2 Kings 8:15

KJV

And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped [it] in water, and spread [it] on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the morrow {H4283}, that he took {H3947} a thick cloth {H4346}, and dipped {H2881} it in water {H4325}, and spread {H6566} it on his face {H6440}, so that he died {H4191}: and Hazael {H2371} reigned {H4427} in his stead.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next day he took a blanket, dipped it in water and spread it on his face, so that he died; and Haza'el took his place as king.

Berean Standard Bible

But 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.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took the coverlet, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 8:15 vividly recounts the swift and brutal fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy regarding King Ben-hadad of Aram (Syria) and his ambitious servant, Hazael. On the very next day after the prophet's pronouncement, Hazael commits regicide by suffocating his master with a water-soaked cloth, immediately seizing the throne. This pivotal act not only establishes Hazael's reign, as foretold, but also sets the stage for his subsequent reign of terror against Israel, underscoring the immediate and often harsh outworking of divine decree within the intricate tapestry of human history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the chilling culmination of the narrative arc initiated in [2 Kings 8:7](/2_kings/8-7 "2 Kings 8:7 - Elisha's Arrival in Damascus"). The prophet Elisha journeys to Damascus, the capital of Aram, where the ailing King Ben-hadad, desperate for a prognosis, dispatches his high-ranking official, Hazael, to inquire of the prophet regarding his recovery. Elisha's response to Hazael is profoundly unsettling: he informs Hazael that Ben-hadad will indeed die, and then, with a tearful gaze, reveals the horrific future—that Hazael himself will ascend to the throne and inflict unspeakable atrocities upon Israel ([2 Kings 8:11-13](/2_kings/8-11-13 "2 Kings 8:11-13 - Elisha's Prophecy to Hazael")). Hazael returns to Ben-hadad, deceptively delivering only the first part of the prophecy—that the king would recover—before immediately acting to ensure the second, darker part of the prophecy concerning Ben-hadad's death and his own ascension to power comes to pass. Verse 15 is the decisive, violent act that transitions the narrative from prophetic word to historical reality, firmly establishing Hazael as the new king and foreshadowing his future interactions with God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** During the period depicted in 2 Kings, the kingdom of Aram (Syria), with its capital Damascus, was a formidable and frequently hostile rival to the northern kingdom of Israel. Kingship in the ancient Near East, while often hereditary, was also susceptible to violent usurpation, especially when a monarch was perceived as weak, ill, or when political instability provided an opportunity. The method of murder described in this verse—suffocation with a wet cloth—was particularly insidious. It was likely chosen to create the appearance of a natural death, perhaps from the king's existing illness or a sudden fever, thereby avoiding immediate suspicion or open rebellion. This act highlights the ruthless political landscape of the era, where power was often seized through any means necessary, and loyalty could swiftly devolve into treacherous ambition in the pursuit of the throne. It reflects the pragmatic and often brutal realities of ancient Near Eastern court intrigue.
* **Key Themes:** A preeminent theme woven through this passage is the **unquestionable fulfillment of divine prophecy**. Elisha's words, spoken under the direct inspiration of God, are realized with immediate and chilling precision, powerfully demonstrating God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and their leaders, even those who stand in opposition to His chosen people. This aligns with the broader biblical truth that God's foreknowledge and His ability to orchestrate human events, even through the wicked actions of individuals, are foundational to His plan, as articulated in passages like [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Another significant theme is **ambition and usurpation**. Hazael's cold-blooded act is a stark and disturbing portrayal of unchecked human desire for power, leading directly to treachery and murder. His willingness to commit regicide to seize the throne foreshadows the brutal and oppressive nature of his reign against Israel, as later chronicled in [2 Kings 10:32](/2_kings/10-32 "2 Kings 10:32 - Hazael's Oppression of Israel") and [2 Kings 13:3](/2_kings/13-3 "2 Kings 13:3 - Hazael's Continued Oppression"). This event also profoundly touches upon the **corrupting nature of power** and the moral compromises individuals are willing to make in their relentless pursuit or retention of it, a recurring motif throughout the historical books of the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **thick cloth (Hebrew, _makbâr_):** (H4346) This term refers to a heavy, woven fabric, such as a blanket or a quilt. The selection of such an item, rather than a conventional weapon, suggests a deliberate, quiet, and perhaps intimate act of murder. Its thickness would ensure effective suffocation, preventing the victim from breathing or crying out, making the act both efficient and potentially less conspicuous.
* **died (Hebrew, _mûwth_):** (H4191) This verb signifies the ultimate cessation of life, whether literally or figuratively. In this context, it marks the definitive end of Ben-hadad's life and reign. The direct and stark statement "so that he died" underscores the immediate and irreversible consequence of Hazael's action, highlighting the finality of the regicide and the success of his murderous plot.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass on the morrow":** This phrase emphasizes the immediate and direct consequence of Elisha's prophecy. The murder was not delayed; Hazael acted swiftly, demonstrating his ruthless resolve and perhaps his fear that Ben-hadad might recover or suspect his true intentions. This immediacy highlights the precision of divine timing in the fulfillment of prophecy, even through human wickedness.
