2 Kings 8:12
And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.
Original Language Analysis
מַדּ֖וּעַ
H4069
מַדּ֖וּעַ
Strong's:
H4069
Word #:
3 of 24
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 24
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָדַ֡עְתִּי
Because I know
H3045
יָדַ֡עְתִּי
Because I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
8 of 24
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֵ֣ת
H853
אֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
9 of 24
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 24
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֩
that thou wilt do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה֩
that thou wilt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 24
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לִבְנֵ֨י
unto the children
H1121
לִבְנֵ֨י
unto the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
12 of 24
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
13 of 24
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
מִבְצְרֵיהֶ֞ם
their strong holds
H4013
מִבְצְרֵיהֶ֞ם
their strong holds
Strong's:
H4013
Word #:
15 of 24
a fortification, castle, or fortified city; figuratively, a defender
תְּשַׁלַּ֤ח
wilt thou set
H7971
תְּשַׁלַּ֤ח
wilt thou set
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
16 of 24
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
וּבַחֻֽרֵיהֶם֙
and their young men
H970
וּבַחֻֽרֵיהֶם֙
and their young men
Strong's:
H970
Word #:
18 of 24
properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)
בַּחֶ֣רֶב
with the sword
H2719
בַּחֶ֣רֶב
with the sword
Strong's:
H2719
Word #:
19 of 24
drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement
Cross References
Hosea 13:16Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.Nahum 3:10Yet was she carried away, she went into captivity: her young children also were dashed in pieces at the top of all the streets: and they cast lots for her honourable men, and all her great men were bound in chains.2 Kings 12:17Then Hazael king of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it: and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem.2 Kings 13:3And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he delivered them into the hand of Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael, all their days.2 Kings 15:16Then Menahem smote Tiphsah, and all that were therein, and the coasts thereof from Tirzah: because they opened not to him, therefore he smote it; and all the women therein that were with child he ripped up.Isaiah 13:16Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes; their houses shall be spoiled, and their wives ravished.Amos 1:13Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:2 Kings 13:7Neither did he leave of the people to Jehoahaz but fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the king of Syria had destroyed them, and had made them like the dust by threshing.Isaiah 13:18Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children.Hosea 10:14Therefore shall a tumult arise among thy people, and all thy fortresses shall be spoiled, as Shalman spoiled Beth-arbel in the day of battle: the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children.
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Hazael said, Why weepeth my lord? And he answered, Because I know the evil that thou wilt do unto the children of Israel: their strong holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt dash their children, and rip up their women with child.
This verse contributes to the overall theme of chapter 8: Prophetic word shapes national events. 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.