Elisha warns the Shunammite woman of a seven-year famine; she dwells in Philistia and upon return petitions the king for her land just as Gehazi is telling the king how Elisha restored her son—the king restores everything. Elisha goes to Damascus where Ben-hadad is sick; Hazael is sent to inquire. Elisha tells Hazael to say 'You shall surely recover' though the LORD has shown him Ben-hadad will die. Elisha weeps, revealing Hazael will become king and do terrible evil to Israel—burn fortresses, kill young men, dash children, rip open pregnant women. Hazael denies it but the next day smothers Ben-hadad and becomes king. Jehoram of Judah, Jehoshaphat's son, reigns eight years doing evil like the house of Ahab, for Ahab's daughter is his wife. Edom and Libnah revolt. Ahaziah succeeds Jehoram for one year, does evil, and joins Joram of Israel against Hazael at Ramoth-gilead; Joram is wounded and recuperates at Jezreel.
Read 2 Kings Chapter 8 Summary
Characters in This Chapter
Elijah's successor who performed many miracles and ministered to Israel's kings
Faithful king of Judah who trusted God against Assyria and was healed from illness
Reforming king who rediscovered the Law and led Judah in renewal
Syrian commander healed of leprosy by Elisha, demonstrating God's grace to Gentiles
Wicked king of Judah who led the nation into deep idolatry
King of Israel, Husband of Jezebel
Righteous King of Judah
Son of Jacob, Ancestor of David and Christ
King of Israel
Places in This Chapter
Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and plays a significant role in biblical history. It was on the road to Damascus that Saul of Tarsus had his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and was converted, becoming the apostle Paul. The prophet Elijah was told to anoint Hazael as king of Syria in Damascus. The city is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
Edom was the mountainous region south of the Dead Sea, inhabited by the descendants of Esau (also called Edom). The Edomites were relatives of Israel but often hostile. The prophet Obadiah pronounced judgment against Edom for their treatment of Judah during Jerusalem's fall.
Jezreel was both a city and a fertile valley (also called the Valley of Megiddo or Armageddon). King Ahab had a palace here where Jezebel orchestrated Naboth's murder for his vineyard. Jehu killed Jezebel here, fulfilling Elijah's prophecy. The valley has been a battlefield throughout history and is associated with end-times prophecy.
Position in Book
Elijah taken to heaven, Elisha succeeds him, performs miracles, and influences kings.