* **"that he took a thick cloth, and dipped [it] in water":** This describes Hazael's meticulous preparation for the murder. The "thick cloth" (מַכְבֵּר, _makbâr_) was an effective instrument for suffocation. Dipping it in water would have made it heavier, more pliable, and more completely suffocating by blocking air passages. It also might have been intended to make the death appear as a natural consequence of the king's fever or illness, a common practice in ancient sickrooms to cool a patient.
* **"and spread [it] on his face, so that he died":** This is the precise execution of the murder. Hazael's direct and calculated action leads to Ben-hadad's death by smothering. The simple, declarative statement "so that he died" underscores the effectiveness and finality of Hazael's act. This was a deliberate regicide, carried out with chilling efficiency, not an accident or natural cause.
* **"and Hazael reigned in his stead":** This concluding clause states the immediate outcome and the fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy. Hazael's violent act directly leads to his ascension to the throne of Aram, establishing him as the new king and setting the stage for his future interactions with Israel, as foretold by the prophet. It marks the successful completion of his treacherous ambition.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in 2 Kings 8:15 employs several potent literary devices to heighten its impact and underscore its theological significance. **Foreshadowing** is central, as Elisha's tearful prophecy in [2 Kings 8:13](/2_kings/8-13 "2 Kings 8:13 - Elisha's Prophecy of Hazael's Reign") explicitly stated that Hazael would become king and inflict great harm upon Israel, meticulously preparing the reader for this very event. The swiftness of the murder, occurring "on the morrow," provides a stark sense of **dramatic irony**, as the reader is fully aware of Hazael's murderous intent and the divine decree, while King Ben-hadad remains tragically oblivious to his servant's treachery. The seemingly innocuous "thick cloth dipped in water" functions as a chilling **symbol** of insidious betrayal and silent, calculated violence, contrasting sharply with conventional methods of warfare or open rebellion. Finally, the concise, almost clinical description of the act—"spread [it] on his face, so that he died"—creates a sense of stark **realism** and emphasizes the cold, calculated nature of Hazael's ambition, devoid of any emotional embellishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The account of Hazael's usurpation of the Aramean throne serves as a powerful and sobering reminder of God's absolute sovereignty over all nations and His profound ability to use even the wicked actions of human agents to accomplish His divine purposes. While Hazael's murder of Ben-hadad was undeniably a heinous sin, it simultaneously fulfilled the precise prophetic word spoken by Elisha, demonstrating that no human will or power, no matter how ambitious or malevolent, can ultimately thwart God's overarching plans. This narrative highlights the complex and often perplexing interplay between divine foreknowledge and human responsibility, asserting that God's knowledge of future events does not in any way negate human moral culpability for their choices. It underscores that God's kingdom and His redemptive purposes are not limited by human political structures or the morality of earthly rulers; rather, He orchestrates history, often through unexpected and even disturbing means, to achieve His ultimate and righteous ends.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The chilling narrative of Hazael's ascent to power challenges us to deeply consider the nature of ambition and the pursuit of power within our own lives and in the broader world. Hazael's actions, though fulfilling a divine prophecy, were undeniably wicked, driven by unbridled self-interest and a willingness to commit cold-blooded murder. This serves as a profound and sober warning against unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power, forcefully reminding us that the end can never justify morally reprehensible means. We are called to pursue influence and leadership with unwavering integrity, profound humility, and a genuine heart for selfless service, rather than through manipulation, treachery, or violence. Furthermore, recognizing God's unwavering sovereignty even amidst dark and chaotic events should cultivate within us a deep and abiding trust in His ultimate control, even when human actions seem to defy all moral order. This passage compels us to earnestly pray for those in authority, remembering that their hearts are ultimately in the Lord's hand, and to diligently seek justice and righteousness in our own spheres of influence, thereby reflecting God's holy character in a fallen world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hazael's immediate and violent action after Elisha's prophecy challenge your understanding of the relationship between divine sovereignty and human free will?**
* **What are the inherent dangers of unchecked ambition, and what practical steps can we take to guard our hearts against the corrupting influence of power in our own lives?**
* **In what ways might God utilize difficult, or even wicked, circumstances to accomplish His sovereign purposes, and how should this theological truth shape our perspective on suffering or injustice in the world?**
* **How does this passage encourage you to deepen your trust in God's ultimate control and righteous plan, even when human events appear chaotic, morally compromised, or beyond human comprehension?**

### FAQ

**Was Hazael's act of killing Ben-hadad justifiable, given that it fulfilled Elisha's prophecy?**

Answer: No, Hazael's act was absolutely not justifiable from a moral or ethical standpoint. While the murder of Ben-hadad did indeed fulfill a prophecy spoken by Elisha, this divine foreknowledge does not in any way excuse Hazael's heinous sin. The Bible consistently and unequivocally condemns murder and treachery. God's ability to foresee and even orchestrate human actions to accomplish His will does not negate human responsibility or moral culpability for those actions. Hazael acted out of his own deep-seated ambition and inherent wickedness, not out of obedience to a divine command. The prophecy merely revealed what God knew would happen and what He would permit to occur, not what He commanded Hazael to do. This is a crucial distinction in understanding the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will, a principle seen in other biblical examples where God uses wicked nations or individuals as instruments to achieve His purposes, without condoning their sin (e.g., [Isaiah 10:5-7](/isaiah/10-5-7 "Isaiah 10:5-7 - God Uses Assyria as His Rod")).

**What was the significance of dipping the cloth in water before using it to suffocate Ben-hadad?**

Answer: Dipping the thick cloth in water likely served several strategic and practical purposes for Hazael. First, it would have made the cloth heavier and more pliable, thereby increasing its effectiveness in blocking airflow and ensuring a swift and complete suffocation. A wet cloth would cling more tightly to the face, making it harder for the victim to dislodge or breathe around. Second, and perhaps more subtly, a wet cloth could have been intended to make Ben-hadad's death appear more like a natural consequence of his existing illness, perhaps a sudden fever or respiratory distress, rather than an obvious murder. In ancient sickrooms, wet cloths were commonly used to cool a feverish patient. This deceptive maneuver would have helped Hazael avoid immediate suspicion, consolidate his power more smoothly, and prevent an outcry or struggle that might have alerted others to his treacherous act. It was a calculated move to mask the regicide.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of Hazael's violent usurpation of the throne of Aram, though a chilling chapter of human ambition and treachery, ultimately serves as a profound contrast and pointer to the superior, righteous, and redemptive kingship of Jesus Christ. Hazael's reign, precisely foretold by Elisha, was tragically marked by brutal oppression and relentless violence against God's people, Israel, fulfilling the prophet's tearful lament over the future atrocities ([2 Kings 8:12](/2_kings/8-12 "2 Kings 8:12 - Elisha Weeps Over Hazael's Future Actions")). This stands in stark and glorious contrast to the reign of Christ. While Hazael seized a temporal throne through an act of cold-blooded murder, Jesus, the true and eternal King, willingly and selflessly laid down His own life, enduring the ultimate act of violence on the cross, not to grasp power, but to graciously save His people from their sins ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). His kingdom is not established by human might, political maneuvering, or bloodshed, but by self-sacrificial love, divine grace, and spiritual transformation within the hearts of humanity ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). The undeniable fulfillment of Elisha's prophecy concerning Hazael powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign control over all earthly rulers and nations, even those hostile to His divine purposes. This divine orchestration of history finds its ultimate and most glorious purpose in the advent of Christ, through whom all of God's magnificent promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Unlike Hazael, whose reign brought immense suffering and destruction, Christ's reign brings eternal peace, perfect justice, and everlasting salvation to all who believe, culminating in His future return to establish His perfect and everlasting kingdom over all creation ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

2 Kings 8:13

And Hazael said, But what, [is] thy servant a dog, that he should do this great thing? And Elisha answered, The LORD hath shewed me that thou [shalt be] king over Syria.

Isaiah 33:1

¶ Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou [wast] not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, and they dealt not treacherously with thee! when thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled; [and] when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee.

Psalms 36:4

He deviseth mischief upon his bed; he setteth himself in a way [that is] not good; he abhorreth not evil.

1 Kings 15:28

Even in the third year of Asa king of Judah did Baasha slay him, and reigned in his stead.

2 Kings 15:30

And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, and smote him, and slew him, and reigned in his stead, in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah.

1 Kings 16:10

And Zimri went in and smote him, and killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned in his stead.

1 Samuel 24:13

As saith the proverb of the ancients, Wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.