At that time
This phrase situates the events within a specific historical context. The time referred to is during the reign of Jehoash (Joash) of Judah, a period marked by political instability and external threats. This era is characterized by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram (Syria), as well as internal challenges within the kingdom of Judah.

Hazael king of Aram
Hazael was a significant figure in the history of the Near East, known for his aggressive military campaigns. He became king of Aram (modern-day Syria) after assassinating Ben-Hadad II, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:15. Hazael's reign is noted for its expansionist policies, which brought him into conflict with both Israel and Judah. His actions fulfilled the prophecy given to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:15-17, where Hazael was anointed as a tool of judgment against Israel.

marched up and fought against Gath
Gath was one of the five major Philistine cities, located in the coastal region of Canaan. Its capture by Hazael indicates the extent of Aram's military reach and the weakening of Philistine power. The city's strategic location made it a valuable target for any regional power seeking to control trade routes and exert influence over the southern Levant.

and captured it
The capture of Gath demonstrates Hazael's military prowess and the vulnerability of the surrounding regions. This event underscores the shifting power dynamics in the region, as Aram's influence expanded at the expense of both Philistine and Israelite territories. The fall of Gath would have had significant implications for the security of Judah and its neighbors.

Then he decided to attack Jerusalem
Hazael's decision to attack Jerusalem highlights the threat posed to the kingdom of Judah. Jerusalem, as the capital city, was the political and religious center of Judah, making it a prime target for any invading force. This decision reflects the broader geopolitical ambitions of Hazael and the precarious position of Judah during this period. The attack on Jerusalem is a pivotal moment, as it tests the leadership of Jehoash and the resilience of the city. This event also foreshadows future sieges and captures of Jerusalem, pointing to the city's central role in biblical history and prophecy.

1. Hazael
King of Aram (Syria), known for his military campaigns against Israel and Judah. His actions are often seen as instruments of God's judgment against the Israelites for their disobedience.

2. Gath
A Philistine city, one of the five major Philistine cities, known for its strategic importance. Its capture by Hazael signifies a shift in power and threat to the surrounding regions, including Judah.

3. Jerusalem
The capital city of Judah, central to Jewish worship and governance. Hazael's threat to Jerusalem underscores the vulnerability of Judah during this period.

4. Jehoash (Joash)
King of Judah during this time, known for his initial faithfulness to God under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, but later faltering in his commitment.

5. Aram (Syria)
A neighboring kingdom often in conflict with Israel and Judah. Its interactions with Israel and Judah are significant in the account of the Old Testament.God's Sovereignty in Judgment
Hazael's campaign against Judah serves as a reminder of God's control over nations and His use of them to accomplish His purposes, including judgment for disobedience.

The Importance of Faithfulness
The threat to Jerusalem highlights the consequences of turning away from God. It serves as a call to remain faithful and obedient to God's commands.

The Role of Leadership
Jehoash's reign illustrates the impact of leadership on a nation's spiritual health. Leaders are called to guide their people in righteousness and reliance on God.

Trust in God's Protection
Despite external threats, believers are encouraged to trust in God's protection and provision, knowing that He is ultimately in control.(17-21) Conclusion of the epitome of the reign, broken off at 2Kings 12:4.

(17) Then.--At that time, viz., after the events just related. Hazae?s invasion of the south followed upon his successes against Jehoahaz, who became king of the northern kingdom in the very year when Jehoash took in hand the restoration of the Temple. (Comp. 2Kings 12:6 with 2Kings 13:1; 2Kings 13:3.) It appears from 2Chronicles 24:23 that the high priest Jehoiada was dead, and Jehoash had already swerved from his counsels. . . .

