Topical Bible: Syria: Elijah Anointed Hazael King Over, by Divine Direction

◄ Syria: Elijah Anointed Hazael King Over, by Divine Direction ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the nation of Syria, also known as Aram, plays a significant role in the history of Israel and its prophets. One of the pivotal moments involving Syria is the anointing of Hazael as king, an event orchestrated by the prophet Elijah under divine instruction.

Background

Syria, located to the northeast of Israel, was a prominent kingdom during the time of the divided monarchy in Israel. The capital city, Damascus, was a center of power and influence. Throughout the Old Testament, Syria is often depicted as both a foe and an instrument of God's judgment against Israel.

Divine Commission to Elijah

The anointing of Hazael is rooted in a divine commission given to Elijah. In 1 Kings 19, after Elijah's dramatic confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel and his subsequent flight from Queen Jezebel, God speaks to Elijah at Mount Horeb. The Lord instructs Elijah to anoint Hazael as king over Syria, Jehu as king over Israel, and Elisha as his prophetic successor. This directive is part of God's plan to bring judgment and reform to Israel.

1 Kings 19:15-16 states: "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. You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel, and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet.'"

Fulfillment of the Commission

While Elijah receives the command, it is his successor, Elisha, who ultimately carries out the anointing of Hazael. In 2 Kings 8, Elisha travels to Damascus, where he encounters Hazael, a high-ranking official serving under King Ben-Hadad of Syria. At this time, Ben-Hadad is ill, and Hazael is sent to inquire of Elisha whether the king will recover.

Elisha delivers a prophetic message with a dual meaning. He tells Hazael that the king will recover from his illness, but he also foresees that Ben-Hadad will die. Elisha weeps, foreseeing the destruction Hazael will bring upon Israel. Hazael, upon returning to Ben-Hadad, reports only the favorable part of the prophecy. The next day, Hazael murders the king and seizes the throne, thus fulfilling the divine directive given to Elijah.

2 Kings 8:13-15 recounts this event: "But Hazael replied, 'How could your servant, a mere dog, accomplish such a feat?' And Elisha answered, 'The LORD has shown me that you will become king over Aram.' The next day, Hazael took a thick cloth, dipped it in water, and spread it over the king’s face. So Ben-Hadad died, and Hazael reigned in his place."

Significance

The anointing of Hazael as king over Syria is a testament to God's sovereignty and His use of foreign nations to accomplish His purposes. Hazael's reign marks a period of conflict and oppression for Israel, as he becomes a formidable adversary. This event underscores the theme of divine judgment and the fulfillment of prophetic words, illustrating the intricate interplay between God's will and human actions in the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Elisha's Closing Ministry
... of Hazael the Syrian, who had been anointed to be ... But the reformation begun by Elijah
and carried forward by ... "Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was sore ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 21 elishas closing ministry.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... in a triumphal progress through Northern Syria, is almost a ... ibirtan naru, translated
from the ford over the river ... the territory subject to the king is measured ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... xvii., xviii., where the conflict between Elijah and the ... as well as of the anointed
stones which ... was offered by the neighbouring provinces of Southern Syria. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm