And Elisha said to him, “Go, say to him, ‘You shall certainly recover; but the Lord has shown me that he shall certainly die.” (2 Kings 8:10)
Today we look at the encounter of Elisha and Hazael, the future king of Syria, and foresees the destruction he will bring to Israel. This story highlights the heavy burden of prophetic insight and the forewarning of impending destruction.
In 2 Kings 8:1-15, Elisha experiences this when he meets Hazael, who will become the next king of Syria. Elisha sees the darkness in Hazael’s heart and the destruction he will bring to Israel, causing him to weep.
This story gives us a glimpse into the heavy burden of prophetic insight and the weight of knowing future calamities.
The narrative behind with Israel recovering from the siege of Ben-Hedad only to face another famine. Before it strikes, Elisha warns the Shunemite family, and they leave Israel for seven years. Upon their return, they find Gehazi telling their story to the king, which secures their reinstatement. This intertwining of personal deliverance with national calamity sets the stage for Hazael’s appearance.
When Hazael visits Elisha on behalf of the ailing Syrian king, Elisha delivers a prophecy that reveals the king will recover from his illness but will still die.
This moment is profound because Elisha also foresees Hazael’s future atrocities, yet he cannot change what is to come. Elisha’s tears reflect his sorrow and the emotional weight of knowing the suffering that lies ahead for his people.
This story challenges us to consider the weight of knowing and the responsibility it carries. Reflect on how you can use your knowledge and foresight to make decisions that will lead to better futures for yourself and others.
Daily Questions
- Have you ever known something was going to happen and felt powerless to stop it?
- How do you react when you see potential harm on the horizon? Do you, like Elisha, take steps to earn and protect those you can, even if you cannot prevent all outcomes?
2 Kings 8:7-15
Now Elisha came to Damascus. Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; and when it was told him, “The man of God has come here,” the king said to Hazael, “Take a present with you and go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the Lord through him, saying, ‘Shall I recover from this sickness?'” So Hazael went to meet him, and took a present with him, all kinds of goods of Damascus, forty camel loads. When he came and stood before him, he said, “Your son Benhadad king of Syria has sent me to you, saying, ‘Shall I recover from this sickness?'” And Elisha said to him, “Go, say to him, ‘You shall certainly recover; but the Lord has shown me that he shall certainly die.” And he fixed his gaze and stared at him, until he was ashamed. And the man of God wept. And Hazael said, “Why does my Lord weep?” He answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the people of Israel; you will set on fire their fortresses, and you will slay their young men with the sword, and dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their women with child.” And Hazael said, “What is your servant, who is but a dog, that he should do this great thing?” Elisha answered, “The Lord has shown me that you are to be king over Syria.” Then he departed from Elisha, and came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me that you would certainly recover.” But on the morrow he took the coverlet and dipped it in water and spread it over his face, till he died. And Hazael became king in his stead.
Daily Prayer
As we meditate on 2 Kings 8:1-15, we will lean on You Lord for comfort and provision in moments of uncertainty. Give us inner guidance and information like Elisha on what is to come.
Thank You God for protecting all that is mine when the enemy seems to steal and robe us of all that You’ve promised to us. Through every stage of our lives protect us from evil minded people like Hazael who seek to harm us and put an end to the business, territory, industry, ministry and mission You’ve entrusted us with Lord.
We declare that we will not be moved nor harmed because the army of the Lord is on our side. Move quickly Lord so that no plan formed against us shall prosper. We are covered, protected and anointed by Your power and grace! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflection
Think about the future consequences of your current decisions. Are there areas where you need to be more cautious or proactive?
Elisha’s story reminds us of the importance of using our knowledge for the greater good, even when we cannot change everything.
No Thought Police 