2 Kings 8:9

KJV

So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?

KJV (with Strong's)

So Hazael {H2371} went {H3212} to meet {H7125} him, and took {H3947} a present {H4503} with him {H3027}, even of every good thing {H2898} of Damascus {H1834}, forty {H705} camels {H1581}' burden {H4853}, and came {H935} and stood {H5975} before {H6440} him, and said {H559}, Thy son {H1121} Benhadad {H1130} king {H4428} of Syria {H758} hath sent {H7971} me to thee, saying {H559}, Shall I recover {H2421} of this disease {H2483}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Haza'el went to meet him, taking with him a gift that included everything good Dammesek had, forty camel-loads. He came, stood before him and said, "Your son Ben-Hadad king of Aram has sent me to you; he asks, 'Will I recover from this illness?'"

Berean Standard Bible

So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’”

American Standard Version

So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels’ burden, and came and stood before him, and said, Thy son Ben-hadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this sickness?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Second Kings 8:9 records the pivotal moment when Hazael, a trusted official of King Benhadad of Syria (Aram), approaches the prophet Elisha in Damascus. Bearing an immense diplomatic gift of forty camel-loads of the finest goods from Damascus, Hazael conveys King Benhadad's urgent and desperate inquiry regarding his recovery from a severe illness. This encounter not only highlights the widespread recognition of Elisha's prophetic authority, even among foreign nations, but also sets the stage for a dramatic fulfillment of divine prophecy concerning the future of both Syria and Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant narrative arc in the book of 2 Kings, specifically detailing the ministry of the prophet Elisha. Having recently performed several powerful miracles, including raising the Shunammite's son (2 Kings 4) and healing Naaman, the Syrian commander (2 Kings 5), Elisha's reputation for divine power has clearly extended beyond the borders of Israel. His presence in Damascus, the capital of Syria, is itself noteworthy, signaling God's sovereign involvement in the affairs of foreign nations. King Benhadad's illness and his decision to consult Elisha underscore the prophet's recognized spiritual authority, even by a king who had often been an adversary of Israel. This encounter with Hazael directly precedes Elisha's chilling prophecy concerning Hazael's future actions and ascension to the Syrian throne in [2 Kings 8:10-15](/2_kings/8-10 "2 Kings 8:10-15 - Elisha's Prophecy and Hazael's Treachery"), making 2 Kings 8:9 a crucial setup for a dramatic turn of events.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in 2 Kings 8:9 places us in the 9th century BCE, a time of frequent conflict and shifting alliances between Israel and the powerful Aramean kingdom, with Damascus as its capital. King Benhadad II (or possibly Benhadad III, though Benhadad II is more likely given the context) was a formidable ruler who had engaged in numerous military campaigns against Israel. In ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, approaching a prophet or a powerful figure with a substantial gift was a common practice, signifying respect, earnestness, and a desire to secure a favorable outcome or divine pronouncement. The "forty camels' burden" of "every good thing of Damascus" was not merely a customary offering but an extraordinary display of wealth and a desperate attempt to influence the prophetic word, reflecting the high stakes of the king's life-threatening illness. Damascus itself was a thriving commercial hub, renowned for its trade and luxury goods, making such a gift truly magnificent.

* **Key Themes:** Several significant themes converge in this verse. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty Over Nations**, demonstrating that the God of Israel is not confined to His covenant people but actively intervenes in the affairs of foreign kings and kingdoms, even those hostile to Israel. Benhadad's appeal to Elisha, despite his pagan background, illustrates the universal human tendency to **Seek Divine Guidance in Crisis**, particularly when faced with life-threatening illness or dire circumstances. The lavish gift underscores the theme of **Desperation and Attempted Influence**, revealing how human beings, even powerful rulers, will go to extreme lengths to secure a desired outcome, often attempting to "buy" favor. Most importantly, this verse serves as a powerful **Foreshadowing of Future Events**; the introduction of Hazael, a man previously marked by divine prophecy as an instrument of judgment against Israel (as prophesied to Elijah in [1 Kings 19:15-17](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15-17 - Elijah Anoints Hazael and Jehu")), sets the stage for the dramatic and violent fulfillment of God's word through him, directly impacting the future of both Syria and Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hazael (Hebrew, _ḥazāʾēl'_):** Meaning "God has seen" or "God has taken possession," this name is deeply ironic given Hazael's future role as a brutal oppressor of Israel. He is not merely a messenger but a figure divinely appointed, though unknowingly to himself at this moment, to fulfill God's judgment. His presence here is a direct consequence of Elijah's anointing commission in [1 Kings 19:15](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15 - Elijah Anoints Hazael"), marking him as a significant, albeit dark, instrument in God's sovereign plan.
* **Present (Hebrew, _minḥâ'_):** While often translated as "present" or "gift," _minḥâ_ can also refer to a tribute, an offering, or a diplomatic payment. In this context, it signifies a formal, substantial offering intended to gain favor or secure a desired outcome from a superior or a divinely empowered individual. The sheer scale of this _minḥâ_ emphasizes Benhadad's desperation and the immense value he placed on Elisha's potential answer.
* **Forty camels' burden (Hebrew, _ʾarbaʿîm gəmallîm maśśāʾ'_):** This phrase vividly conveys an extraordinary, almost hyperbolic, amount of wealth. A single camel could carry several hundred pounds, so forty camels laden with "every good thing of Damascus"—a city renowned for its luxury goods, textiles, and trade—would have represented a staggering sum. This detail underscores the king's earnestness, the urgency of his situation, and the immense resources at his disposal, all brought to bear in a desperate plea for Elisha's prophetic insight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Hazael went to meet him":** This indicates Hazael's immediate and obedient response to King Benhadad's command. As a high-ranking official, his personal involvement in this mission underscores the gravity and importance that the king placed on Elisha's potential response. It also marks the beginning of his direct interaction with the prophet, a pivotal moment for his own destiny.
* **"and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden":** This clause details the lavish nature of the diplomatic gift. The "present" was not a token but an immense display of wealth, comprising the finest products and treasures of Damascus. The "forty camels' burden" is a vivid hyperbole, emphasizing the king's desperate earnestness and his willingness to expend vast resources to secure a favorable word from the prophet. It also speaks to the economic power and prosperity of Damascus at this time.
* **"and came and stood before him":** This describes Hazael's posture of respect and deference before Elisha. In ancient Near Eastern culture, standing before a prophet or monarch signified submission, readiness to receive instruction, and acknowledgement of the other's authority. It highlights the reverence, perhaps even awe, with which Elisha was regarded, even by a foreign dignitary.
* **"and said, Thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?":** This is the formal delivery of King Benhadad's message and his specific, urgent inquiry. The address "Thy son Benhadad" is a respectful, almost supplicatory, form of address, emphasizing Benhadad's humility in seeking Elisha's help. The direct question about recovery reveals the king's profound vulnerability and his reliance on prophetic insight for his very life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is paramount, as the introduction of Hazael, a figure previously prophesied to Elijah as an instrument of divine judgment ([1 Kings 19:15](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15 - Elijah Anoints Hazael")), immediately alerts the informed reader to the deeper, darker implications of this encounter. The detailed description of the "forty camels' burden" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, not to deceive, but to powerfully convey the extraordinary scale of the gift and the king's profound desperation. There is also an element of **Irony** in the powerful pagan king of Syria, an adversary of Israel, humbling himself to seek counsel from a prophet of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This highlights the universal reach of God's power and the recognition of His authority even by those outside His covenant. The meticulous detailing of Hazael's approach and address also reflects the **Diplomatic Protocol** of the ancient Near East, adding a layer of historical realism to the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This encounter in 2 Kings 8:9 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign control over all nations and their rulers, even those who do not acknowledge Him. Benhadad's desperate appeal to Elisha, a prophet of Yahweh, underscores the universal human longing for divine intervention in times of crisis, regardless of one's religious or national background. It reveals that God's prophetic voice is not confined to Israel but can reach into the heart of pagan kingdoms, demonstrating His ultimate authority over all earthly powers. The lavish gift, while culturally appropriate, also subtly highlights the human tendency to attempt to "buy" or manipulate divine favor, contrasting sharply with God's grace, which is freely given. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for the unfolding of divine prophecy, showing how God uses even the actions of foreign kings and their agents to accomplish His purposes, including judgment and the reordering of nations.

* [1 Kings 19:15-17](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15-17 - Elijah Anoints Hazael")
* [Isaiah 45:7](/isaiah/45-7 "Isaiah 45:7 - God's Sovereignty Over Good and Evil")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in 2 Kings 8:9, with a powerful foreign king humbling himself to seek a word from God's prophet, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It reminds us that human vulnerability, particularly in the face of illness and death, transcends all social, political, or religious boundaries. King Benhadad's desperation, manifested in his extravagant gift, speaks to the innate human desire for answers and control when life unravels. For us, this can be a mirror: do we, in our own crises, turn to God with similar earnestness, or do we first exhaust all other options, or perhaps even try to "bargain" with Him? This passage also highlights the far-reaching influence of God's servants and the recognition of divine authority even in unexpected places. It encourages us to live lives that genuinely reflect God's power and truth, knowing that our witness can impact those far beyond our immediate circles. Finally, it serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans unfold through various means, sometimes involving unlikely individuals and interactions, and that His sovereignty extends over all nations and kings, orchestrating events for His ultimate purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does King Benhadad's desperate inquiry challenge our assumptions about who seeks God and why?**
* **What does the "forty camels' burden" reveal about the human tendency to try and "buy" or manipulate divine favor, and how does this contrast with the nature of God's grace?**
* **In what ways might we, like Hazael, be unknowingly positioned for a future role in God's unfolding plan, and how should we approach such possibilities with spiritual discernment and humility?**

