2 Kings 13:24
When Hazael king of Aram died, his son Ben-hadad reigned in his place.
When Hazael king of Aram died
Hazael was a significant figure in the history of Aram (modern-day Syria) and Israel. He became king after assassinating Ben-hadad I, as prophesied by Elisha (2 Kings 8:7-15). Hazael's reign was marked by military campaigns against Israel and Judah, fulfilling God's judgment against Israel for their idolatry (2 Kings 10:32-33). His death marks the end of a period of oppression for Israel, as Hazael was a formidable adversary. Historically, Hazael is also mentioned in Assyrian records, confirming his prominence and the threat he posed to neighboring nations.

his son Ben-hadad reigned in his place
Ben-hadad, likely Ben-hadad III, succeeded Hazael. The name "Ben-hadad" was a dynastic title used by Aramean kings, similar to "Pharaoh" in Egypt. This transition of power is significant as it marks a shift in the political landscape. Ben-hadad's reign is noted for the weakening of Aram's power, which allowed Israel to regain territories lost during Hazael's campaigns (2 Kings 13:25). This change in leadership fulfilled Elisha's prophecy that Israel would recover cities from Aram (2 Kings 13:17-19). The cyclical nature of Israel's oppression and deliverance is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, illustrating God's sovereignty and faithfulness despite Israel's unfaithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hazael
King of Aram (Syria) who was an adversary of Israel. His reign was marked by conflict with the Israelites.

2. Ben-hadad
Son of Hazael, who succeeded him as king of Aram. His name means "son of Hadad," a storm god worshiped in the region.

3. Aram
A region and kingdom located in present-day Syria, often in conflict with Israel during the biblical period.

4. Israel
The northern kingdom of the divided Israelite monarchy, frequently at odds with Aram.

5. Death and Succession
The transition of power from Hazael to Ben-hadad, a common theme in the historical accounts of the Bible.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over Nations
The transition of power from Hazael to Ben-hadad reminds us that God is in control of the rise and fall of leaders and nations.

The Consequences of Sin
Israel's oppression by Aram under Hazael's rule serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

The Importance of Prophecy
The fulfillment of Elijah's prophecy concerning Hazael underscores the reliability of God's word and the importance of heeding prophetic messages.

Trust in God's Deliverance
Despite the challenges faced by Israel, God's deliverance through various means, including changes in leadership, encourages believers to trust in His timing and methods.

The Role of Succession in God's Plan
The succession from Hazael to Ben-hadad illustrates how God uses generational changes to accomplish His purposes, encouraging us to consider our legacy and influence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the transition of power from Hazael to Ben-hadad demonstrate God's sovereignty over nations and leaders?

2. In what ways can the oppression of Israel by Aram serve as a warning against turning away from God in our own lives?

3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in the rise of Hazael encourage us to trust in the reliability of God's word today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the deliverance of Israel that can be applied to trusting God in our personal challenges?

5. How can we ensure that our own "succession" or legacy aligns with God's purposes, and what steps can we take to influence future generations positively?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Kings 19:15-17
This passage provides background on Hazael's rise to power, as he was anointed by the prophet Elijah as part of God's judgment on Israel.

2 Kings 8:7-15
Details the prophecy and events leading to Hazael's ascension to the throne, highlighting God's sovereignty over nations.

2 Kings 13:3-5
Describes the oppression of Israel by Hazael and the subsequent deliverance by God, setting the stage for Ben-hadad's reign.

Isaiah 7:1-9
Offers insight into the political dynamics between Aram and Israel, emphasizing trust in God over fear of earthly powers.
Joash's VictoriesJ. Orr 2 Kings 13:22-25
People
Ahaziah, Amaziah, Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Elisha, Hazael, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Jehu, Jeroboam, Joash, Moabites, Nebat, Syrians
Places
Aphek, Samaria, Syria
Topics
Aram, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, Ben-ha'dad, Died, Dieth, Hazael, Haz'ael, Reign, Reigned, Stead, Succeeded, Syria
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Kings 13:1-25

     5366   king

2 Kings 13:24-25

     7233   Israel, northern kingdom

Library
The Spirit of Power
'And Elisha said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands.'--2 KINGS xiii. 16. This is part of one of the strangest narratives in the Old Testament. Elisha is on his deathbed, 'sick of the sickness' wherewith he 'should die.' A very different scene, that close sick-chamber, from the open plain beyond Jordan from which Elijah had gone up; a very different way of passing from life by wasting sickness than by fiery
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Elijah's Translation and Elisha's Deathbed
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS ii. 12. '...And Joash, the King of Israel, came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said. O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof.'--2 KINGS xiii. U. The scenes and the speakers are strangely different in these two incidents. The one scene is that mysterious translation on the further bank of the Jordan, when a mortal was swept up to heaven in a
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Kings
The book[1] of Kings is strikingly unlike any modern historical narrative. Its comparative brevity, its curious perspective, and-with some brilliant exceptions--its relative monotony, are obvious to the most cursory perusal, and to understand these things is, in large measure, to understand the book. It covers a period of no less than four centuries. Beginning with the death of David and the accession of Solomon (1 Kings i., ii.) it traverses his reign with considerable fulness (1 Kings iii.-xi.),
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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