2 Kings 8:11

KJV

And he settled his countenance stedfastly, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he settled {H5975} his countenance {H6440} stedfastly {H7760}, until he was ashamed {H954}: and the man {H376} of God {H430} wept {H1058}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the man of God fixed his gaze on him for so long that Haza'el became embarrassed; finally Elisha began to cry.

Berean Standard Bible

Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the man of God began to weep.

American Standard Version

And he settled his countenance stedfastly upon him, until he was ashamed: and the man of God wept.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 8:11 captures a pivotal and emotionally charged encounter between the prophet Elisha and Hazael, an officer of the Syrian king Ben-hadad. The verse depicts Elisha's intense, fixed gaze upon Hazael, a gaze so penetrating that it causes Hazael to feel deep shame. This dramatic moment culminates in Elisha's profound weeping, an outpouring of grief not for personal sorrow, but for the immense suffering and atrocities Elisha divinely foresaw Hazael would inflict upon the people of Israel. The scene powerfully underscores divine foreknowledge, the heavy burden of prophecy, and the stark reality of human depravity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a narrative sequence that highlights Elisha's prophetic authority and God's sovereign control over nations. Elisha has traveled to Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria), where King Ben-hadad is gravely ill. Hazael, a high-ranking official, is sent by the king to inquire of Elisha whether he will recover. Elisha's response, delivered in the verses immediately following this one, is a chilling prophecy: Ben-hadad will indeed recover from his illness, but he will nevertheless die, and Hazael himself will violently usurp the throne and commit horrific cruelties against Israel. Verse 11 serves as a dramatic prelude to this explicit revelation, building intense tension as Elisha's prophetic insight begins to unveil Hazael's dark future, a future fully articulated in [2 Kings 8:12](/2_kings/8-12 "2 Kings 8:12 - Elisha's Prophecy of Hazael's Cruelty"). The prophet's fixed gaze and subsequent tears are the outward manifestations of an inner spiritual vision, setting the stage for the grim details that follow.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 2 Kings 8 occur during a tumultuous period in the history of both Israel and Aram. Aram (Syria), with its capital Damascus, was a powerful northern neighbor to Israel, and the two nations were frequently engaged in conflict, often with Israel suffering under Aramean oppression. The practice of kings consulting prophets or seers regarding illness or future events was common in the ancient Near East, reflecting a widespread belief in divine intervention and foreknowledge. The narrative also touches upon the brutal political realities of succession in ancient monarchies, where coups and assassinations were not uncommon methods of seizing power. Elisha, as the "man of God," operates within this complex geopolitical landscape, demonstrating that God's sovereignty extends even over foreign nations and their leaders, shaping historical outcomes according to His divine plan, as seen in the broader narrative of [2 Kings](/2_kings "2 Kings - The Reigns of Kings in Israel and Judah").