Verses 17, 18. - The war of Joash with Hazael. A considerable gap occurs between vers. 16 and 17. We learn from Chronicles some particulars of the interval. Not long after the completion of the repairs, Jehoiada, who had lived to a good old age in complete harmony with the monarch, expired. His piety, and his good services, as preserver of the house of David, as restorer of the temple-worship, and joint-repairer with Joash of the temple itself, were regarded as entitling him to extraordinary funeral honors; and by general consent he was interred within the city of Jerusalem, in the sepulchers of the kings (2 Chronicles 24:16). His removal led to a fresh religious revolution. "The Jewish aristocracy, who perhaps had never been free from the licentious and idolatrous taint introduced by Rehoboam and confirmed by Athaliah, and who may well have been galled by the new rise of the priestly order, presented themselves before Joash, and offered him the same obsequious homage that bad been paid by the young nobles to Rehoboam. He... feeling himself released from personal obligations by the death of his adopted father, threw himself into their hands. Athaliah was avenged almost upon the spot where she had been first seized by her enemies" (Stanley, 'Jewish Church,' vol. 2. p. 345). Joash began by allowing the reintroduction of idolatry and grove-worship (2 Chronicles 24:18), and then, when remonstrated with by Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who had succeeded his father in the office of high priest, had the remonstrant set upon by the people and slain. The writer of Chronicles closely connects this murderous deed with the Syrian war, which followed it within a year (2 Chronicles 24:23), and was generally regarded as a Divine judgment. Verse 17. - Then Hazael King of Syria went up, and fought against Gath. Hitherto Judah had been safe from any attack on the part of Syria, since Israel had been interposed between the two powers. Now, however, that Hazael had conquered from Jehu the entire trans-Jordanic territory (2 Kings 10:33), the case was wholly altered - Judah and Syria had become conterminous along the line of the lower Jordan, and Syria could invade Judaea at any moment. It is surprising that Gath should have been the special object of attack, since Oath (Abu-Gheith) lay remote from the Syrian frontier, in the southwestern part of Judaea, and could only be reached from Syria by an enemy who was not afraid of leaving Jerusalem behind him. Gath, when last mentioned, was a Judaean city, and was fortified by Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:8); but it was originally Philistine (1 Samuel 5:17), and the Philistines had recovered it before the time of Uzziah (2 Chronicles 26:6). To which power it belonged when Hazael made war upon it is uncertain. And took it - probably took it by storm, and plundered it, but did not attempt an occupation - and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. If Gath be Abu-Gheith, as appears probable, it would be distant from Jerusalem not less than forty miles in a direct line. If Hazael, however, was returning to the trans-Jordanic country taken from Israel, it would lie in his way, and might naturally tempt him to make a dash at it, more especially as he was flushed with victory.

Parallel Commentaries ...


At that time
אָ֣ז (’āz)
Adverb
Strong's 227: At that time, place, therefore

Hazael
חֲזָאֵל֙ (ḥă·zā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2371: Hazael -- 'God sees', a king of Aram (Syria)

king
מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4428: A king

of Aram
אֲרָ֔ם (’ă·rām)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 758: Aram -- Syria

marched up
יַעֲלֶ֗ה (ya·‘ă·leh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

and fought
וַיִּלָּ֥חֶם (way·yil·lā·ḥem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3898: To feed on, to consume, to battle

against
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Gath
גַּ֖ת (gaṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1661: Gath -- 'wine press', a Philistine city

and captured it.
וַֽיִּלְכְּדָ֑הּ (way·yil·kə·ḏāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3920: To catch, to capture, occupy, to choose, to cohere

Then he
חֲזָאֵל֙ (ḥă·zā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2371: Hazael -- 'God sees', a king of Aram (Syria)

decided
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם (way·yā·śem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

to attack
לַעֲל֖וֹת (la·‘ă·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

Jerusalem.
יְרוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel


2 Kings 12:17 NIV
2 Kings 12:17 NLT
2 Kings 12:17 ESV
2 Kings 12:17 NASB
2 Kings 12:17 KJV

2 Kings 12:17 BibleApps.com
2 Kings 12:17 Biblia Paralela
2 Kings 12:17 Chinese Bible
2 Kings 12:17 French Bible
2 Kings 12:17 Catholic Bible

OT History: 2 Kings 12:17 Then Hazael king of Syria went up (2Ki iiKi ii ki 2 kg 2kg)