King James Version

What Does 2 Kings 8:9 Mean?

“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”

Context

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? with: Heb. in his hand

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. stedfastly: Heb. and set it

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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 in mediæval Europe. **Forty camels’ burden.**—To be understood of an actual train of forty camels, carrying the presents of Ben-hadad. The Orientals are fond of making the most of a gift in this way. Chardin remarks, that “fifty persons often carry what a single one could very well carry” (Voyage, 3:21). **Came.**—Or, *went in, i.e.*, into the house where Elisha was. **Thy son Ben-hadad.**—Comp. 2Kings 13:14; 2Kings 5:13; 2Kings 4:12; 2Kings 6:21. “Father” was a respectful mode of addressing the prophet.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 2 Kings. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

2 Kings 8:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.