* **Key Themes:** Several profound themes emerge from this verse. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Foreknowledge and Prophecy**. Elisha's ability to "settle his countenance stedfastly" and perceive Hazael's future actions demonstrates God's complete and intimate knowledge of human events, even the darkest and most unexpected. This prophetic insight underscores the absolute sovereignty of God, who declares the end from the beginning, a concept profoundly articulated in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, the verse highlights **The Burden of the Prophet**. Elisha, as the "man of God," weeps not out of personal sorrow, but from the overwhelming grief and spiritual anguish of foreseeing the immense suffering and devastation Hazael would bring upon the people of Israel. This reveals the heavy emotional and spiritual toll that divine revelation and the knowledge of future calamities could place upon God's messengers, who often bore the weight of God's heart for His people. Lastly, the narrative starkly portrays **Human Depravity and the Potential for Evil**. Hazael's reaction of being "ashamed" under Elisha's penetrating gaze suggests a subconscious awareness or discomfort with the evil path Elisha foresaw for him. The scene serves as a sobering reminder of the profound capacity for wickedness within the human heart, even in individuals who may not initially appear capable of such horrific acts, a truth echoed throughout biblical history, including in the lament of [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **settled his countenance stedfastly (Hebrew, _qāva'_):** The verb קָבַע (_qāva'_) means "to fix," "to settle," or "to establish." In this context, it describes Elisha's intense, unwavering, and penetrating gaze. It conveys the idea that Elisha fixed his eyes on Hazael with an unblinking, resolute focus, indicative of deep spiritual discernment and a prophetic vision that saw beyond Hazael's present demeanor into his future character and actions. This was not a casual look but a divinely enabled scrutiny.
* **ashamed (Hebrew, _bôš_):** The Hebrew word בּוֹשׁ (_bôš_) signifies "to be ashamed," "to be confounded," or "to be put to shame." Hazael's reaction suggests a profound discomfort, embarrassment, or perhaps even a fleeting, subconscious conviction of the evil potential within him. Elisha's gaze was so piercing that it seemed to expose Hazael's inner self, causing him to feel exposed and humiliated, possibly sensing the dark future Elisha was perceiving.
* **man of God (Hebrew, _’îš hā’ĕlōhîm'_):** This is a significant and recurring title in the Old Testament, particularly for prophets like Elisha and his predecessor Elijah. It literally means "man of the God" or "man belonging to God." The title denotes one who is a divine representative, empowered by God, and speaks His word. It underscores Elisha's authority, his intimate connection with the divine, and the fact that his actions and emotions in this verse are not merely personal but are deeply tied to his prophetic office and God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he settled his countenance stedfastly":** This clause describes Elisha's action. He fixed his gaze intently and unblinkingly upon Hazael. This was not a random stare but a deliberate, divinely empowered act of discernment. It suggests Elisha was looking beyond Hazael's immediate presence, perhaps into his very soul or into the future that God was revealing concerning him. It sets a tone of gravitas and prophetic insight.
* **"until he was ashamed":** This describes Hazael's reaction to Elisha's penetrating gaze. The intensity of Elisha's look, imbued with divine knowledge, caused Hazael to feel deep discomfort, embarrassment, or a sense of being exposed. This "shame" might imply a subconscious recognition of the evil Elisha was perceiving, or a dawning awareness of the dark potential within himself, even before Elisha articulated the prophecy. It highlights the power of spiritual discernment to convict.
* **"and the man of God wept.":** This final clause reveals Elisha's profound emotional response. His tears are not for personal sorrow or fear, but an expression of deep prophetic grief. As the "man of God," Elisha's heart was aligned with God's own sorrow over the impending suffering and devastation that Hazael would inflict upon Israel. His weeping signifies the heavy burden of knowing future calamities and the deep compassion he felt for God's people, foreshadowing the horrific events detailed in the subsequent verse.

#### Literary Devices
The verse is rich in **Foreshadowing**, as Elisha's intense gaze and subsequent weeping dramatically anticipate the grim prophecy of Hazael's future atrocities against Israel, which are explicitly detailed in the very next verse. There is also a subtle **Dramatic Irony** at play; while Hazael is only beginning to feel a vague sense of shame, the audience (and Elisha) is privy to the horrific future that awaits, making Hazael's initial ignorance or discomfort all the more poignant. **Symbolism** is evident in Elisha's tears, which are not merely personal grief but symbolize divine sorrow over human sin and its devastating consequences. This aligns the prophet's heart with God's own lament over the brokenness of the world. Furthermore, the scene presents a stark **Contrast** between Elisha's spiritual clarity and Hazael's initial unawareness, and between the prophet's profound compassion and Hazael's future capacity for ruthless cruelty. The **Tension** is palpable, built through Elisha's silent, penetrating gaze and Hazael's uncomfortable reaction, before the emotional release of Elisha's tears.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This poignant scene in 2 Kings 8:11 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty and foreknowledge, even over the darkest aspects of human history. Elisha's prophetic vision demonstrates that God is not a passive observer but actively aware of all human choices and their consequences, even before they are made. The prophet's tears underscore the divine heart of compassion, revealing that God grieves over the suffering caused by human sin and depravity. It challenges believers to cultivate a similar empathy for those who are oppressed or are destined for destruction, and to pray for rulers and leaders, understanding the profound impact their choices have. Furthermore, the certainty of Elisha's prophecy and its subsequent fulfillment (as seen in [2 Kings 10:32](/2_kings/10-32 "2 Kings 10:32 - Hazael's Attacks on Israel")) reinforces our confidence in God's promises and His ultimate control over history, giving hope for a future where all evil will be vanquished.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Jeremiah 9:1](/jeremiah/9-1 "Jeremiah 9:1 - Jeremiah's Lament over Israel")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitfulness of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intense encounter between Elisha and Hazael in 2 Kings 8:11 invites us into a deep reflection on the nature of sin, prophecy, and divine compassion. Elisha's unwavering gaze and subsequent weeping serve as a potent reminder that true spiritual discernment often comes with a heavy burden of knowing the pain and suffering that human sin will unleash. His tears are not merely an emotional outburst but a prophetic lament, aligning his heart with God's own sorrow over the brokenness of the world. This challenges us to move beyond superficial responses to evil and to cultivate a profound, empathetic grief for the victims of injustice and for those who perpetuate it. It calls us to pray earnestly for leaders, recognizing the immense power they wield for good or ill, and to intercede for those who are caught in cycles of violence and oppression. Moreover, Hazael's shame under Elisha's gaze prompts us to consider our own inner potential for sin and the discomfort we feel when our hidden motives or future actions are exposed, even if only to our own conscience. Ultimately, while the scene is grim, it also reinforces our confidence in God's ultimate control over history, assuring us that even amidst human depravity, His purposes will prevail, and one day, all evil will be vanquished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elisha's weeping challenge our own emotional responses to suffering and injustice in the world today?**
* **What does Hazael's shame reveal about the human conscience in the face of exposed depravity or the potential for evil?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a prophetic empathy for the world's brokenness, even when we cannot foresee specific outcomes?**
* **How does this passage affirm God's ultimate control over history, even amidst human evil and the destructive choices of leaders?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elisha weep when he looked at Hazael?**
Answer: Elisha wept not out of personal sorrow or fear for himself, but from the overwhelming grief of foreseeing the immense suffering and devastation Hazael would inflict upon the people of Israel. His tears were a prophetic lament, an expression of profound compassion and sorrow over the future atrocities that God revealed to him, as detailed in [2 Kings 8:12](/2_kings/8-12 "2 Kings 8:12 - Elisha's Prophecy of Hazael's Cruelty"). This highlights the heavy emotional and spiritual toll that divine revelation and the knowledge of future calamities could place upon God's messengers, aligning Elisha's heart with God's own sorrow over human sin and its devastating consequences.

