Topical Bible: Anointing in Consecration: Hazael

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Introduction

The anointing of Hazael as king over Aram (Syria) is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of prophetic words. This event is primarily recorded in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Kings, where the prophet Elisha plays a central role in the anointing process. The anointing of Hazael is a demonstration of God's control over the nations and His use of foreign rulers to accomplish His purposes.

Biblical Context

The account of Hazael's anointing is set during the reign of King Ben-hadad of Aram, a time when the kingdom of Israel was frequently at odds with its neighbors. The prophet Elijah was initially instructed by God to anoint Hazael as king over Aram, as recorded in 1 Kings 19:15: "Then the LORD said to him: 'Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram.'" However, it is Elisha, Elijah's successor, who ultimately carries out this task.

The Anointing by Elisha

The account of Hazael's anointing is detailed in 2 Kings 8:7-15. Elisha travels to Damascus, where Ben-hadad, the king of Aram, is ill. Upon hearing of Elisha's presence, Ben-hadad sends Hazael to inquire of the prophet whether he will recover from his illness. Elisha's response is both cryptic and prophetic. He tells Hazael, "Go and say to him, 'You will surely recover.' But the LORD has shown me that he will surely die" (2 Kings 8:10).

Elisha then gazes intently at Hazael, weeping, and reveals the future atrocities Hazael will commit against Israel. Hazael is taken aback and questions how he, a mere servant, could accomplish such deeds. Elisha responds, "The LORD has shown me that you will become king over Aram" (2 Kings 8:13). This prophetic declaration serves as the anointing of Hazael, setting in motion the events that lead to his ascension to the throne.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

Following his encounter with Elisha, Hazael returns to Ben-hadad and delivers the message of recovery. However, the next day, Hazael takes a cloth, soaks it in water, and suffocates the king, thereby seizing the throne for himself (2 Kings 8:15). This act fulfills the prophetic word given by Elisha and marks the beginning of Hazael's reign over Aram.

Theological Significance

The anointing of Hazael underscores several key theological themes. First, it highlights God's sovereignty over the nations, demonstrating that He can raise up leaders, even from among Israel's enemies, to fulfill His divine purposes. Hazael's reign, characterized by aggression against Israel, serves as an instrument of God's judgment upon His people for their disobedience.

Second, the narrative emphasizes the role of prophecy in the unfolding of God's plan. Elisha's prophetic insight into Hazael's future actions and his subsequent anointing of Hazael as king illustrate the power and authority of God's word through His prophets.

Lastly, the account of Hazael serves as a reminder of the moral complexities and the often unexpected means by which God accomplishes His will. Despite Hazael's violent rise to power, his anointing is part of the divine narrative that ultimately points to God's redemptive plan for His people.

Conclusion

The anointing of Hazael as king over Aram is a profound example of God's providence and the fulfillment of His prophetic word. Through the actions of the prophet Elisha, God's sovereignty is displayed, and His purposes are advanced, even through the tumultuous events of history.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 19:15
And the LORD said to him, Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when you come, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the anointing of Saul (1 Samuel 9:16; x.1 ... barring its progress, as Ben-hadad and
Hazael had arrested ... and had granted him that religious consecration which had ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm