2 Kings 8:7

“And Elisha came to Damascus, etc.] On what account, and when, is not certain, whether to convert Gehazi, as say the Jews f102; or to confirm Naaman in the true religion he professed, for which he might be dismissed from his office, since another man was made general of the Syrian army; or on account of the famine; or rather it may be to anoint, or, however, to declare that Hazael would be king of Syria; (see <111915>1 Kings 19:15), and Benhadad the king of Syria was sick; at the time he came thither, where his palace was, and now a Mahometan temple; a very extraordinary building, according to Benjamin the Jew f103: and it was told him, saying, the man of God is come hither; the famous…”

“HAZAEL KILLS HIS MASTER, AND SUCCEEDS HIM. (Kg2 8:7-15) Elisha came to Damascus--He was directed thither by the Spirit of God, in pursuance of the mission formerly given to his master in Horeb (Kg1 19:15), to anoint Hazael king of Syria. On the arrival of the prophet being known, Ben-hadad, who was sick, sent to inquire the issue of his disease, and, according to the practice of the heathens in consulting their soothsayers, ordered a liberal present in remuneration for the service.”

“The hour had come for carrying out the command given by God to Elijah (marginal reference “e”), and by him probably passed on to his successor. Elisha, careless of his own safety, quitted the land of Israel, and proceeded into the enemy’s country, thus putting into the power of the Syrian king that life which he had lately sought so eagerly 2 Kings 6:13-19. The man of God - The Damascenes had perhaps known Elisha by this title from the time of his curing Naaman. Or the phrase may be used as equivalent to “prophet,” which is the title commonly given to Elisha by the Syrians. See 2 Kings 6:12. Compare 2 Kings 5:13. return to 'Top of Page'”

“8:7 Elisha’s freedom to visit Damascus demonstrated the great respect that even Israel’s enemies had for him. The visit fulfilled the commission originally given to Elijah (1 Kgs 19:15).”

“Deu 33:1; Kg1 13:1 Damascus: Gen 14:15; Kg1 11:24; Isa 7:8 Benhadad: Kg2 6:24; Kg1 15:18, Kg1 20:1, Kg1 20:34 The man of God: Kg2 1:9, Kg2 1:10, Kg2 2:15, Kg2 6:12 is come: Jdg 16:2; Act 17:6 4 Kings (2 Kings) 8:8”

“Elisha Predicts to Hazael at Damascus the Possession of the Throne. - Kg2 8:7. Elisha then came to Damascus at the instigation of the Spirit of God, to carry out the commission which Elijah had received at Horeb with regard to Hazael ( Kg1 19:15). Benhadad king of Syria was sick at that time, and when Elisha's arrival was announced to him, sent Hazael with a considerable present to the man of God, to inquire of Jehovah through him concerning his illness. The form of the name חזהאל (here and Kg2 8:15) is etymologically correct; but afterwards it is always written without .ה דם וכל־טוּב ("and that all kinds of good of Damascus") follows with a more precise description of the minchah - "a…”