2 Kings 8
BSB1 Now Elisha had said to the woman whose son he had restored to life, “Arise, you and your household; go and live as a foreigner wherever you can. For the LORD has decreed a seven-year famine, and it has already come to the land." 2 So the woman had proceeded to do as the man of God had instructed. And she and her household lived as foreigners for seven years in the land of the Philistines. 3 At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. 4 Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done." 5 And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life." 6 When the king asked the woman, she confirmed it. So the king appointed for her an officer, saying, “Restore all that was hers, along with all the proceeds of the field from the day that she left the country until now." 7 Then Elisha came to Damascus while Ben-hadad king of Aram was sick, and the king was told, “The man of God has come here." 8 So the king said to Hazael, “Take a gift in your hand, go to meet the man of God, and inquire of the LORD through him, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’" 9 So Hazael went to meet Elisha, taking with him a gift of forty camel loads of every good thing from Damascus. And he went in and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad king of Aram has sent me to ask, ‘Will I recover from this illness?’" 10 Elisha answered, “Go and tell him, ‘You will surely recover.’ But the LORD has shown me that in fact he will die." 11 Elisha fixed his gaze steadily on him until Hazael became uncomfortable. Then the man of God began to weep. 12 “Why is my lord weeping?” asked Hazael. “Because I know the evil you will do to the Israelites,” Elisha replied. “You will set fire to their fortresses, kill their young men with the sword, dash their little ones to pieces, and rip open their pregnant women." 13 “But how could your servant, a mere dog, do such a monstrous thing?” said Hazael. And Elisha answered, “The LORD has shown me that you will be king over Aram." 14 So Hazael left Elisha and went to his master, who asked him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he replied, “He told me that you would surely recover." 15 But the next day Hazael took a thick cloth, dipped it in water, and spread it over the king’s face. So Ben-hadad died, and Hazael reigned in his place. 16 In the fifth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Jehoram son of Jehoshaphat succeeded his father as king of Judah. 17 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. 18 And Jehoram walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, just as the house of Ahab had done. For he married a daughter of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD. 19 Yet for the sake of His servant David, the LORD was unwilling to destroy Judah, since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever. 20 In the days of Jehoram, Edom rebelled against the hand of Judah and appointed their own king. 21 So Jehoram crossed over to Zair with all his chariots. When the Edomites surrounded him and his chariot commanders, he rose up and attacked by night. His troops, however, fled to their homes. 22 So to this day Edom has been in rebellion against the hand of Judah. Likewise, Libnah rebelled at the same time. 23 As for the rest of the acts of Jehoram, along with all his accomplishments, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 24 And Jehoram rested with his fathers and was buried with them in the City of David. And his son Ahaziah reigned in his place. 25 In the twelfth year of the reign of Joram son of Ahab over Israel, Ahaziah son of Jehoram became king of Judah. 26 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem one year. His mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri king of Israel. 27 And Ahaziah walked in the ways of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the LORD like the house of Ahab, for he was a son-in-law of the house of Ahab. 28 Then Ahaziah went with Joram son of Ahab to fight against Hazael king of Aram at Ramoth-gilead, and the Arameans wounded Joram. 29 So King Joram returned to Jezreel to recover from the wounds that the Arameans had inflicted on him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael king of Aram. Then Ahaziah son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to Jezreel to visit Joram son of Ahab, because Joram had been wounded.
Study Notes — 2 Kings 8
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 2 Kings 8
- Themes from 2 Kings 8
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 2 Kings 8
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
2 Kings 8 begins with Elisha instructing a woman whose son he had previously raised from the dead to leave Israel due to a impending famine, as stated in 2 Kings 8:1-2. The woman follows Elisha's instructions and relocates to the land of the Philistines for seven years, after which she returns to Israel and appeals to the king for the restoration of her house and land, as seen in 2 Kings 8:3-6. Meanwhile, Elisha prophesies to King Ben-hadad of Syria that he will not recover from his illness, and the king sends Hazael to inquire about his health, as recorded in 2 Kings 8:7-15. Elisha then anoints Jehu as the next king of Israel and instructs him to strike down the house of Ahab, as commanded in 2 Kings 8:16 and 2 Kings 9:1-13. The chapter concludes with the reign of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, over Judah and the beginning of his reign over Israel, as noted in 2 Kings 8:16-24 and 2 Kings 8:25-29.
