Then Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram. Then Ahaziah went with Joram son of AhabAhaziah was the king of Judah, and Joram (also known as Jehoram) was the king of Israel. Both were descendants of the house of Ahab, as Ahaziah's mother, Athaliah, was Ahab's daughter. This alliance between Ahaziah and Joram reflects the political and familial ties between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah during this period. The alliance is significant as it shows the influence of Ahab's house extending into Judah, which had implications for the spiritual state of the nation, as Ahab's reign was marked by idolatry and apostasy. to fight against Hazael king of Aram
Hazael was a powerful king of Aram (Syria) who had been anointed by the prophet Elisha to become king (2 Kings 8:13). His reign marked a period of conflict with Israel. The Arameans were a constant threat to Israel, and Hazael's military campaigns were part of the fulfillment of God's judgment against Israel for their idolatry and disobedience. This battle is part of the larger narrative of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Aram, which is a recurring theme in the books of Kings. at Ramoth-gilead
Ramoth-gilead was a strategically important city located east of the Jordan River in the territory of Gilead. It was a site of frequent conflict between Israel and Aram due to its strategic and economic significance. The city had previously been a Levitical city of refuge (Deuteronomy 4:43), highlighting its importance in Israel's history. The battle at Ramoth-gilead is reminiscent of the earlier battle where Ahab, Joram's father, was killed (1 Kings 22), indicating a continuation of hostilities in this region. and the Arameans wounded Joram
Joram's wounding in battle is a pivotal moment that sets the stage for subsequent events, including his eventual assassination by Jehu (2 Kings 9:24). This incident underscores the vulnerability of Israel's leadership and the consequences of their alliances and military campaigns. The wounding of Joram can be seen as part of God's judgment on the house of Ahab, as prophesied by Elijah (1 Kings 21:21-24). It also foreshadows the downfall of Joram and the end of Ahab's dynasty, which is a significant turning point in the history of Israel. Persons / Places / Events 1. AhaziahKing of Judah, son of Jehoram and Athaliah, and grandson of Ahab and Jezebel. His reign was marked by his alliance with the northern kingdom of Israel. 2. Joram (Jehoram) son of AhabKing of Israel, son of Ahab and Jezebel. He continued the policies of his parents, including the worship of Baal, and was involved in conflicts with Aram (Syria). 3. HazaelKing of Aram (Syria), who was an adversary of Israel. His rise to power was prophesied by Elisha, and he became a significant threat to both Israel and Judah. 4. Ramoth-gileadA strategic city located east of the Jordan River, often contested between Israel and Aram. It was a site of frequent battles. 5. ArameansThe people of Aram, often at war with Israel. They were known for their military strength and were a persistent threat during this period. Teaching Points The Consequences of Ungodly AlliancesAhaziah's alliance with Joram, a king who continued in the sins of Ahab, led to his downfall. Believers should be cautious about forming alliances that compromise their faith and values. The Fulfillment of ProphecyThe events at Ramoth-gilead demonstrate the fulfillment of God's word through His prophets. This reminds us of the certainty and reliability of God's promises and warnings. The Sovereignty of God in HistoryDespite the political and military maneuvers of kings, God's sovereign plan unfolds. Trust in God's ultimate control over world events and personal circumstances. The Importance of Godly LeadershipAhaziah's failure as a leader highlights the need for leaders who seek God's guidance and adhere to His commandments. This applies to both spiritual and secular leadership roles. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Ahaziah's decision to ally with Joram, and how does this apply to our relationships and partnerships today? 2. How does the prophecy concerning Hazael in 1 Kings 19:15-17 relate to the events in 2 Kings 8:28, and what does this teach us about God's control over history? 3. In what ways do the events at Ramoth-gilead illustrate the consequences of turning away from God, and how can we apply this lesson to our personal lives? 4. How does the account of Ahaziah and Joram challenge us to evaluate the influences and alliances in our own lives? 5. Reflecting on the sovereignty of God demonstrated in this passage, how can we find peace and assurance in God's plans for our lives, even amidst challenging circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures 2 Kings 9This chapter continues the account of the conflict and the eventual downfall of Joram and Ahaziah, fulfilling the prophecy against the house of Ahab. 2 Chronicles 22Provides a parallel account of Ahaziah's reign and his alliance with Joram, offering additional insights into his character and decisions. 1 Kings 19:15-17God instructs Elijah to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, foretelling the role Hazael would play in God's judgment against Israel. People Ahab, Ahaziah, Aram, Athaliah, Ben, Benhadad, Ben-hadad, David, Edomites, Elisha, Gehazi, Hadad, Hazael, Israelites, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Jezreel, Joram, Omri, SyriansPlaces Damascus, Edom, Jerusalem, Jezreel, Libnah, Ramah, Ramoth-gilead, Samaria, Syria, ZairTopics Ahab, Aram, Aramaeans, Arameans, Battle, Gilead, Hazael, Haz'ael, Joram, Ramoth, Ramothgilead, Ramoth-gilead, Smite, Syria, Syrians, War, WoundedDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Kings 8:16-29 5366 king 2 Kings 8:28-29 7245 Judah, kingdom of Library The Story of Hazael
