2 Kings 8:7

¶ 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.

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}.

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

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.”

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

2 Kings 8:7 (KJV) marks a significant moment in the ministry of the prophet Elisha, showcasing his far-reaching influence and God's sovereignty over nations.

Context

This verse opens a new narrative segment, pivoting from Elisha's interactions within Israel to his journey to Damascus, the capital of Syria. At this time, Syria, under King Benhadad, was a powerful regional force and often an adversary of Israel. The fact that Elisha, an Israelite prophet, travels to Damascus and that the Syrian king, Benhadad, is aware of his presence and reputation as "the man of God" speaks volumes. Benhadad is described as sick, setting the stage for his inquiry to Elisha, much like Naaman the Syrian had previously sought Elisha's healing. This highlights the widespread recognition of Elisha's divine power, even among those outside Israel's covenant.

Key Themes

  • Prophetic Authority Beyond Borders: Elisha’s presence in Damascus and Benhadad’s immediate recognition of him as "the man of God" underscore that divine authority is not confined to Israelite territory. God’s power and the influence of His chosen servants transcend national boundaries and political allegiances.
  • Divine Sovereignty Over Nations: The narrative implicitly points to God's overarching control, even over foreign kings and their destinies. The king of Syria, though powerful, is subject to illness and seeks insight from the God of Israel’s prophet. This foreshadows the dramatic events that will unfold concerning the Syrian throne, as seen in subsequent verses of this chapter.
  • Seeking Spiritual Counsel: Benhadad's action reflects a universal human tendency to seek spiritual or divine intervention when faced with severe challenges like sickness. Despite being a pagan king, he acknowledges Elisha’s unique connection to the divine, demonstrating a recognition of spiritual power beyond his own gods.

Linguistic Insight

The title "the man of God" (Hebrew: ish ha'elohim) is consistently applied to prophets like Elisha (and Elijah before him). It is not merely a respectful title but signifies someone who is divinely appointed, empowered, and speaks on behalf of God. It emphasizes their direct commission from the Almighty, making their words and actions carry divine weight. This designation is crucial as it explains why a foreign king would seek counsel from him.

Reflection and Application

This verse reminds us that God's reach is boundless. His influence is not limited by geography, political power, or religious affiliation. Even in challenging circumstances, people, regardless of their background, often turn to spiritual sources for answers and hope. For believers, it's a testament to the fact that God can use His servants in unexpected places to accomplish His purposes. It also highlights the universal human experience of vulnerability to sickness and the desire for divine insight when facing life's uncertainties, much like Benhadad sought answers from the prophet in his time of need. Our reputation as followers of Christ can extend far beyond our immediate circles, drawing others to seek the truth we represent.

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Cross-References

  • 1 Kings 11:24 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    [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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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,