Ha'zi-el
Jump to: ConcordanceThesaurusSubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction:
Hazael is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for his role as the king of Aram (Syria) and his interactions with the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Hazael's reign marks a period of conflict and prophecy fulfillment, illustrating the sovereignty of God over the nations.

Biblical Account:
Hazael first appears in the biblical narrative in 1 Kings 19:15-17, where God instructs the prophet Elijah to anoint him as king over Aram. This command is part of God's plan to bring judgment upon Israel for its idolatry and apostasy. Although Elijah does not personally anoint Hazael, the task is later fulfilled through the prophet Elisha.

In 2 Kings 8:7-15, Hazael's rise to power is detailed. Elisha visits Damascus, where Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram, is ill. Ben-Hadad sends Hazael to inquire of Elisha whether he will recover. Elisha prophesies that the king will die and reveals to Hazael that he will become the next king. Subsequently, Hazael returns to Ben-Hadad and, the following day, suffocates him, thus seizing the throne.

Military Campaigns and Conflicts:
Hazael's reign is marked by military aggression against Israel and Judah. In 2 Kings 8:28-29, he battles against King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah at Ramoth-gilead. Hazael's forces inflict significant damage, fulfilling Elisha's earlier prophecy of destruction (2 Kings 8:12).

Hazael's campaigns continue as he oppresses Israel throughout the reign of Jehu and his son Jehoahaz. In 2 Kings 10:32-33, Hazael conquers territories east of the Jordan River, including Gilead and Bashan. His military prowess and expansionist policies make him a formidable adversary to the Israelite kings.

Divine Judgment and Prophecy:
Hazael's actions are seen as instruments of divine judgment against Israel. The Lord uses Hazael to discipline His people for their unfaithfulness, as prophesied by Elisha. Despite his role in God's plan, Hazael's brutality and ambition are not condoned. His reign serves as a reminder of God's control over history and His ability to use even pagan kings to accomplish His purposes.

Historical and Archaeological Context:
Hazael's existence and reign are corroborated by extra-biblical sources, including the Assyrian records and the Tel Dan Stele, which mentions the "House of David" and Hazael's military victories. These findings provide historical validation of the biblical narrative and offer insight into the geopolitical landscape of the ancient Near East.

Legacy:
Hazael's legacy is one of both fear and respect. His military successes and expansion of Aram's territory left a lasting impact on the region. However, his account also serves as a testament to the fulfillment of God's word through His prophets. Hazael's life and reign underscore the themes of divine sovereignty, judgment, and the intricate unfolding of God's redemptive history.
Concordance
Ha'zi-el (1 Occurrence)

1 Chronicles 23:9
The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the fathers' houses of Ladan.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Ha'zi-el (1 Occurrence)
Ha'zi-el. Haziel, Ha'zi-el. Hazi-hammana-hethites . Multi-Version
Concordance Ha'zi-el (1 Occurrence). 1 Chronicles 23:9 The sons ...
/h/ha'zi-el.htm - 6k

Haziel (1 Occurrence)
... HAZIEL. ha'-zi-el (chazi'el, "God sees"): A Levite of the sons of Shimei, of David's
time (1 Chronicles 23:9). Multi-Version Concordance Haziel (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/haziel.htm - 7k

Jahaziel (6 Occurrences)
... JAHAZIEL. ja-ha'-zi-el (yachazi'el, "God sees"): (1) In 1 Chronicles 12:4 (Hebrew
5), one of David's recruits at Ziklag, a Benjamite or maybe a Judean. ...
/j/jahaziel.htm - 10k

Hazi-hammana-hethites (1 Occurrence)
Hazi-hammana-hethites. Ha'zi-el, Hazi-hammana-hethites. Hazi-hammenuhoth . ...
Ha'zi-el, Hazi-hammana-hethites. Hazi-hammenuhoth . Reference Bible.
/h/hazi-hammana-hethites.htm - 6k

Resources
What are the different names of God, and what do they mean? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the word Elohim? | GotQuestions.org

What are the attributes of God? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Haziel
Top of Page
Top of Page