Topical Encyclopedia Hazael, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is primarily known for his role as the king of Aram (Syria) and his interactions with the prophet Elisha and the kings of Israel. His account is a compelling example of falsehood and deceit, which are recurrent themes in biblical narratives.Background and Rise to Power Hazael's rise to power is intricately linked to a prophecy delivered by the prophet Elisha. In 2 Kings 8:7-15, Hazael is introduced as a servant of Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram. When Ben-Hadad falls ill, he sends Hazael to inquire of Elisha whether he will recover. Elisha's response is layered with prophetic insight and foreboding. 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). This statement sets the stage for Hazael's deceitful actions. The Act of Falsehood Upon returning to Ben-Hadad, Hazael delivers only part of Elisha's message, telling the king that he will recover. However, the very next day, Hazael takes matters into his own hands and suffocates Ben-Hadad, thus fulfilling the latter part of Elisha's prophecy. This act of murder and betrayal marks Hazael's ascent to the throne of Aram. His falsehood is not merely in words but in the treacherous actions that follow, highlighting the destructive power of deceit. Hazael's Reign and Impact on Israel As king, Hazael becomes a formidable adversary to Israel. His reign is characterized by military aggression and expansion. In 2 Kings 10:32, it is recorded that "In those days the LORD began to reduce the size of Israel, and Hazael defeated them throughout their territory." Hazael's campaigns against Israel are a fulfillment of divine judgment, as prophesied by Elisha, yet they also underscore the consequences of his initial deceitful rise to power. Prophetic Fulfillment and Divine Sovereignty Hazael's account is a testament to the complex interplay between human actions and divine sovereignty. While his deceitful actions are morally reprehensible, they are used within the divine plan to bring about judgment on Israel. This duality is a common theme in the Bible, where human sinfulness is often woven into the broader tapestry of God's redemptive purposes. Legacy and Lessons Hazael's legacy is one of power gained through falsehood and maintained through violence. His life serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of deceit and the far-reaching consequences of sin. The narrative of Hazael challenges believers to consider the integrity of their actions and the truthfulness of their words, reminding them of the biblical call to honesty and righteousness. In summary, Hazael's account is a vivid illustration of falsehood in the biblical context, demonstrating how deceit can lead to both personal gain and divine judgment. His interactions with Elisha and the kings of Israel provide a rich narrative that underscores the importance of truth and the sovereignty of God in the unfolding of history. Nave's Topical Index 2 Kings 8:7-15And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come here. Nave's Topical Index Library Young Man! a Prayer for You Love's Complaining Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Tit. 2:06 Thoughts for Young Men Resources What is the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy? | GotQuestions.orgShould we allow false teachers into our home? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God's anointed? | GotQuestions.org Falsehood: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Falsehood in Accusing Ahimelech of Conspiring With David Against Himself Falsehood in Denying to the King of Gerar, That She Was Abraham's Wife Falsehood in False Professions to Absalom Falsehood in Falsely Accusing Jesus of Being Gluttonous and a Winebibber (A Wino) Falsehood in his Deceitful Counsel to Absalom Falsehood in his False Pretensions to Jesus Falsehood in Impugning Job's Motives for Being Righteous Falsehood in Refusing to Bear Truthful Testimony Concerning John the Baptist Falsehood: Aaron, in Attempting to Shift Responsibility for the Making of the Golden Calf Falsehood: Abraham, in Denying That Sarah Was his Wife Falsehood: Adam and Eve, in Attempting to Evade Responsibility Falsehood: Ananias and Sapphira Falsely State That They had Sold Their Land for a Given Sum Falsehood: Cain, in Denying Knowledge of his Brother Falsehood: David in Feigning Madness Falsehood: David Lied to Ahimelech Falsehood: David's Other Deceits With the Philistines Falsehood: Falsely Accusing Jesus of Blasphemy, when he Forgave Sin Falsehood: Gehazi, when he Ran After Naaman Falsehood: General Scriptures Concerning Falsehood: Haman, in his Conspiracy Against the Jews Falsehood: Herod the Great, to the Wise Men, in Professing to Desire to Worship Jesus Falsehood: Isaac, Denying That Rebekah Was his Wife Falsehood: Jacob's Sons, in the Scheme to Destroy the Shechemites by First Having Them Circumcised Falsehood: Jeremiah's Adversaries, in Accusing Him of Joining the Chaldeans Falsehood: Jeroboam's Wife, Feigning Herself to be Another Woman Falsehood: Joseph, in the Deception he Carried on With his Brothers Falsehood: Paul's Traducers, Falsely Accusing Him of Treason to Caesar Falsehood: Peter, in Denying Jesus Falsehood: Pharaoh, in Dealing Deceitfully With the Israelites Falsehood: Potiphar's Wife, in Falsely Accusing Joseph Falsehood: Princes of Israel, when They Went to Jeremiah for a Vision from the Lord Falsehood: Rahab, in Denying That the Spies Were in Her House Falsehood: Rebekah and Isaac, in the Conspiracy Against Esau Falsehood: Samaritans, in Their Efforts to Hinder the Rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem Falsehood: Sanballat in Trying to Obstruct the Rebuilding of Jerusalem Falsehood: Sisera, Who Instructed Jael to Mislead his Pursuers Falsehood: Stephen's Accusers, Who Falsely Accused Him of Blaspheming Moses and God Falsehood: The Amalekite Who Claimed to Have Killed Saul Falsehood: The Conspirators Against Naboth Falsehood: The Cretans are Always Liars, Evil Beasts, Slow Bellies Falsehood: The Disobedient Son, Who Promised to Work in the Vineyard, But did Not Falsehood: The Falsehood of Friendship to Absalom That David Put in the Mouth of Hushai Falsehood: The Old Prophet of Beth-El Who Misguided the Prophet of Judah Falsehood: The Roman Soldiers, Who Said the Disciples Stole the Body of Jesus Falsehood: The Wife of the Bahurimite Who Saved the Lives of Hushai's Messengers Falsehood: To the Angels, Denying Her Derisive Laugh of Unbelief Falsehood: Zedekiah, in Violating his Oath of Allegiance to Nebuchadnezzer The Gibeonites, Ambassadors, in the Deception Related Terms Nebuchadrez'zar (31 Occurrences) |
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