**What does "he settled his countenance stedfastly" mean?**
Answer: This phrase describes Elisha's intense, unwavering, and penetrating gaze upon Hazael. It means he fixed his eyes on Hazael with a resolute and unblinking focus, indicative of deep spiritual discernment and a prophetic vision. Elisha was not merely looking at Hazael, but through him, perceiving the dark potential within him and the horrific future that God was revealing. This fixed gaze was so powerful that it caused Hazael to feel shame.

**Was Hazael aware of his future evil deeds when Elisha looked at him?**
Answer: The text states Hazael was "ashamed," which suggests a subconscious discomfort or a fleeting moment of conviction. While he may not have fully grasped the specific atrocities Elisha foresaw, his shame indicates a dawning awareness or a deep unease about the potential for evil within himself, exposed by Elisha's penetrating, divinely-inspired gaze. It implies that Elisha's look unveiled something unsettling in Hazael's character, even before Elisha explicitly delivered the grim prophecy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The encounter in 2 Kings 8:11, with Elisha's prophetic insight and profound grief, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elisha's ability to "settle his countenance stedfastly" and perceive the hidden depravity and future actions of Hazael foreshadows Christ's perfect, omniscient knowledge. Jesus, the true "man of God," possessed complete divine insight, knowing the hearts of all people ([John 2:25](/john/2-25 "John 2:25 - Jesus Knew What Was in Man")) and foretelling future events with absolute accuracy, including His own suffering and the destruction of Jerusalem ([Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41 "Luke 19:41 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem")). Elisha's tears, shed out of compassion for the suffering Israel would endure, powerfully prefigure Christ's own weeping over Jerusalem, lamenting its spiritual blindness and impending judgment. More profoundly, Elisha's burden of knowing future suffering points to Christ, who willingly bore the ultimate burden of all human sin and suffering on the cross ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Took Our Infirmities")). While Hazael represents the depths of human depravity and the destructive power of sin, Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering redemption and deliverance from the very evil that caused Elisha to weep. Unlike Hazael, who brought devastation, Christ establishes a kingdom of righteousness and peace, where every tear will ultimately be wiped away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears or Pain")), fulfilling the deepest longings expressed in the prophet's lament.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 19:41

¶ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,

Psalms 119:136

¶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

Jeremiah 4:19

¶ My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

Jeremiah 9:18

And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.

Philippians 3:18

(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Genesis 45:2

And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.

Romans 9:2

That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.