### FAQ
**Why would a foreign king like Benhadad consult Elisha, a prophet of Israel, especially given the historical animosity between their nations?**

Answer: Elisha's reputation for powerful miracles and divine insight had clearly spread far beyond Israel's borders. King Benhadad, despite being a pagan ruler and often an adversary of Israel, was facing a life-threatening illness and was desperate for an answer. He likely recognized Elisha's unique connection to a powerful deity, as evidenced by previous events like the healing of Naaman, the Syrian commander, in [2 Kings 5](/2_kings/5 "2 Kings 5 - The Healing of Naaman"). In the ancient Near East, it was not uncommon for rulers to consult prophets or seers from other nations if they believed those individuals possessed genuine divine power or insight that their own religious figures lacked. Benhadad's action underscores his desperation and the widespread acknowledgment of Elisha's prophetic authority.

**What was the significance of the "forty camels' burden" of goods Hazael brought?**

Answer: The "forty camels' burden" was an extraordinarily lavish and extravagant gift, far exceeding a mere customary offering. It signified King Benhadad's extreme respect for Elisha, his profound desperation, and his earnest desire to secure a favorable outcome or a positive word from the prophet. Damascus was a wealthy trading city, so "every good thing of Damascus" would have included valuable textiles, spices, precious metals, and other luxury items. This immense gift highlighted the high stakes of the king's inquiry and his willingness to expend vast resources to gain Elisha's attention and a potential healing prophecy. It was a diplomatic gesture of immense scale, demonstrating the king's urgency and his profound recognition of Elisha's perceived power.

**How does this verse foreshadow future events involving Hazael and the kingdom of Syria?**

Answer: This verse is critically important for foreshadowing because it introduces Hazael, who is not just a messenger but a figure destined for a significant and violent role in the history of both Syria and Israel. Unbeknownst to Benhadad or Hazael himself at this moment, Hazael had already been divinely appointed through Elijah's prophecy in [1 Kings 19:15](/1_kings/19-15 "1 Kings 19:15 - Elijah Anoints Hazael") to become king of Aram and an instrument of God's judgment against Israel. This meeting with Elisha directly precedes Elisha's chilling prophecy to Hazael in [2 Kings 8:11-13](/2_kings/8-11 "2 Kings 8:11-13 - Elisha's Prophecy to Hazael"), where the prophet weeps as he foresees the atrocities Hazael will commit against Israel. Thus, 2 Kings 8:9 sets the stage for the fulfillment of these prophecies and Hazael's violent ascent to power, which will profoundly impact the political and military landscape of the region for decades to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The desperate plea of King Benhadad, a foreign ruler, to the prophet Elisha for healing and insight, foreshadows the universal reach of God's ultimate Prophet and King, Jesus Christ. Just as Benhadad, despite his pagan background, recognized a divine authority in Elisha, so too would people from "every good thing" of the nations come to Jesus, seeking not merely physical healing but spiritual restoration and eternal life. The "forty camels' burden" brought by Hazael, an immense material offering, stands in stark contrast to the "gifts" we are called to bring to Christ: not earthly riches, but a repentant heart and faith in His finished work. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers healing and salvation freely, without the need for lavish tributes. His authority transcends all earthly kingdoms and boundaries, as demonstrated by His healing of the [Roman centurion's servant](/matthew/8-5 "Matthew 8:5-13 - The Centurion's Faith") and the [royal official's son](/john/4-46 "John 4:46-54 - The Healing of the Official's Son"), showing that His compassion and power extend to all who seek Him, regardless of their nationality or past. Ultimately, the sovereignty of God, evident in His orchestration of events through figures like Hazael, culminates in Christ, through whom all nations will one day stream to the [mountain of the Lord's house](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House") for true light and healing, bringing their "glory and honor" into the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:24-26](/revelation/21-24 "Revelation 21:24-26 - Nations Walk by His Light")).

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 5:13

And his servants came near, and spake unto him, and said, My father, [if] the prophet had bid thee [do some] great thing, wouldest thou not have done [it]? how much rather then, when he saith to thee, Wash, and be clean?

2 Kings 6:21

And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite [them]? shall I smite [them]?

2 Kings 13:14

Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.

2 Kings 16:7

So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, saying, I [am] thy servant and thy son: come up, and save me out of the hand of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me.

2 Kings 5:5

And the king of Syria said, Go to, go, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he departed, and took with him ten talents of silver, and six thousand [pieces] of gold, and ten changes of raiment.

1 Samuel 25:8

Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.

1 Kings 19:15

And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael [to be] king over Syria: