MPV Commentary

Hazael Kills His Master, and Succeeds Him.

Elisha arrived in Damascus at God's direction, fulfilling a mission previously given to his master on Mount Horeb (1Ki 19:15), to anoint Hazael king of Syria. Upon Elisha's arrival being known, Ben-hadad, who was ill, sent to inquire about the outcome of his disease and offered a generous gift in exchange for the service.

The gift consisted of forty camels' worth of valuable goods, but it's unlikely that such a large quantity was actually required to carry it. The people of the East often displayed their wealth by lavishly loading multiple animals with gifts, even if they could easily be carried on fewer beasts.

Ben-hadad referred to Elisha as "my father," a title commonly used in the East to show respect for a prophet or wise man. This was the same Syrian king who had previously persecuted Elisha (2Ki 6:13-14).

Elisha told Hazael, "Go and say to Ben-hadad, 'You may certainly recover.'" However, this message also contained a warning for Hazael, which he chose not to report. The second part of the message was intended for Hazael's ears alone (compare 2Ki 8:14).

Hazael's countenance remained steady until he felt ashamed, likely due to Elisha's piercing gaze, which seemed to reveal his secret intentions. Unfortunately, these intentions would lead Hazael to commit atrocities in Israel, including the murder of its king (2Ki 10:32; 13:3-4, 22).

Hazael used a thick woolen coverlet to smother Ben-hadad, a common practice in the East for cooling the body during fever. Some have questioned whether Hazael's actions were premeditated or accidental, but it's also possible that he genuinely intended to provide relief to the king. Regardless of his intentions, Hazael's swift rise to power followed soon after the king's death and burial.