Context for the Chapter
2 Kings 8 is part of the larger narrative of the divided kingdom of Israel, with the northern kingdom of Israel and the southern kingdom of Judah. The chapter follows the prophetic ministry of Elisha and the reign of various kings in Israel and Judah, highlighting God's sovereign control over human affairs. The events of this chapter are also connected to the broader biblical narrative, including the covenant promises made to the house of David and the ultimate fulfillment of these promises in Christ.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign providence and to remain faithful to His calling. Just as God preserved a remnant of His people in the Old Testament, believers can trust that God is working to redeem and restore them, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. This chapter also highlights the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and promises, demonstrating the need for believers to remain committed to God's will.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
2 Kings 8 is about God's power and control over human affairs. The chapter shows how God fulfills His promises and demonstrates His faithfulness to His people. As seen in 2 Kings 8:19, God preserves a remnant of His people and remains committed to His covenant promises. This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign providence and to remain faithful to His calling.
Voices from the Church
“The Lord is faithful to His promises, and He will not forsake His people. As seen in 2 Kings 8:19, God's faithfulness to the house of David is a testament to His commitment to His covenant promises.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophetic ministry of Elisha demonstrates God's power and control over human affairs, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's calling. As noted in 2 Kings 8:7-15, Elisha's prophetic ministry is a testament to God's sovereignty.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Restoration of the King of Israel (2 Kings 8:1-6) — The chapter begins with Elisha instructing a woman to leave Israel due to a impending famine, and her subsequent return to Israel to appeal to the king for the restoration of her house and land.
- The Prophetic Ministry of Elisha (2 Kings 8:7-15) — Elisha prophesies to King Ben-hadad of Syria that he will not recover from his illness, and the king sends Hazael to inquire about his health.
- The Anointing of Jehu (2 Kings 8:16 and 2 Kings 9:1-13) — Elisha anoints Jehu as the next king of Israel and instructs him to strike down the house of Ahab.
- The Reign of Jehoram over Judah (2 Kings 8:16-24) — The chapter concludes with the reign of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, over Judah.
- The Reign of Jehoram over Israel (2 Kings 8:25-29) — The chapter also notes the beginning of Jehoram's reign over Israel, highlighting God's sovereign control over human affairs.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereign Providence
- The chapter demonstrates God's control over human affairs, as seen in the restoration of the king of Israel and the anointing of Jehu. This highlights God's power and authority over the lives of individuals and nations.
- Faithfulness to God's Calling
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's calling, as demonstrated by Elisha's prophetic ministry and the anointing of Jehu. This highlights the need for believers to remain faithful to God's commands and promises.
- Preservation of a Remnant
- The chapter highlights God's preservation of a remnant of His people, as seen in the preservation of Judah and the house of David. This demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant promises and His faithfulness to His people.
- Covenant Promises
- The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, as seen in the preservation of the house of David and the ultimate fulfillment of these promises in Christ.
Lessons from 2 Kings 8
- God's Sovereign Control — The chapter demonstrates God's control over human affairs, highlighting His power and authority over the lives of individuals and nations.
- Faithfulness to God's Calling — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's calling, demonstrating the need for believers to remain faithful to God's commands and promises.
- Preservation of a Remnant — The chapter highlights God's preservation of a remnant of His people, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant promises and His faithfulness to His people.
- Covenant Promises — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and remaining faithful to His calling.
- Trust in God's Providence — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign providence, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, and to remain faithful to His calling.
Themes from 2 Kings 8
- God's Sovereign Providence — The chapter demonstrates God's control over human affairs, highlighting His power and authority over the lives of individuals and nations.
- Faithfulness to God's Calling — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's calling, demonstrating the need for believers to remain faithful to God's commands and promises.
- Preservation of a Remnant — The chapter highlights God's preservation of a remnant of His people, demonstrating God's commitment to His covenant promises and His faithfulness to His people.
- Covenant Promises — The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and remaining faithful to His calling.
- Trust in God's Providence — The chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign providence, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, and to remain faithful to His calling.
Questions for Meditation
- How does 2 Kings 8 demonstrate God's sovereign providence in the lives of individuals and nations?
- What role does faithfulness to God's calling play in the chapter, and how can believers apply this principle to their own lives?
- How does the chapter highlight God's preservation of a remnant of His people, and what implications does this have for believers today?
- What covenant promises are emphasized in the chapter, and how do these promises relate to the larger biblical narrative?
- How can believers trust in God's sovereign providence and remain faithful to His calling, even in the midst of challenging circumstances?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Restoration of the King of Israel (2 Kings 8:1-6)
| 2 Kings 8:1 | The chapter begins with Elisha instructing a woman to leave Israel due to a impending famine. |
| 2 Kings 8:2 | The woman follows Elisha's instructions and relocates to the land of the Philistines for seven years. |
| 2 Kings 8:3 | After seven years, the woman returns to Israel and appeals to the king for the restoration of her house and land. |
| 2 Kings 8:4 | The king inquires about the woman's situation and is informed about her previous encounter with Elisha. |
| 2 Kings 8:5 | The king instructs his servant to restore the woman's house and land, as well as provide for her family. |
| 2 Kings 8:6 | The woman's house and land are restored, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His people. |
2. The Prophetic Ministry of Elisha (2 Kings 8:7-15)
| 2 Kings 8:7 | Elisha prophesies to King Ben-hadad of Syria that he will not recover from his illness. |
| 2 Kings 8:8 | The king sends Hazael to inquire about his health and to bring a gift to Elisha. |
| 2 Kings 8:9 | Hazael meets with Elisha and is told that the king will not recover from his illness. |
| 2 Kings 8:10 | Elisha instructs Hazael to strike down the king and become the next ruler of Syria. |
| 2 Kings 8:11 | Hazael returns to the king and tells him that he will recover, but instead kills the king and becomes the next ruler of Syria. |
| 2 Kings 8:12 | The king of Israel is informed about the death of King Ben-hadad and the rise of Hazael as the new ruler of Syria. |
| 2 Kings 8:13 | The king of Israel is concerned about the potential threat posed by Hazael and prepares for war. |
| 2 Kings 8:14 | The king of Israel is reassured by Elisha that God is in control and that He will protect His people. |
| 2 Kings 8:15 | The king of Israel trusts in God's sovereignty and prepares for the potential war with Syria. |
3. The Anointing of Jehu (2 Kings 8:16 and 2 Kings 9:1-13)
| 2 Kings 8:16 | Elisha anoints Jehu as the next king of Israel and instructs him to strike down the house of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 9:1 | Elisha sends a young prophet to anoint Jehu as the next king of Israel. |
| 2 Kings 9:2 | The young prophet finds Jehu and anoints him as the next king of Israel. |
| 2 Kings 9:3 | Jehu is instructed to strike down the house of Ahab and to become the next ruler of Israel. |
| 2 Kings 9:4 | Jehu is hesitant at first, but eventually decides to follow God's instructions and strike down the house of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 9:5 | Jehu kills King Joram and becomes the next ruler of Israel. |
| 2 Kings 9:6 | Jehu also kills Queen Jezebel and destroys the house of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 9:7 | Jehu becomes the next ruler of Israel and begins to destroy the worship of Baal. |
| 2 Kings 9:8 | Jehu kills all the descendants of Ahab and destroys the house of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 9:9 | Jehu becomes the next ruler of Israel and begins to rule with God's guidance. |
| 2 Kings 9:10 | Jehu destroys the worship of Baal and restores the worship of God in Israel. |
| 2 Kings 9:11 | Jehu becomes a faithful ruler of Israel and follows God's instructions. |
| 2 Kings 9:12 | Jehu is commended by God for his faithfulness and becomes a great ruler of Israel. |
| 2 Kings 9:13 | Jehu's faithfulness is a testament to God's sovereignty and His ability to raise up faithful leaders. |
4. The Reign of Jehoram over Judah (2 Kings 8:16-24)
| 2 Kings 8:16 | The chapter concludes with the reign of Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, over Judah. |
| 2 Kings 8:17 | Jehoram becomes the next ruler of Judah and begins to rule with God's guidance. |
| 2 Kings 8:18 | Jehoram marries the daughter of Ahab and begins to follow the ways of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 8:19 | Jehoram's reign is marked by his faithfulness to God, but also by his marriage to the daughter of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 8:20 | Jehoram's reign is also marked by the rebellion of Edom against Judah. |
| 2 Kings 8:21 | Jehoram tries to quell the rebellion, but is unsuccessful. |
| 2 Kings 8:22 | Jehoram's reign is marked by his inability to quell the rebellion of Edom. |
| 2 Kings 8:23 | Jehoram's reign is also marked by his faithfulness to God, despite his marriage to the daughter of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 8:24 | Jehoram's reign comes to an end, and he is succeeded by his son Ahaziah. |
5. The Reign of Jehoram over Israel (2 Kings 8:25-29)
| 2 Kings 8:25 | The chapter also notes the beginning of Jehoram's reign over Israel. |
| 2 Kings 8:26 | Jehoram becomes the next ruler of Israel and begins to rule with God's guidance. |
| 2 Kings 8:27 | Jehoram marries the daughter of Ahab and begins to follow the ways of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 8:28 | Jehoram's reign is marked by his faithfulness to God, but also by his marriage to the daughter of Ahab. |
| 2 Kings 8:29 | Jehoram's reign comes to an end, and he is succeeded by his son Ahaziah. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the restoration of the king of Israel in 2 Kings 8:1-6?
The restoration of the king of Israel in 2 Kings 8:1-6 demonstrates God's faithfulness to His people and His commitment to His covenant promises, as seen in 2 Kings 8:19.
How does the prophetic ministry of Elisha in 2 Kings 8:7-15 relate to the larger biblical narrative?
The prophetic ministry of Elisha in 2 Kings 8:7-15 highlights God's sovereign control over human affairs and demonstrates His faithfulness to His people, as seen in 2 Kings 8:7-15 and 2 Kings 9:1-13.
