2 Kings 8:7

KJV

¶ And Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elisha {H477} came {H935} to Damascus {H1834}; and Benhadad {H1130} the king {H4428} of Syria {H758} was sick {H2470}; and it was told {H5046} him, saying {H559}, The man {H376} of God {H430} is come {H935} hither {H2008}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elisha went to Dammesek. Ben-Hadad the king of Aram was ill; and he was told, "The man of God has come here."

Berean Standard Bible

Then Elisha came to Damascus while Ben-hadad king of Aram was sick, and the king was told, “The man of God has come here.”

American Standard Version

And Elisha came to Damascus; and Ben-hadad the king of Syria was sick; and it was told him, saying, The man of God is come hither.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 8:7 opens a pivotal new chapter in the prophetic ministry of Elisha, detailing his journey to Damascus, the capital of Aram (Syria). This verse immediately establishes the high regard in which Elisha, the "man of God," was held, even by foreign powers. It sets the stage for a significant shift in regional politics, as King Benhadad of Syria, gravely ill, seeks counsel from the Israelite prophet, underscoring God's sovereign hand in the affairs of nations beyond Israel's borders and foreshadowing the dramatic events that will unfold concerning the Syrian throne.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a distinct transition in the narrative of Elisha's ministry. Immediately preceding this account, Elisha had been involved in various miracles within Israel, including restoring the Shunammite woman's son to life and her property (2 Kings 8:1-6). His arrival in Damascus shifts the focus from internal Israelite affairs to the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly the long-standing rivalry and interactions between Israel and Aram. The narrative here pivots to a direct engagement with a foreign king, setting the stage for the fulfillment of a prophecy given much earlier to Elijah concerning the anointing of Hazael as king of Aram and Jehu as king of Israel (1 Kings 19:15-17), though Elisha is the one to execute this divine directive. This journey highlights Elisha's expanded sphere of influence, demonstrating God's concern and activity beyond the covenant nation of Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this time, Aram (Syria), with its capital Damascus, was a formidable regional power, frequently engaging in conflict with Israel. King Benhadad II was a prominent figure, known for his military campaigns against Israel, particularly during the reigns of Ahab and Jehoram. Damascus itself was a vital trade hub and a strategic military center. The fact that an Israelite prophet could travel to Damascus and gain an audience with the ailing Syrian king speaks to the widespread recognition of Elisha's reputation as a powerful conduit of the divine. In the ancient Near East, kings often consulted prophets, diviners, or oracles, even those from rival nations, when faced with severe illness or major decisions, believing that such individuals possessed unique access to divine knowledge and power. This practice underscores a universal human tendency to seek supernatural intervention in times of crisis, regardless of national or religious affiliation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces and reinforces several key themes that permeate the book of [2 Kings](/2_kings/1 "The Book of 2 Kings - History of Israel and Judah"). Firstly, it emphasizes **Prophetic Authority Beyond Borders**, illustrating that God's chosen servants and their divine authority are not confined to Israelite territory. Elisha's presence in Damascus and Benhadad's immediate recognition of him as "the man of God" underscore that divine influence transcends national boundaries and political allegiances, a theme also seen in the healing of [Naaman the Syrian](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - Naaman's Healing"). Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty Over Nations**, implicitly pointing to God's overarching control, even over foreign kings and their destinies. The powerful king of Syria is brought low by illness and compelled to seek insight from the God of Israel’s prophet, foreshadowing the dramatic events concerning the Syrian throne that will unfold in [2 Kings 8:13-15](/2_kings/8-13 "2 Kings 8:13-15 - Hazael Murders Benhadad"). Finally, it touches upon the theme of **Seeking Spiritual Counsel**, as Benhadad's action reflects a universal human tendency to seek divine intervention when faced with severe challenges like sickness, acknowledging a spiritual power beyond his own pagan gods.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Damascus (Hebrew, _Dammeśeq'_):** The capital city of Aram (Syria), a powerful kingdom often hostile to Israel. Its mention here signifies a shift in Elisha's ministry from internal Israelite affairs to international diplomacy and divine intervention in the affairs of foreign nations. Damascus was a major political and economic center, and Elisha's presence there underscores the far-reaching influence of God's prophetic word.
* **Man of God (Hebrew, _’îš hā’ĕlōhîm'_):** This title is consistently applied to prophets like Elisha (and Elijah before him) throughout the Old Testament. It is not merely a respectful designation but signifies someone divinely appointed, empowered, and who speaks directly on behalf of God. It emphasizes their direct commission from the Almighty, making their words and actions carry divine weight and authority. The fact that a pagan king like Benhadad recognizes Elisha by this title speaks volumes about Elisha's widespread reputation and the acknowledged power of the God he served.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Elisha came to Damascus;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the setting and the protagonist's movement. Elisha's journey to Damascus is significant, as it places him directly within the heart of Israel's long-standing adversary. This is not a casual visit but a divinely orchestrated move, setting the stage for major political and prophetic developments that will affect both Israel and Aram.
* **"and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick;":** This introduces the immediate catalyst for the events that follow. The king's illness is not merely a personal affliction but a strategic vulnerability that God uses to advance His purposes. It creates an opening for Elisha's prophetic intervention and highlights the fragility of even the most powerful human rulers in the face of sickness and mortality.
* **"and it was told him, saying, ":** This indicates that news of Elisha's arrival quickly reached the king. The speed and certainty with which this information reached the royal court underscore Elisha's renown and the immediate interest his presence generated, even among foreign potentates. It also sets up the king's subsequent inquiry, demonstrating his reliance on external, possibly supernatural, counsel.
* **"The man of God is come hither.":** This final clause reveals the specific content of the message delivered to Benhadad. The use of the title "the man of God" is crucial, as it immediately identifies Elisha not just as a foreign visitor, but as a figure of immense spiritual authority and power. This recognition by the king's servants, and implicitly by the king himself, demonstrates the widespread acknowledgment of Elisha's divine connection, even in a pagan land.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and set the narrative tone. **Foreshadowing** is evident in the king's sickness and Elisha's arrival, subtly hinting at the dramatic and violent shift in the Syrian monarchy that will soon occur. The **Irony** lies in a powerful, pagan king, an adversary of Israel, being dependent on an Israelite prophet for divine insight regarding his health and future. This subverts typical power dynamics. Furthermore, Elisha's presence in Damascus, a foreign capital, serves as **Symbolism** for the universal reach of God's sovereignty and prophetic word, demonstrating that His power is not confined by geographical or political boundaries. The concise, declarative statements create a sense of directness and impending significance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the boundless reach of God's sovereignty, extending far beyond the covenant nation of Israel to encompass even pagan kings and their kingdoms. It underscores that God is not merely the God of Israel, but the Lord of all nations, actively involved in their political and personal destinies. Benhadad's sickness and his immediate seeking of Elisha's counsel highlight a universal human vulnerability and the innate desire for divine insight in times of crisis, regardless of one's religious or national background. Elisha's journey to Damascus, a hostile capital, further emphasizes that God uses His servants in unexpected places to accomplish His overarching purposes, often in ways that challenge human expectations and political realities.

* [1 Kings 19:15](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15 - God's Commission to Elijah Regarding Hazael")
* [Jonah 3:5](/jonah/3-5 "Jonah 3:5 - The People of Nineveh Believe God")
* [Daniel 2:47](/daniel/2-47 "Daniel 2:47 - Nebuchadnezzar's Acknowledgment of God's Supremacy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The arrival of Elisha in Damascus, and the immediate recognition of him as "the man of God" by a foreign king, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's influence and the reach of His kingdom are not limited by our perceived boundaries—whether geographical, cultural, or political. Just as Elisha's reputation preceded him, so too should the reputation of Christ's followers, through their character, integrity, and the power of the Spirit within them, extend beyond their immediate circles. This narrative encourages us to be prepared for God to use us in unexpected and perhaps uncomfortable places, demonstrating His truth and power to those who may not yet know Him. It also highlights the universal human need for spiritual truth and guidance, especially in times of vulnerability and uncertainty. Our lives, lived in faithful obedience, can become a beacon that draws others, even those from vastly different backgrounds, to seek the ultimate source of healing and wisdom, just as Benhadad sought the prophet of the God of Israel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might God be calling me to extend my influence or witness beyond my comfortable, familiar circles?**
* **In what ways do I, like Benhadad, seek divine counsel when faced with illness or uncertainty, and do I truly trust God's answer?**
* **What does my reputation, as a follower of Christ, communicate to those outside the church?**
* **How does this passage challenge my understanding of God's sovereignty over global events and leaders?**

### FAQ
**Why did Elisha travel to Damascus, the capital of a rival nation?**

Answer: Elisha's journey to Damascus was not a casual visit but a divinely orchestrated mission, fulfilling a prophetic directive given earlier to Elijah. In [1 Kings 19:15](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15 - God's Commission to Elijah Regarding Hazael"), God commanded Elijah to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. While Elijah did not directly perform this anointing, the task fell to his successor, Elisha. Elisha's presence in Damascus was therefore crucial for the unfolding of God's sovereign plan for both Israel and Aram, demonstrating that God's prophetic word and authority extend even to foreign nations and their leadership. It underscores God's active involvement in the geopolitical landscape, using His prophets to shape the destinies of kingdoms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Elisha in Damascus, a foreign capital, foreshadows the universal reach of God's redemptive plan, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Elisha, as the "man of God," represents divine authority extending beyond Israel's borders, a precursor to the boundless compassion and authority of Christ. Just as Benhadad, a pagan king, sought healing and insight from Elisha, so too does humanity, universally afflicted by sin and mortality, seek ultimate healing and truth. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), came not just for Israel but for the "whole world" ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Jesus, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). His ministry transcended geographical and ethnic boundaries, as seen in His interactions with the [Syrophoenician woman](/mark/7-26 "Mark 7:26 - The Syrophoenician Woman's Faith") and the [Roman centurion](/matthew/8-5 "Matthew 8:5 - The Centurion's Faith"). Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, whose authority is not confined to a nation or a temple but extends over all creation ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His coming to earth, a "foreign land" for the Son of God, was to confront the sickness of sin and bring healing and eternal life to all who believe, fulfilling the universal scope of God's sovereign plan that Elisha's journey to Damascus merely hinted at.

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

1 Kings 11:24

And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over a band, when David slew them [of Zobah]: and they went to Damascus, and dwelt therein, and reigned in Damascus.

2 Kings 6:24

¶ And it came to pass after this, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

1 Kings 20:1

¶ And Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together: and [there were] thirty and two kings with him, and horses, and chariots: and he went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it.

Judges 16:2

[And it was told] the Gazites, saying, Samson is come hither. And they compassed [him] in, and laid wait for him all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.

Isaiah 7:8

For the head of Syria [is] Damascus, and the head of Damascus [is] Rezin; and within threescore and five years shall Ephraim be broken, that it be not a people.

1 Kings 13:1

¶ And, behold, there came a man of God out of Judah by the word of the LORD unto Bethel: and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense.

1 Kings 15:18

Then Asa took all the silver and the gold [that were] left in the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king's house, and delivered them into the hand of his servants: and king Asa sent them to Benhadad, the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that dwelt at Damascus, saying,