'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? 10. And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the Lord hath shewed me that he shall surely die. 11. And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept. 12. And Hazael said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureHazael
BY REV. J. G. GREENHOUGH, M.A. "But what, is thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing?"--2 KINGS viii. 13. Hazael was the chief minister and prime favourite of Benhadad, the Syrian king. He had been raised from a humble lot and promoted to that high post by the partiality of his sovereign, who had doubtless discerned his exceptional abilities, and certainly placed implicit trust in him. Just now the king was dangerously ill, and Hazael had been sent to inquire of the prophet of Israel …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
Assur-nazir-pal (885-860) and Shalmaneser III. (860-825)--The kingdom of Urartu and its conquering princes: Menuas and Argistis. Assyria was the first to reappear on the scene of action. Less hampered by an ancient past than Egypt and Chaldaea, she was the sooner able to recover her strength after any disastrous crisis, and to assume again the offensive along the whole of her frontier line. Image Drawn by Faucher-Gudin, from a bas-relief at Koyunjik of the time of Sennacherib. The initial cut, …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7 The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Redemption for Man Lost to be Sought in Christ.
1. The knowledge of God the Creator of no avail without faith in Christ the Redeemer. First reason. Second reason strengthened by the testimony of an Apostle. Conclusion. This doctrine entertained by the children of God in all ages from the beginning of the world. Error of throwing open heaven to the heathen, who know nothing of Christ. The pretexts for this refuted by passages of Scripture. 2. God never was propitious to the ancient Israelites without Christ the Mediator. First reason founded on …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion The Prophet Joel.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS. The position which has been assigned to Joel in the collection of the Minor Prophets, furnishes an external argument for the determination of the time at which Joel wrote. There cannot be any doubt that the Collectors were guided by a consideration of the chronology. The circumstance, that they placed the prophecies of Joel just between the two prophets who, according to the inscriptions and contents of their prophecies, belonged to the time of Jeroboam and Uzziah, is …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Christ's Prophetic Office
'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet,' &c. Deut 18:85. Having spoken of the person of Christ, we are next to speak of the offices of Christ. These are Prophetic, Priestly, and Regal. 'The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet.' Enunciatur hic locus de Christo. It is spoken of Christ.' There are several names given to Christ as a Prophet. He is called the Counsellor' in Isa 9:9. In uno Christo Angelus foederis completur [The Messenger of the Covenant appears in Christ alone]. …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men
WHEN St. Paul wrote his Epistle to Titus about his duty as a minister, he mentioned young men as a class requiring peculiar attention. After speaking of aged men and aged women, and young women, he adds this pithy advice, "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded" (Tit. 2:6). I am going to follow the Apostle's advice. I propose to offer a few words of friendly exhortation to young men. I am growing old myself, but there are few things I remember so well as the days of my youth. I have a most …
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Commerce
The remarkable change which we have noticed in the views of Jewish authorities, from contempt to almost affectation of manual labour, could certainly not have been arbitrary. But as we fail to discover here any religious motive, we can only account for it on the score of altered political and social circumstances. So long as the people were, at least nominally, independent, and in possession of their own land, constant engagement in a trade would probably mark an inferior social stage, and imply …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Original Sin
Q-16: DID ALL MANKIND FALL IN ADAM'S FIRST TRANSGRESSION? A: The covenant being made with Adam, not only for himself, but for his posterity, all mankind descending from him, by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. 'By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin,' &c. Rom 5:12. Adam being a representative person, while he stood, we stood; when he fell, we fell, We sinned in Adam; so it is in the text, In whom all have sinned.' Adam was the head …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity 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 Links 2 Kings 8:28 NIV2 Kings 8:28 NLT2 Kings 8:28 ESV2 Kings 8:28 NASB2 Kings 8:28 KJV
2 Kings 8:28 Commentaries
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