2 kings 8:9 - 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, “Your son Benhadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’”
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What does "2 kings 8:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 8:9 describes Hazael's visit to the prophet Elisha. Let's break down the meaning:
"So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels’ burden": This tells us Hazael, a high-ranking official (and future king) of Syria, is traveling to see Elisha. He is bringing a substantial gift of valuable goods from Damascus, the capital of Syria. The description "every good thing of Damascus" suggests the gifts were of high quality and representative of the city's finest products. Forty camels laden with goods is a significant amount, indicating the king's desire to impress Elisha and gain a favorable prophecy.
"and came and stood before him": Hazael approaches Elisha respectfully. This shows reverence for Elisha's prophetic authority.
"and said, “Your son Benhadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’”: Hazael delivers the message from King Benhadad. Benhadad is ill and wants to know from Elisha if he will recover. Hazael presents himself as a messenger, referring to Benhadad as Elisha's "son," which is a respectful way of addressing a superior or someone of higher status.
In summary, the verse depicts Hazael's mission to Elisha on behalf of King Benhadad. Benhadad, being sick, is sending a very generous gift with Hazael to request Elisha's prophecy on whether he will recover from his illness.
Significance and Foreshadowing:
Benhadad's Desperation: The large gift reveals Benhadad's anxiety about his health and his willingness to go to great lengths to obtain a prophecy from Elisha.
Hazael's Role: While Hazael appears to be a loyal messenger, the subsequent verses (2 Kings 8:10-15) reveal a more sinister side. Elisha prophesies to Hazael that Benhadad will recover, but also that God has shown Elisha that Benhadad will die. When Elisha tells Hazael this, Hazael ultimately murders Benhadad and seizes the throne. This verse sets the stage for Hazael's betrayal and rise to power, highlighting the complex relationship between prophecy, power, and human agency. The massive gifts are somewhat ironic, considering Hazael's ultimate betrayal.
2 kings 8:9 - 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, “Your son Benhadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’”
What does "2 kings 8:9" mean?
This verse from 2 Kings 8:9 describes Hazael's visit to the prophet Elisha. Let's break down the meaning:
"So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels’ burden": This tells us Hazael, a high-ranking official (and future king) of Syria, is traveling to see Elisha. He is bringing a substantial gift of valuable goods from Damascus, the capital of Syria. The description "every good thing of Damascus" suggests the gifts were of high quality and representative of the city's finest products. Forty camels laden with goods is a significant amount, indicating the king's desire to impress Elisha and gain a favorable prophecy.
"and came and stood before him": Hazael approaches Elisha respectfully. This shows reverence for Elisha's prophetic authority.
"and said, “Your son Benhadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, ‘Will I recover from this sickness?’”: Hazael delivers the message from King Benhadad. Benhadad is ill and wants to know from Elisha if he will recover. Hazael presents himself as a messenger, referring to Benhadad as Elisha's "son," which is a respectful way of addressing a superior or someone of higher status.
In summary, the verse depicts Hazael's mission to Elisha on behalf of King Benhadad. Benhadad, being sick, is sending a very generous gift with Hazael to request Elisha's prophecy on whether he will recover from his illness.
Significance and Foreshadowing:
Benhadad's Desperation: The large gift reveals Benhadad's anxiety about his health and his willingness to go to great lengths to obtain a prophecy from Elisha.
Hazael's Role: While Hazael appears to be a loyal messenger, the subsequent verses (2 Kings 8:10-15) reveal a more sinister side. Elisha prophesies to Hazael that Benhadad will recover, but also that God has shown Elisha that Benhadad will die. When Elisha tells Hazael this, Hazael ultimately murders Benhadad and seizes the throne. This verse sets the stage for Hazael's betrayal and rise to power, highlighting the complex relationship between prophecy, power, and human agency. The massive gifts are somewhat ironic, considering Hazael's ultimate betrayal.