2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 8
And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?
Original Language Analysis
בְּיָֽדְךָ֙
in thine hand
H3027
בְּיָֽדְךָ֙
in thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
6 of 19
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
מִנְחָ֔ה
a present
H4503
מִנְחָ֔ה
a present
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
7 of 19
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
וְלֵ֕ךְ
H1980
וְלֵ֕ךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 19
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לִקְרַ֖את
meet
H7125
לִקְרַ֖את
meet
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
9 of 19
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
H376
אִ֣ישׁ
the man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 19
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
11 of 19
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙
and enquire
H1875
וְדָֽרַשְׁתָּ֙
and enquire
Strong's:
H1875
Word #:
12 of 19
properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
13 of 19
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֤ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
14 of 19
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵֽאוֹתוֹ֙
H853
מֵֽאוֹתוֹ֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 19
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַאֶֽחְיֶ֖ה
Shall I recover
H2421
הַאֶֽחְיֶ֖ה
Shall I recover
Strong's:
H2421
Word #:
17 of 19
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
Cross References
1 Kings 19:15And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria:2 Kings 1:2And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and he sent messengers, and said unto them, Go, enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron whether I shall recover of this disease.1 Samuel 9:7Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the man of God: what have we?
Historical Context
Historical Setting: 2 Kings 8 takes place during the Elisha prophetic ministry, approximately 850-800 BCE. The chapter's theme (Elisha's International Influence) reflects the historical reality of God's compassionate provision through prophetic miracles while both kingdoms struggled with persistent idolatry. Archaeological evidence from this period includes royal inscriptions, administrative documents, and material culture that corroborate the biblical account while providing additional context for understanding the political and social dynamics at work.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse contribute to understanding the theological message of 2 Kings 8 regarding prophetic word shapes national events?
- What does this passage reveal about God's character, particularly His justice, mercy, and faithfulness to covenant promises?
- In what practical ways should this text shape contemporary Christian thinking about faithfulness, worship, and obedience to God?
Analysis & Commentary
And the king said unto Hazael, Take a present in thine hand, and go, meet the man of God, and enquire of the LORD by him, saying, Shall I recover of this disease?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. The divine name emphasizes Yahweh's covenant relationship with Israel and His sovereign control over historical events. The reference to kingship reminds readers that all human authority is subordinate to God's ultimate kingship. The prophetic ministry served as God's primary means of covenant enforcement, calling both kings and people to faithfulness. During this period, Israel and Judah struggled with persistent idolatry, particularly Baal worship introduced under Ahab and Jezebel.
The narrative demonstrates God's justice in judging covenant unfaithfulness while maintaining His ultimate purposes for redemption.