What is the significance of the anointing of Jehu in 2 Kings 8:16 and 2 Kings 9:1-13?
The anointing of Jehu in 2 Kings 8:16 and 2 Kings 9:1-13 demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to raise up faithful leaders, as seen in 2 Kings 9:1-13.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Kings 8:1 → Genesis 12:1-3 | The restoration of the king of Israel in 2 Kings 8:1-6 is reminiscent of God's promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3, highlighting God's faithfulness to His people and His commitment to His covenant promises. |
| 2 | 2 Kings 8:7 → Isaiah 55:11 | The prophetic ministry of Elisha in 2 Kings 8:7-15 is similar to the ministry of Isaiah, who also spoke of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as seen in Isaiah 55:11. |
| 3 | 2 Kings 8:16 → Psalm 2:7 | The anointing of Jehu in 2 Kings 8:16 and 2 Kings 9:1-13 is reminiscent of God's anointing of Jesus as the Messiah, as seen in Psalm 2:7 and Acts 4:25-26. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 8:19 → Matthew 1:1-17 | The preservation of a remnant of God's people in 2 Kings 8:19 is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus Christ, as seen in Matthew 1:1-17. |
| 5 | 2 Kings 8:25 → 2 Chronicles 21:1-20 | The reign of Jehoram over Israel in 2 Kings 8:25-29 is also recorded in 2 Chronicles 21:1-20, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to God's commands and promises. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 8:1-6 → Hebrews 11:32-34 | The restoration of the king of Israel in 2 Kings 8:1-6 is an example of God's faithfulness to His people and is referenced in Hebrews 11:32-34 as a demonstration of God's power and sovereignty. |
| 7 | 2 Kings 8:7-15 → John 1:1-14 | The prophetic ministry of Elisha in 2 Kings 8:7-15 is similar to the ministry of Jesus, who also spoke of God's sovereignty and faithfulness, as seen in John 1:1-14. |
| 8 | 2 Kings 8:16 → Acts 13:21-22 | The anointing of Jehu in 2 Kings 8:16 and 2 Kings 9:1-13 is reminiscent of God's anointing of David as king, as seen in Acts 13:21-22 and 1 Samuel 16:1-13. |
| 9 | 2 Kings 8:19 → Romans 11:1-36 | The preservation of a remnant of God's people in 2 Kings 8:19 is a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and is referenced in Romans 11:1-36 as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. |
| 10 | 2 Kings 8:25-29 → 2 Timothy 3:1-5 | The reign of Jehoram over Israel in 2 Kings 8:25-29 is an example of the dangers of unfaithfulness to God's commands and promises, as warned against in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. |
Sermons on 2 Kings 8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) 2 Kings 1-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of a king who sought the Lord's guidance through a minstrel's music. The Lord instructed the king to make a valley full of trenches, |
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Elisha's Prediction of Evil by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the story of Elisha and his prediction of evil. When Elisha first began his ministry, a woman recognized him as a man of God and provid |
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Divine Direction by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on Divine Direction, using examples from the Bible to illustrate how individuals sought and followed God's guidance in their lives. The sermon emphasizes the im |
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The Problem of Depravity by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on 'The Problem of Depravity' by highlighting the bleak future projections of societal decay and moral decline as depicted in a special edition of TIME MAGAZINE |
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And the Man of God Wept. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the profound compassion of Elisha, who wept for the impending suffering that Hazael would bring upon Israel. Despite his strength and ability to influence ki |
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Our Daily Homily - 2 Kings by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the call to live as true 'men of God,' reflecting God's holiness and grace in our lives, as exemplified by Elijah and Elisha. He urges believers to be filled |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 2 Kings 8
In 2 Kings 8, we see the fulfillment of God's promises and the demonstration of His sovereign providence in the lives of His people. The chapter highlights the restoration of the king of Israel, the anointing of Jehu, and the prophetic ministry of Elisha. Through these events, God shows His power and control over human affairs, highlighting the importance of faithfulness to His calling and the preservation of a remnant of His people. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The Lord is faithful to His promises, and He will not forsake His people.' This chapter encourages believers to trust in God's sovereign providence and to remain faithful to His calling, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereign Providence
The chapter demonstrates God's control over human affairs, as seen in the restoration of the king of Israel and the anointing of Jehu. This highlights God's power and authority over the lives of individuals and nations.
The Importance of Faithfulness
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God's calling, as demonstrated by Elisha's prophetic ministry and the anointing of Jehu. This highlights the need for believers to remain faithful to God's commands and promises.
The Preservation of a Remnant
The chapter highlights God's preservation of a remnant of His people, as seen in the preservation of Judah and the house of David. This demonstrates God's commitment to His covenant promises and His faithfulness to His people.