2 Kings 8:12

KJV

And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hazael {H2371} said {H559}, Why weepeth {H1058} my lord {H113}? And he answered {H559}, Because I know {H3045} the evil {H7451} that thou wilt do {H6213} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}: their strong holds {H4013} wilt thou set {H7971} on fire {H784}, and their young men {H970} wilt thou slay {H2026} with the sword {H2719}, and wilt dash {H7376} their children {H5768}, and rip up {H1234} their women with child {H2030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Haza'el asked, "Why is my lord crying?" He answered, "Because I know the disasters you will bring on the people of Isra'el - you will set their fortresses on fire, you will kill their young men with the sword, you will dash their little ones to pieces and rip their pregnant women apart."

Berean Standard Bible

“Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women.”

American Standard Version

And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strongholds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their women with child.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
2 Kings 8:12 captures a profoundly disturbing moment where the prophet Elisha, overcome with grief, weeps as he reveals to Hazael the horrific atrocities the Syrian official will perpetrate against the nation of Israel once he assumes the throne. This chilling prophecy underscores God's absolute foreknowledge of human wickedness and the immense burden carried by His prophets who are called to declare such devastating truths.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This poignant encounter unfolds in Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria), where the prophet Elisha has journeyed. The immediate narrative sees King Ben-Hadad of Aram gravely ill, sending his chief official, Hazael, to Elisha to inquire about his recovery. Elisha delivers a cryptic message: Ben-Hadad will die, but not from his illness. Then, Elisha fixes his gaze upon Hazael, causing the Syrian official discomfort, before breaking into tears. The prophet's weeping and subsequent explanation of Hazael's future brutality against Israel form the core of this verse, serving as a direct prophetic utterance that immediately precedes Hazael's return to Ben-Hadad and his subsequent regicide, paving the way for his own ascension to the throne, as detailed in [2 Kings 8:7-8](/2_kings/8-7-8 "2 Kings 8:7-8 - Elisha's Arrival and Ben-Hadad's Sickness") and [2 Kings 8:15](/2_kings/8-15 "2 Kings 8:15 - Hazael's Ascent to the Throne"). This divine disclosure sets the stage for a period of intense suffering for Israel under Hazael's reign, a suffering later detailed in subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is one of constant geopolitical tension between the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Aramean kingdom, headquartered in Damascus. Warfare was brutal and often involved extreme cruelty, as depicted in Elisha's prophecy. The acts described—burning strongholds, slaying young men, dashing children, and ripping up pregnant women—were not uncommon tactics of ancient Near Eastern warfare, designed to utterly demoralize, depopulate, and destroy an enemy, ensuring no future resistance. Prophetic consultation was a recognized practice, even by foreign kings like Ben-Hadad, who sought divine insight through figures like Elisha. The cultural understanding of a prophet's role included not only foretelling the future but also serving as a divine messenger whose words carried immense weight, often revealing God's judgment or sovereign plan over nations and individuals.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully illustrates several profound themes woven throughout the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "2 Kings - The Reigns of Kings in Israel and Judah"). Foremost is **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute knowledge of future events, including the specific, brutal actions of individuals and nations, even those seemingly independent of His will. Elisha's prophecy is a direct divine revelation, showcasing God's sovereign control over history and the rise and fall of kings, often using foreign powers as instruments of judgment or discipline for His covenant people, Israel, as seen in later accounts of Hazael's oppression in [2 Kings 10:32](/2_kings/10-32 "2 Kings 10:32 - Hazael's Oppression of Israel") and [2 Kings 13:3-7](/2_kings/13-3-7 "2 Kings 13:3-7 - Hazael's Continued Oppression"). Second, the **Burden of the Prophet** is vividly portrayed through Elisha's tears, highlighting the immense emotional weight and sorrow that prophets often bore. Knowing the suffering Israel would endure, even if it was part of God's permissive will or judgment for their idolatry, caused the prophet deep anguish, reflecting a compassionate heart that grieves over human wickedness and its devastating consequences. Finally, the graphic detailing of Hazael's future actions underscores the theme of **Human Depravity and Cruelty**, serving as a stark reminder of the depths of evil that can arise from unchecked power and malice when humanity rejects divine restraint.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **weepeth (Hebrew, _bâkâh'_):** This verb signifies a deep, emotional weeping, often accompanied by lamentation or mourning. Elisha's tears are not merely a display of sadness but an expression of profound grief and anguish, reflecting the prophet's identification with the future suffering of Israel and the horror of the atrocities he foresees. It underscores the compassionate heart of God's messenger, who experiences the pain of what is to come.
* **evil (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** While "evil" can denote moral wickedness, in this context, it primarily refers to calamity, disaster, and harm. Elisha knows the "calamity" or "disaster" Hazael will inflict. It encompasses the horrific acts described, emphasizing their destructive and devastating nature rather than solely Hazael's moral culpability, which is assumed by his actions.
* **rip up (Hebrew, _bâqaʻ'_):** This strong verb means "to cleave," "to break open," or "to tear apart." In this context, it describes the barbaric act of disemboweling pregnant women, a particularly heinous atrocity in ancient warfare, designed to eliminate future generations and inflict maximum psychological terror and demographic destruction. Its inclusion highlights the extreme brutality of Hazael's foreseen actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord?"**: Hazael's question is born of surprise and discomfort. Elisha's sudden, intense weeping is unexpected, especially after delivering a message about Ben-Hadad's recovery (though with a caveat). This query sets the stage for Elisha's shocking revelation, indicating Hazael's initial unawareness of the prophet's vision.
* **"And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel:"**: Elisha's response directly attributes his sorrow to the divinely revealed future actions of Hazael himself. The "evil" is not a general misfortune but specific, intentional acts of cruelty Hazael will perpetrate. This statement immediately implicates Hazael as the future instrument of Israel's suffering.
* **"their strong holds wilt thou set on fire,"**: This refers to the destruction of fortified cities and defensive structures, signifying the conquest and devastation of Israel's secure places. It implies a systematic campaign of destruction, leaving the land vulnerable and its inhabitants exposed.
* **"and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword,"**: This describes the killing of the fighting men, the defenders, and the future generation of Israel. It represents the decimation of the nation's military strength and its male population, ensuring no resistance.
* **"and wilt dash their children,"**: This horrifying act refers to the killing of infants and young children by smashing them against rocks or surfaces. It is an act of extreme barbarity, designed to eradicate the next generation and inflict maximum suffering and despair upon the survivors.
* **"and rip up their women with child."**: This final, most gruesome detail describes the disembowelment of pregnant women. This atrocity is the ultimate act of depopulation and dehumanization, aiming to prevent future births and utterly extinguish the enemy's lineage, signifying a complete and merciless destruction.

#### Literary Devices
The passage is replete with powerful literary devices that amplify its impact. **Foreshadowing** is central, as Elisha's prophecy explicitly details future events, creating a sense of dread and inevitability. The vivid and brutal **Imagery** employed ("set on fire," "slay with the sword," "dash their children," "rip up their women with child") is a form of **hyperbole** or intense descriptive language, designed to shock the reader and convey the extreme depravity of the foreseen acts. This stark imagery also contributes to the **pathos** of the scene, evoking deep sympathy for Elisha's sorrow and the impending suffering of Israel. The entire exchange functions as a **prophetic disclosure**, where divine knowledge is revealed through the prophet, highlighting God's sovereignty over history and human agency. The contrast between Hazael's initial ignorance and Elisha's devastating knowledge creates dramatic tension, underscoring the unique burden of the prophetic office.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prophecy in [2 Kings 8:12](/2_kings/8-12 "2 Kings 8:12 - Elisha's Prophecy to Hazael") is a stark reminder of God's sovereign knowledge and active involvement in the affairs of nations, even when those affairs involve immense human evil. While God does not instigate evil, He foreknows it and can permit it, sometimes as a consequence of human sin or as a means of divine judgment, as was often the case for Israel's idolatry. Elisha's tears reveal a divine compassion that grieves over the consequences of sin and human depravity, even as God's purposes unfold. This passage challenges simplistic views of divine control, presenting a complex interplay between human free will (Hazael's choice to commit these acts) and divine foreknowledge (God's prior knowledge of these acts). It underscores the reality of human wickedness and the need for divine intervention and restraint.

* [Amos 1:13](/amos/1-13 "Amos 1:13 - Ammon's Cruelty")
* [Hosea 13:16](/hosea/13-16 "Hosea 13:16 - Samaria's Judgment")
* [Deuteronomy 28:49-57](/deuteronomy/28-49-57 "Deuteronomy 28:49-57 - Curses for Disobedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elisha's tears in the face of foreseen horror offer a profound lesson in empathy and the spiritual burden of knowing God's truth. In a world still marred by violence, injustice, and human depravity, this passage calls believers to cultivate a heart that grieves over suffering, rather than becoming desensitized. It reminds us that while God is sovereign, human choices have real, devastating consequences, and we are called to be agents of righteousness and compassion in a broken world. The prophet's anguish challenges us to confront the reality of evil, not to shy away from it, and to pray earnestly for those who suffer and for the restraint of wickedness. Ultimately, it strengthens our resolve to trust in God's ultimate justice and His promise to one day bring an end to all suffering and evil.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elisha's weeping challenge my own emotional response to suffering and injustice in the world?**
* **What does this passage reveal about the nature of human depravity, and how does it inform my understanding of the need for spiritual transformation?**
* **In what ways can I, like Elisha, allow God's truth to burden my heart, leading to compassionate action or intercession?**
* **How does God's foreknowledge of Hazael's evil actions affirm His sovereignty, even in the midst of human wickedness?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha weep when he prophesied to Hazael?**

Answer: Elisha wept not out of fear for himself, but out of profound sorrow and anguish over the horrific evil he foresaw Hazael would inflict upon the children of Israel. As a prophet, Elisha was given a divine revelation of future events, and this knowledge burdened his heart deeply. His tears signify his compassion for his people and his grief over the immense suffering, bloodshed, and barbarity that lay ahead for them under Hazael's reign. It highlights the emotional toll of carrying God's message, especially when that message involves judgment and widespread human cruelty. Elisha's weeping underscores the compassionate nature of God, who also grieves over the sin and suffering of humanity, even when it is a consequence of their own choices or part of a larger divine plan.

**How could God allow such evil, or even foretell it, if He is good?**

Answer: This question touches on the complex theological issue of divine sovereignty and human free will in the face of evil. The passage demonstrates God's **foreknowledge** – He knows what will happen, including the wicked choices of individuals like Hazael. It does not necessarily imply that God *causes* or *approves* of the evil acts themselves. Instead, God, in His sovereignty, can **permit** human evil to occur, sometimes as a consequence of sin (Israel's idolatry often led to divine discipline through foreign nations) or as part of a larger, often inscrutable, divine plan. The foretelling of the evil serves several purposes: it demonstrates God's absolute control over history, even over the rise and fall of kings and the actions of wicked men, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"); it validates the prophet's divine authority; and it can serve as a warning or a call to repentance for the people of God. While the detailed atrocities are horrifying, they reflect the reality of human depravity when unchecked by God's Spirit, and God's ultimate goodness is seen in His eventual deliverance and judgment of all evil.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The chilling prophecy of 2 Kings 8:12, with its graphic depiction of human depravity and Elisha's profound sorrow, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Elisha's tears over the future suffering of Israel foreshadow the tears of Jesus, who wept over Jerusalem, knowing the destruction that awaited it due to its rejection of God's salvation, as recorded in [Luke 19:41-44](/luke/19-41-44 "Luke 19:41-44 - Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem"). While Hazael was an instrument of suffering, Christ is the ultimate [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of human depravity and its consequences on the cross. The prophecy of violence and destruction highlights the depth of human sin, a sin that required a divine solution. Jesus, by His suffering and death, not only paid the penalty for our sins but also triumphed over the spiritual forces of evil that drive such atrocities, as affirmed in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers"). He is the King who will ultimately bring an end to all violence, injustice, and suffering, establishing a kingdom where righteousness dwells and where God will wipe away every tear, and death shall be no more, as promised in [Revelation 21:4](/rev/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears, Death, or Pain"). Thus, the horror of Hazael's actions points to the desperate need for a Savior, a need perfectly met in Christ, who grieved over sin, conquered its power, and promises a future where such evil will be no more.

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

Hosea 13:16

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

Nahum 3:10

Yet [was] she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.

2 Kings 12:17

¶ Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.

2 Kings 13:3

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, all [their] days.

2 Kings 15:16

Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that [were] therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not [to him], therefore he smote [it; and] all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.

Amos 1:13

Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away [the punishment] thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:

Isaiah 13:16

Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.