2 Kings 8:28

And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael king of Syria in Ramothgilead; and the Syrians wounded Joram.

And he went {H3212} with Joram {H3141} the son {H1121} of Ahab {H256} to the war {H4421} against Hazael {H2371} king {H4428} of Syria {H758} in Ramothgilead {H7433}{H1568}; and the Syrians {H761} wounded {H5221} Joram {H3141}.

With Yoram the son of Ach'av he went to war against Haza'el king of Aram at Ramot-Gil'ad, and the Aramim wounded Yoram.

Then Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram.

And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth-gilead: and the Syrians wounded Joram.

Commentary

This verse offers a succinct but critical detail in the historical narrative of the divided monarchy, specifically concerning the reigns of King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. It sets the immediate stage for the dramatic events that will unfold in the subsequent chapters of 2 Kings, highlighting the ongoing conflicts between Israel and Syria and the precarious alliances between the two Hebrew kingdoms.

Context

The "he" in this verse refers to King Ahaziah of Judah, whose brief reign had just begun, as detailed in 2 Kings 8:25. He joined his uncle, Joram (sometimes spelled Jehoram), the son of King Ahab, who was reigning in Israel (2 Kings 3:1). Their joint military campaign was directed against Hazael, the new king of Syria, whose violent ascent to power was prophesied by Elisha in 2 Kings 8:13.

The battle took place at Ramothgilead, a strategic fortress city east of the Jordan River. This location was a frequent flashpoint between Israel and Syria; notably, Joram's father, King Ahab, had been mortally wounded in a previous attempt to reclaim this very city, as recounted in 1 Kings 22:34. The wounding of Joram by the Syrians during this engagement is not a minor detail but a pivotal event that directly leads to the next major turning point in Israel's history.

Key Themes

  • Inter-kingdom Alliances: The verse illustrates the complex and often costly alliances between the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. Despite their religious and political differences, they sometimes united against common external threats.
  • Consequences of Conflict: The battle at Ramothgilead underscores the relentless nature of warfare in the ancient Near East and the personal toll it took on leaders and nations. Joram's injury is a direct consequence of this ongoing conflict.
  • Divine Orchestration: While seemingly a mere battlefield incident, Joram's injury is instrumental in the unfolding of God's prophetic plan for the house of Ahab. This vulnerability sets the stage for the dramatic events of Jehu's anointing and subsequent purge, fulfilling earlier prophecies of judgment against Ahab's dynasty.

Practical Application

This brief verse, though deeply rooted in ancient history, offers a glimpse into the ripple effect of decisions and events. It reminds us that even seemingly minor occurrences, like an injury in battle, can be part of a larger divine narrative, leading to significant changes and the fulfillment of God's purposes. For the reader, it highlights the interconnectedness of historical events and how God can work through human actions and circumstances to bring about His will, even amidst political turmoil and conflict.

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Cross-References

  • 2 Chronicles 22:5 (3 votes)

    He walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramothgilead: and the Syrians smote Joram.

  • 2 Kings 8:12 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Kings 8:13 (2 votes)

    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.

  • 2 Kings 3:7 (2 votes)

    And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I [am] as thou [art], my people as thy people, [and] my horses as thy horses.

  • 1 Kings 19:17 (2 votes)

    And it shall come to pass, [that] him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.

  • 2 Kings 9:15 (2 votes)

    But king Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, [then] let none go forth [nor] escape out of the city to go to tell [it] in Jezreel.

  • 2 Kings 8:15 (2 votes)

    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.