Bible Chapter Summary
2 Kings 8 Summary
The Shunammite Woman, Ben-hadad, and Hazael's Rise
Elisha warns the Shunammite woman of a coming famine and she journeys to the land of the Philistines for seven years. Upon returning to seek restoration of her house and land, the king hears from Gehazi of Elisha's mighty deeds and grants her all that was hers. Elisha comes to Damascus where the Syrian king Ben-hadad lies sick; Ben-hadad sends Hazael with gifts to inquire if he will recover. Elisha tells Hazael the king will recover but reveals that Hazael himself will become king and will bring great evil upon Israel's children. Hazael returns and smothers Ben-hadad with a cloth, becoming king in his place. The chapter also records that Jehoram of Judah reigns, walks in evil ways, and after eight years is succeeded by his son Ahaziah; Edom revolts and Libnah revolts from Judah.
Key themes
Key verses
2 Kings 8:10
“And Elisha said unto him, Go, say unto him, Thou mayest certainly recover: howbeit the LORD hath shewed me that he shall surely die.”
2 Kings 8:13
“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 8:15
“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.”
2 Kings 8:19
“Yet the LORD would not destroy Judah for David his servant's sake, as he promised him to give him alway a light, and to his children.”
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