### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Chăzâʼêl**, represented by `{{H2371}}`, means "**God has seen**" and refers to a **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Syria** `{{H758}}`. He appears **23 times** across **21 unique verses** in the biblical narrative. The name Hazael is primarily associated with a figure of significant hostility and military conflict against the kingdoms of Israel `{{H3478}}` and Judah `{{H3063}}`, serving as a powerful adversary prophesied by the prophet Elisha `{{H477}}`.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hazael's rise to power was divinely ordained, with the LORD `{{H3068}}` commanding that he be **anointed** `{{H4886}}` **king** `{{H4428}}` over Syria [[1 Kings 19:15]]. The prophet Elisha `{{H477}}` foresaw with tears the terrible **evil** `{{H7451}}` Hazael would inflict upon Israel, including setting their **strong holds** `{{H4013}}` on **fire** `{{H784}}`, slaying their **young men** `{{H970}}` with the **sword** `{{H2719}}`, and ripping up their **women with child** `{{H2030}}` [[2 Kings 8:12]]. After murdering his predecessor Ben-hadad `{{H1130}}` by smothering him with a wet, **thick cloth** `{{H4346}}` [[2 Kings 8:15]], Hazael fulfilled this prophecy. He became an instrument of the LORD's **anger** `{{H639}}` against Israel, whom he **oppressed** `{{H3905}}` for all the **days** `{{H3117}}` of King Jehoahaz `{{H3059}}` ([[2 Kings 13:3]], [[2 Kings 13:22]]). His military campaigns included capturing the city of **Gath** `{{H1661}}` and threatening **Jerusalem** `{{H3389}}` [[2 Kings 12:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Hebrew words are central to understanding Hazael's role and actions:
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (a king): This title is consistently applied to Hazael, defining his position of authority as the ruler of **Syria** `{{H758}}` and the commander of its armies in conflicts with Israel and Judah ([[2 Kings 8:28]], [[2 Kings 13:24]]).
* `{{H2719}}` **chereb** (sword): This word represents the brutal violence of Hazael's reign. Elisha prophesied that he would **slay** `{{H2026}}` Israel's young men with the **sword** [[2 Kings 8:12]], and the "sword of Hazael" is presented as a deadly threat from which one must escape [[1 Kings 19:17]].
* `{{H3905}}` **lâchats** (to oppress): This verb captures the sustained nature of Hazael's antagonism toward Israel. The scripture records that Hazael **oppressed** `{{H3905}}` Israel throughout the entire reign of King Jehoahaz `{{H3059}}` [[2 Kings 13:22]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of Hazael `{{H2371}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating several key themes:
* **Instrument of Divine Judgment:** The LORD `{{H3068}}` explicitly used Hazael as a tool to execute His **anger** `{{H639}}` against Israel `{{H3478}}` for their sins. The text states that the LORD **delivered** `{{H5414}}` them into the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of Hazael [[2 Kings 13:3]].
* **Prophetic Fulfillment:** Hazael’s brutal actions against Israel were a direct fulfillment of the detailed prophecy spoken by a weeping Elisha `{{H477}}` [[2 Kings 8:12]]. Despite his initial shock, declaring, "is thy **servant** `{{H5650}}` a **dog** `{{H3611}}`, that he should do this **great** `{{H1419}}` **thing** `{{H1697}}`?" [[2 Kings 8:13]], his life followed the prophesied path.
* **Consequences of Sin:** Hazael's campaigns demonstrate the tangible cost of Israel's disobedience. He **smote** `{{H5221}}` them in all their **coasts** `{{H1366}}` [[2 Kings 10:32]], and King Jehoash `{{H3060}}` of Judah was forced to send him all the **hallowed things** `{{H6944}}` and **gold** `{{H2091}}` from the **house** `{{H1004}}` of the LORD to prevent an attack on Jerusalem [[2 Kings 12:18]].
* **Sovereignty Over All Nations:** Even as an instrument of judgment, Hazael and his dynasty were not beyond God's reach. The prophet Amos later declared that God would **send** `{{H7971}}` a **fire** `{{H784}}` into the **house** `{{H1004}}` of Hazael, which would **devour** `{{H398}}` the **palaces** `{{H759}}` of his son, Ben-hadad `{{H1130}}` [[Amos 1:4]].
### Summary
In summary, **Chăzâʼêl** `{{H2371}}` is more than just a foreign king; he is a pivotal figure in the story of God's relationship with Israel. Though his name means "**God has seen**," his life was marked by the brutal fulfillment of prophecy as an instrument of divine judgment. He oppressed Israel and Judah, acting as the rod of God's anger for their unfaithfulness. His narrative powerfully illustrates God's sovereignty, where even a hostile Syrian king's rise and actions are woven into the divine plan to discipline His people.
TRV