TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Kings 13:20–25. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
We must here attend,
I.The sepulchre of Elisha: he died in a good old age, and they buried him; and what follows shows,
1.What power there was in his life to keep off judgments; for, as soon as he was dead, the bands of the Moabites invaded the land - not great armies to face them in the field, but roving skulking bands, that murdered and plundered by surprise. God has many ways to chastise a provoking people. The king was apprehensive of danger only from the Syrians, but, behold, the Moabites invade him. Trouble comes sometimes from that point whence we least feared it. The mentioning of this immediately upon the death of Elisha intimates that the removal of God's faithful prophets is a presage of judgments coming. When ambassadors are recalled heralds may be expected.
2.What power there was in his dead body: it communicated life to another dead body, Kg2 13:21. This great miracle, though very briefly related, was a decided proof of his mission and a confirmation of all his prophecies. It was also a plain indication of another life after this. When Elisha died, there was not an end of him, for then he could not have done this. From operation we may infer existence. By this it appeared that the Lord was still the God of Elisha; therefore Elisha still lived, for God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. And it may, perhaps, have a reference to Christ, by whose death and burial the grave is made to all believers a safe and happy passage to life. It likewise intimated that though Elisha was dead, yet, in virtue of the promises made by him, Israel's interests, though they seemed quite sunk and lost, should revive and flourish again. The neighbours were carrying the dead body of a man to the grave, and, fearing to fall into the hands of the Moabites, a party of whom they saw at a distance near the place where the body was to be interred, they laid the corpse in the next convenient place, which proved to be Elisha's sepulchre. The dead man, upon touching Elisha's bones, revived, and, it is likely, went home again with his friends. Josephus relates the story otherwise, That some thieves, having robbed and murdered an honest traveller, threw his dead body into Elisha's grave, and it immediately revived. Elijah was honoured in his departure. Elisha was honoured after his departure. God thus dispenses honours as he pleases, but, one way or other, the rest of all the saints will be glorious, Isa 11:10. It is good being near the saints and having our lot with them both in life and death.
II.The sword of Joash king of Israel; and we find it successful against the Syrians.
1.The cause of his success was God's favour (Kg2 13:23): The Lord was gracious to them, had compassion on them in their miseries and respect unto them. The several expressions here of the same import call upon us to observe and admire the triumphs of divine goodness in the deliverance of such a provoking people. It was of the Lord's mercies that they were not consumed, because he would not destroy them as yet. He foresaw they would destroy themselves at last, but as yet he would reprieve them, and give them space to repent. The slowness of God's processes against sinners must be construed to the honour of his mercy, not the impeachment of his justice.
2.The effect of his success was Israel's benefit. He recovered out of the hands of Benhadad the cities of Israel which the Syrians were possessed of, Kg2 13:25. This was a great kindness to the cities themselves, which were hereby brought from under the yoke of oppression, and to the whole kingdom, which was much strengthened by the reduction of those cities. Thrice Joash beat the Syrians, just as often as he had struck the ground with the arrows, and then a full stop was put to the course of his victories. Many have repented, when it was too late, of their distrusts and the straitness of their desires.
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Summary
Second Kings 13:24 precisely records the passing of Hazael, the formidable king of Aram (Syria), and the subsequent peaceful accession of his son, Benhadad, to the throne. This succinct historical declaration marks a pivotal turning point in the protracted conflict between Israel and Syria, signaling the conclusion of a prolonged period of severe Syrian oppression over the northern kingdom of Israel and establishing the conditions for a significant shift in regional power dynamics that would soon bring partial, divinely orchestrated relief to God's covenant people.
Context
Literary Context
This verse functions as a crucial narrative hinge within 2 Kings, immediately following the profound account of Elisha's final prophetic acts and his death. The preceding verses vividly portray the intense oppression Israel endured under Hazael's iron fist, notably highlighting their diminished military strength and severe suffering (see Israel's dire straits and their reduced army). Crucially, the text also emphasizes God's compassionate response to Israel's plight, remembering His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (God's Compassion for Israel). The death of Hazael directly sets the stage for the subsequent narrative in 2 Kings 13:25, where King Joash of Israel achieves three significant victories over Benhadad, recovering territory previously lost to Hazael. This narrative sequence powerfully underscores the immediate and profound impact of Hazael's death on Israel's fortunes, serving as a partial fulfillment of the deliverance promised by Elisha to Joash just before the prophet's own passing (compare Elisha's Final Prophecy to Joash).
Historical & Cultural Context
Hazael was an exceptionally powerful and ruthless king of Aram-Damascus, whose reign (c. 842-800 BCE) was characterized by aggressive expansion and military dominance over neighboring states, including both Israel and Judah. His ascent to power, achieved through the assassination of his predecessor Ben-Hadad II, had been chillingly foretold by the prophet Elisha (see Elisha's Prophecy to Hazael). For decades, Hazael served as a divinely appointed instrument of judgment against Israel due to their persistent idolatry and covenant disobedience. The succession of Benhadad (likely Ben-Hadad III) upon his father's death was a standard practice in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, ensuring dynastic continuity. The name "Benhadad" itself, meaning "son of Hadad," reflects the widespread worship of Hadad, the Aramean storm god, in Syrian culture, highlighting the pervasive pagan religious context against which Israel's unique covenant faith was perpetually defined and tested.
Key Themes
This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of 2 Kings and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Sovereignty over Nations. Even formidable and oppressive rulers like Hazael are ultimately under God's absolute control, serving His purposes, whether as instruments of judgment or, through their demise, paving the way for His deliverance. Their end comes precisely according to God's timing and plan, not merely by human chance or natural occurrence. Secondly, the verse highlights the Fulfillment of Prophecy and God's Faithfulness. Hazael's reign of terror had been a direct fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy, and his death now opens the door for the partial reversal of Israel's fortunes, which had also been prophetically anticipated (e.g., Elisha's Prophecy of Victory). This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people, even when they stray. Finally, the peaceful Succession and Continuity of the Syrian monarchy, despite the change in leadership, underscores that God's overarching plan for Israel and the nations continues to unfold, regardless of who occupies earthly thrones. The transition from Hazael to Benhadad, while seemingly a mundane historical event, was a divinely orchestrated moment with profound implications for Israel's future.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "God has seen." This name carries a profound and poignant irony in the context of his reign. While Hazael was a ruthless oppressor of Israel, his rise to power, his actions, and ultimately his death were all meticulously "seen" and orchestrated by God. He served as a divinely appointed instrument of judgment against Israel, and his demise was an integral part of God's sovereign plan to bring relief to His covenant people, demonstrating God's oversight even of pagan kings.
Meaning "son of Hadad." This name directly links the Syrian king to the prominent Aramean storm god, Hadad, reflecting the pervasive pagan religious landscape of Aram. His succession signifies the continuity of the Syrian dynasty and its religious devotion, but also introduces a new, less formidable adversary for Israel, allowing for a significant shift in the regional power dynamics that would favor Israel.
The simple, declarative statement "died" (from the root mûwth) is remarkably concise, yet it carries immense theological weight. In the biblical narrative, the death of a significant figure, especially an oppressor, is rarely just a biological event; it often signifies a divinely ordained turning point. It marks the definitive end of one era and the beginning of another, particularly in relation to God's unfolding purposes for His people and the nations.
Verse Breakdown
"So Hazael king of Syria died;"
This clause marks the definitive and divinely appointed conclusion of Hazael's long, brutal, and oppressive reign over Aram-Damascus. His death is presented as a factual, yet profoundly significant, event. For the northern kingdom of Israel, this was not merely a change of leadership in a neighboring kingdom but the cessation of a divinely appointed period of severe judgment and suffering. The introductory "So" (וַיָּמָת, vayyāmot), while implying a consequence or natural progression, within the biblical worldview, subtly indicates that even such "natural" events are often understood as divinely orchestrated to fulfill God's purposes.
"and Benhadad his son reigned in his stead."
This clause details the immediate and peaceful transfer of power within the Aramean monarchy. The succession of Benhadad III, Hazael's son, ensured the dynastic continuity of the Aramean kingdom. However, as subsequent verses reveal (Joash's Victories Over Benhadad), Benhadad would prove to be a less effective and less formidable adversary against Israel than his father, allowing for Israel's partial recovery and a reversal of fortunes. This transition, therefore, was not merely a historical footnote but a crucial element in God's unfolding plan for Israel's deliverance and restoration.
Literary Devices
The profound brevity and declarative nature of 2 Kings 13:24 conceal its rich literary and theological significance. The verse functions primarily as a Transition, marking a clear and decisive shift in the narrative from the protracted period of intense Syrian oppression under Hazael to the impending, albeit partial, relief and restoration for Israel under King Joash. It acts as a pivotal turning point, closing one chapter of suffering and opening another of potential divine intervention and recovery. Furthermore, the verse employs Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the upcoming victories for Israel that will be detailed in the very next verse (Joash's Victories Over Benhadad). The simple, factual statement of Hazael's death implicitly promises a dramatic change in fortunes for God's people. There is also a powerful element of Irony embedded in the name Hazael ("God has seen"), as the very individual who served as an instrument of God's judgment ultimately meets his end at God's appointed time, a time "seen" and ordained by the Almighty. The remarkable Conciseness of the statement itself is a deliberate literary choice, emphasizing the factual certainty of the event while allowing its profound theological implications to resonate more deeply in the reader's mind, especially when read in context with the preceding and following verses.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The death of Hazael and the succession of Benhadad in 2 Kings 13:24 profoundly underscore the foundational biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers and the course of human history. This seemingly simple historical record is a powerful demonstration that no king, however mighty, formidable, or oppressive, rules outside the scope of divine control and ultimate authority. Hazael, who had been a relentless scourge to Israel and a divinely appointed instrument of God's judgment for decades, ultimately fulfilled his appointed purpose, and his reign concluded precisely when God determined. This event highlights that God raises up and brings down rulers, orchestrating the ebb and flow of nations to accomplish His redemptive purposes, often through the unexpected turns of human events. It powerfully reinforces the theological understanding that even in times of severe suffering, national decline, and seemingly insurmountable odds, God remains utterly faithful to His covenant promises, using the rise and fall of nations to ultimately work for the good of His people and the unfolding of His grand, eternal plan.
Reflection and Application
The concise declaration of Hazael's death and Benhadad's succession in 2 Kings 13:24 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God remains utterly sovereign over all earthly powers, even in an age where political leaders, global events, and societal challenges often seem chaotic, overwhelming, or beyond human control. Just as Hazael's oppressive reign had a divinely appointed end, so too does every period of difficulty, every challenging circumstance, and every oppressive force in our personal lives and in the world at large. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in God's perfect timing and His unwavering compassion, even when circumstances appear bleak or when the forces arrayed against us seem insurmountable. It encourages us to look beyond immediate political or social realities to the ultimate control of the King of kings, who meticulously orchestrates the rise and fall of nations for His glory and the ultimate good of His people. Our ultimate hope is not to be found in the changing of earthly rulers or the shifting tides of human power, but in the unchanging character and steadfast faithfulness of God, who remembers His covenant and brings about deliverance in His own way and in His perfect time.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Hazael's death so significant for Israel?
Hazael's death was profoundly significant for Israel because it marked the definitive end of a long and brutal period of Syrian oppression. For decades, Hazael had been a divinely appointed instrument of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel due to their persistent idolatry and sin, severely diminishing their military and territorial strength (see Israel's dire straits and their reduced army). His demise paved the way for King Joash of Israel to achieve three significant victories over Benhadad, recovering cities that Hazael had previously captured, as detailed in Joash's Victories Over Benhadad, thus bringing much-needed partial relief and restoration to Israel.
Was Benhadad as oppressive as Hazael?
While Benhadad III, Hazael's son, continued the conflict with Israel, the biblical narrative indicates that he was not as successful or as formidable an oppressor as his father. The power of Aram-Damascus against Israel appears to have significantly weakened under Benhadad III. King Joash of Israel was able to defeat him three times, recovering cities that Hazael had taken, as recounted in Joash's Victories Over Benhadad. This suggests that while the Syrian threat remained, its intensity and the success of its aggression diminished with the change in leadership, allowing Israel a crucial measure of recovery and relief.
How does this verse relate to Elisha's prophecies?
This verse directly relates to Elisha's prophecies in two significant ways. Firstly, Elisha had earlier prophesied Hazael's brutal rise to power and the immense harm he would inflict upon Israel (see Elisha's Prophecy to Hazael). Hazael's death, therefore, signals the divinely ordained end of that specific period of judgment that Elisha had foretold. Secondly, and more immediately, Elisha's final prophecy to King Joash just before his own death (recorded in Elisha's Final Prophecy to Joash) about striking the ground foreshadowed the victories that would now become possible against Benhadad. Hazael's death was the crucial turning point that allowed for the fulfillment of Elisha's promise of partial deliverance for Israel, leading directly to Joash's subsequent triumphs.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The death of Hazael and the subsequent shift in power dynamics, bringing a measure of relief and restoration to Israel, serves as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of the ultimate and definitive victory achieved by Jesus Christ. Just as Hazael represented a formidable, oppressive force that held God's people in bondage, so too do sin, death, and Satan represent the ultimate oppressors of all humanity. Earthly kings and empires rise and fall, serving God's sovereign purposes, but their power is always temporary, limited, and ultimately subject to decay. In Christ, however, we behold the true King whose reign is eternal and whose victory is absolute and unassailable. His sacrificial death on the cross was not an end but the ultimate turning point in cosmic history, definitively disarming the spiritual rulers and authorities and triumphing over them (see Christ's Triumph Over Powers). Through His glorious resurrection, Christ destroyed him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and thereby delivered all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery (see Christ's Defeat of Death). The brief, partial relief Israel experienced under Joash after Hazael's demise powerfully points to the complete, eternal, and comprehensive liberation from sin's dominion and death's sting that is found exclusively in Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jesus, the Lamb of God), and through His finished work, the kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever (The Kingdom of the World Becomes Christ's).