Mean?

(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 charge of Elijah’s. (Comp. 1Kings 19:15, where Elijah himself is bidden to anoint Hazael). Ewald believes that Elisha retreated to Damascene territory, in consequence of the strained relations existing between him and Jehoram, owing to the latter’s toleration of idolatry. Obviously all this rests upon pure conjecture. It is clear from 2Kings 8:7 that Elisha’s visit was not expected in Damascus, and further, that there was peace at the time between Damascus and Samaria. We do not know how much of Elisha’s history has been omitted between 2Kings 7:20 and 2Kings 8:7; but we may fairly assume that a *divine impulse* led the prophet to Damascus. The revelation, of which he speaks in 2Kings 8:10; 2Kings 8:13, probably came to him at the time, and so was not the occasion of his journey. **Ben-hadad . . . was sick.**—According to Josephus, on account of the failure of his expedition against Samaria (?). **The man of God.**—As if Elisha were well known and highly esteemed in Syria. **Is come hither.**—This certainly implies that Elisha had entered Damascus itself.