2 Kings Chapter 8 · Verse 15
And it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֣י
H1961
וַיְהִ֣י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 13
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
מִֽמָּחֳרָ֗ת
And it came to pass on the morrow
H4283
מִֽמָּחֳרָ֗ת
And it came to pass on the morrow
Strong's:
H4283
Word #:
2 of 13
the morrow or (adverbially) tomorrow
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
that he took
H3947
וַיִּקַּ֤ח
that he took
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
3 of 13
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
בַּמַּ֔יִם
it in water
H4325
בַּמַּ֔יִם
it in water
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
6 of 13
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 13
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנָ֖יו
it on his face
H6440
פָּנָ֖יו
it on his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
9 of 13
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וַיָּמֹ֑ת
so that he died
H4191
וַיָּמֹ֑ת
so that he died
Strong's:
H4191
Word #:
10 of 13
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ
reigned
H4427
וַיִּמְלֹ֥ךְ
reigned
Strong's:
H4427
Word #:
11 of 13
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
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 it came to pass on the morrow, that he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and spread it on his face, so that he died: and Hazael reigned in his stead.
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.